---
title: "3821 HSN Code | HSN Code for Culture media for micro-organisms in India"
description: "Know more about 3821 HSN Code with BUSY Accounting - HSN Tariff, GST Rates and case laws related to chapter 3821 covering Culture media for micro-organisms."
canonical: "https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3821/"
---

# HSN Sub-chapter 3821: Culture media for micro-organisms

Prepared culture media for development or maintenance of micro-organism (including viruses and the like) or of plant human or animal cells

Part of [Chapter 38: Miscellaneous Chemical Products](https://busy.in/hsn/chapter-38/).

- Current GST rate: 18%
- Earlier GST rate: 18%

## HSN codes

| Code | Title |
| --- | --- |
| 38210000 | [Pentachlorobenzene/Hexachlorobenzene Mixtures](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-38210000/) |

## Frequently asked questions

### What products are classified under HSN 3821

It includes Culture media for micro-organisms

### Any import/export nuance for Culture media for micro-organisms?

Exports are zero‑rated (with or without payment of IGST) subject to LUT/refund conditions. Imports may attract customs duties in addition to GST. Keep HSN‑wise description consistent across invoice, shipping bill and BOE.

### Do spares or accessories of Culture media for micro-organisms follow the same HSN?

Not always. Spares are often classified by their own description or by the function/part rule. Check if a specific sub‑heading exists for parts of the main item and describe the part on the invoice.

### Can reverse charge ever apply to transactions involving Culture media for micro-organisms?

Reverse charge in goods is notified only for specific categories. Most regular B2B sales of Culture media for micro-organisms are forward charge. Check the current notifications for any special cases before deciding.

### Can I claim ITC on inputs and services used for Culture media for micro-organisms?

If your outward supply of Culture media for micro-organisms is taxable, ITC is generally available (Sections 16–17) except blocked credits (e.g., personal use, motor vehicles in most cases). For exempt supplies, proportionate reversal is required under Rule 42/43.

### If I repair and return Culture media for micro-organisms, how should I charge GST?

Repair/service is a service supply (SAC). Parts and materials used are goods and may be billed separately with HSN. Mention both lines clearly to avoid mixing service and goods values.

## India's trade performance: HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 (FY 2024-25)

Source: TradeStat EIDB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Values in ₹ Crore (FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25).

- Exports: ₹264 Cr (+10.56% YoY) — 0.0071% of India's total exports
- Imports: ₹986 Cr (+10.64% YoY) — 0.0162% of India's total imports
- Trade balance: −₹722 Cr (Deficit); surplus rank #917 of 1233 sub-chapters
- Share of Chapter 38: 0.45% of its exports; import side 1.46%
- Rank within Chapter 38: #13 of 27 by export value; import-side #14

### Key metrics

- Export CAGR: 17.05% (FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, 7 fiscal years)
- National export rank: #651 of 1233 sub-chapters by export value (FY 2024-25)
- Peak growth year: +111.08% in FY 2020-21
- Contribution to Ch. 38: 0.45% of its exports (FY 2024-25)

## India export-import trade statistics: HSN Sub-Chapter 3821

7-year export and import data, FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, in ₹ Crore. Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, TradeStat EIDB.

| FY | Exports (₹ Cr) | Exp share | Exp YoY | Exp % of Ch. 38 | Imports (₹ Cr) | Imp share | Imp YoY | Imp % of Ch. 38 | Trade balance | Exp rank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| FY 2018-19 | 102.60 | 0.0045% | — | 0.32% | 426.10 | 0.0119% | — | 1.02% | −323.50 | #718 |
| FY 2019-20 | 97.76 | 0.0044% | −4.72% | 0.27% | 378.05 | 0.0113% | −11.28% | 0.97% | −280.29 | #728 |
| FY 2020-21 | 206.35 | 0.0096% | +111.08% | 0.54% | 592.44 | 0.0203% | +56.71% | 1.31% | −386.09 | #601 |
| FY 2021-22 | 170.18 | 0.0054% | −17.53% | 0.32% | 1,317.18 | 0.0288% | +122.33% | 2.25% | −1,147.00 | #690 |
| FY 2022-23 | 177.86 | 0.0049% | +4.51% | 0.28% | 896.52 | 0.0156% | −31.94% | 1.36% | −718.66 | #706 |
| FY 2023-24 | 238.71 | 0.0066% | +34.21% | 0.44% | 891.20 | 0.0159% | −0.59% | 1.45% | −652.49 | #657 |
| FY 2024-25 | 263.91 | 0.0071% | +10.56% | 0.45% | 986.03 | 0.0162% | +10.64% | 1.46% | −722.12 | #651 |

