Carbon 14 Glucose
CN β USAI Analysis
Based on international trade standards (Harmonized System), here is the detailed breakdown for Carbon-14 Labeled Glucose (often used as a metabolic tracer in biomedical research).
π§ͺ Carbon-14 Labeled Glucose (Radioactive Tracer)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Scientific Instrument Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Is It "Food" or "Scientific Instrument"?
Carbon-14 Glucose is not ordinary glucose for consumption. It is a radioactive tracer used in metabolic studies, breath tests (e.g., for H. pylori), and pharmaceutical pharmacokinetics. It contains the radioactive isotope Carbon-14 (ΒΉβ΄C) within the glucose molecule.
In international trade, it is classified based on its radioactive nature and specific use, rather than as a simple sugar.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is unlabeled (ordinary glucose) β It is a food ingredient or raw material.
- If it is radioactively labeled (e.g., [1-ΒΉβ΄C]-Glucose) β It falls under chemical preparations for diagnostic or laboratory use.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application | Radioactive? |
|---|---|---|---|
3822.00.90.90 |
Other diagnostic or laboratory reagents, including conjugated diagnostic reagents; calibrated reference materials | Metabolic tracers, radioactive isotopes for testing | β Yes |
2940.00.80.80 |
Other saccharides, including lactose, maltose, glucose and glucose syrup, and sugar derivatives | Non-radioactive glucose (for food/industrial use) | β No |
9027.80.00.00 |
Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis (e.g., spectrometers) | Equipment used to measure C-14, not the tracer itself | β N/A |
3004.90.00.99 |
Medicaments (if formulated as a drug) | If mixed with other pharmaceutical excipients for direct patient use | β οΈ Case-by-case |
π Critical Note:
- HS Code3822.00.90.90is the correct classification for Carbon-14 Glucose because it is a diagnostic/reagent item containing a radioactive isotope.
- HS Code2940.00.80.80is incorrect for labeled glucose, as it excludes radioactive preparations. Misclassification leads to severe customs penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rates (US Imports from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (post-IEEPA adjustments)
π― 1. 3822.00.90.90 ββ Diagnostic Reagents (Including Radioactive Isotopes)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (Most Favored Nation rate) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Radioactive materials are excluded from Section 321) |
| Legal Reference Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3822.00.90.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Although base duty is 0%, the Section 301 and IEEPA surcharges apply to most Chinese-origin scientific reagents.
- Radioactive materials are strictly prohibited from de minimis (small package) clearance, meaning all shipments require full customs entry regardless of value.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | βοΈ | Must explicitly state ΒΉβ΄C specific activity (e.g., mCi/mmol) |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Must classify under Class 7 (Radioactive Material) |
| β Radioactive Transport Permit | βοΈ | From the origin countryβs nuclear regulatory authority |
| β Letter of Guarantee from Consignee | βοΈ | Must hold a valid NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) License or equivalent in the US |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must declare: "Radioactive Diagnostic Reagent: Carbon-14 Glucose, Not for Human Consumption" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Must show UN3333 or UN2910 packaging standards |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Rules)
π₯ "Radioactive is not food, declare isotopes, license is a must!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon-14 Glucose (tracer) | 3822.00.90.90 |
β Declaring as 2940.00.80.80 (Glucose) β Customs Hold |
| Non-radioactive Glucose | 2940.00.80.80 |
β Standard food/chemical classification |
| Mixed Shipment (C-14 + Regular Glucose) | Split Declaration | β Combine into one line β Risk of Fraud Allegation |
| Shipment under $800 | β Never | Radioactive materials cannot use de minimis clearance |
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| US Consignee has no NRC License | β Rejection/Return. The consignee must have an NRC Key License or Exemption to receive Class 7 materials. |
| Shipment from UK/Canada to US | Still subject to IEEPA if Chinese components/isotopes are used. Check origin of the isotope, not just the lab. |
| Small Sample (e.g., 1 mL) | Still requires full entry. Radioactive materials >0.001 Β΅Ci are regulated. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Regulatory Body | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3822.00.90.90 |
35% (Total) | NRC / EPA | Strict licensing required |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3822.00.90 |
0% (Base) + 10% CBAM? | EURATOM | Requires ADR transport certification |
| π¨π³ China | 2940.00 or 3822 |
0% | CNSA | Import license for radioactive sources |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3822.00 |
0% | MHLW | Strict radiation monitoring at border |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to tariffs + strict NRC licensing.
- EU and Japan have lower tariffs but equally strict radiation safety controls.
- China restricts import of radioactive sources without State Council of Nuclear Safety approval.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring C-14 Glucose as "Food Supplement" or "Glucose Powder"
π Consequence: Seizure by CBP, fines, and potential criminal charges for smuggling radioactive material.
β Error 2: Using de minimis (Section 321) for small shipments under $800
π Consequence: All radioactive shipments are prohibited from de minimis. The package will be quarantined until full entry is filed.
β Error 3: Missing NRC License Number on Commercial Invoice
π Consequence: Customs will not release the shipment. The consignee cannot legally receive it.
β Error 4: Incorrect UN Packaging Class
π Consequence: Carrier refusal. Radioactive materials must be shipped in Type A/B packages with proper Category labels (I, II, or III).
β Correct Practice:
"Carbon-14 Glucose, [1-ΒΉβ΄C]-, Radioactive Diagnostic Reagent, Specific Activity: XX mCi/mmol, For Laboratory Use Only. HS: 3822.00.90.90. NRC License No: XX-XXXXX."
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Compliance for Radioactive Goods
π― Remember the Golden Rules:
πΉ "Radioactive is never de minimis."
πΉ "License first, ship later."
πΉ "Declare 'Diagnostic Reagent', not 'Sugar'."
π Pro Tip:
If your C-14 Glucose is part of a kit (e.g., Urease breath test kit), the entire kit may be classified under 9027.80.00 (Analytical Instruments) or 3004 (Medicaments), depending on formulation. Consult a customs broker to determine if the kit qualifies for a different HS Code.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify NRC License of the US consignee before shipping.
π Prepare MSDS + CoA + Radioactive Transport Permit.
π Declare accurately under3822.00.90.90to avoid seizures.
β¨ Accurate Classification Saves Millions in Fines!
πΌ Radioactive goods demand zero-error documentation.
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.