- CAGR (7-year): exports 17.05%/yr, imports 15.01%/yr (consistently Deficit)

## Key trade insights: HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 export-import analysis

### Consistent export growth: 17.05% CAGR over 7 years

India's exports under HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 have grown at a compound annual rate of 17.05% over 7 fiscal years, rising from ₹102.60 Crore in FY 2018-19 to ₹263.91 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 ranked #651 among all 1233 sub-chapters by export value

In FY 2024-25, HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 ranks #651 out of 1233 sub-chapters by total export value. Within Chapter 38, it ranks #13 of 27. By trade surplus, it ranks #917 of 1233.

### FY 2020-21 was the strongest growth year for HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 exports

The strongest single-year export movement for HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 was recorded in FY 2020-21, when exports surged by 111.08% over the prior year.

### India records a trade deficit of ₹722.12 Crore in HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 goods

In FY 2024-25, India's imports of ₹986.03 Cr exceeded exports of ₹263.91 Cr, resulting in a trade deficit of ₹722.12 Crore — ranking #917 of 1233 by surplus magnitude.

### Import growth of 15.01% CAGR signals rising demand for Culture media for micro-organisms

India's imports under HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 have grown at 15.01% CAGR, reaching ₹986.03 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 contributes 0.45% of Chapter 38 exports — ranked #13

Among the 27 sub-chapters under Chapter 38, HSN Sub-Chapter 3821 ranks #13 by export value — accounting for 0.45% of the chapter's total exports in FY 2024-25. On the import side, it holds 1.46% share (rank #14).

## Related Sub-Chapters in Chapter 38

Ranked by export value (FY 2024-25).

| Rank | HSN Sub-Chapter | Exports (FY 2024-25) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| #1 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3808: Agricultural pesticides](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3808/) | ₹36,141 Cr |
| #2 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3824: Chemical products for moulds & cores](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3824/) | ₹4,037 Cr |
| #3 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3823: Fatty acids & industrial oils](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3823/) | ₹3,612 Cr |
| #4 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3802: Activated carbon & animal black](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3802/) | ₹3,183 Cr |
| #5 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3811: Additives for mineral oils & liquids](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3811/) | ₹3,077 Cr |
| #6 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3822: Diagnostic reagents](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3822/) | ₹1,961 Cr |
| #7 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3812: Rubber/plastic compound accelerators](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3812/) | ₹1,889 Cr |
| #8 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3815: Catalytic preparations](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3815/) | ₹1,693 Cr |
| #9 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3809: Textile dyeing & fixing agents](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3809/) | ₹638 Cr |
| #10 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3816: Refractory cements, mortars, concretes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3816/) | ₹636 Cr |
| #13 | HSN Sub-Chapter 3821: Culture media for micro-organisms (this hsn sub-chapter) | ₹264 Cr |

## Other sub-chapters

| Code | Title |
| --- | --- |
| 3801 | [Artificial graphite products](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3801/) |
| 3802 | [Activated carbon & animal black](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3802/) |
| 3803 | [Tall Oil, whether or not refined](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3803/) |
| 3804 | [Wood pulp residues](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3804/) |
| 3805 | [Turpentine & terpenic oils, pine oil](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3805/) |
| 3806 | [Prepared fish & caviar](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3806/) |
| 3807 | [Wood tar and resins](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3807/) |
| 3808 | [Agricultural pesticides](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3808/) |
| 3809 | [Textile dyeing & fixing agents](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3809/) |
| 3810 | [Soldering preparations](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3810/) |
| 3811 | [Additives for mineral oils & liquids](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3811/) |
| 3812 | [Rubber/plastic compound accelerators](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3812/) |
| 3813 | [Stainless steel rods & bars](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3813/) |
| 3814 | [Organic solvents & thinners](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3814/) |
| 3815 | [Catalytic preparations](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3815/) |
| 3816 | [Refractory cements, mortars, concretes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3816/) |
| 3817 | [Mixed alkylbenzenes & naphthalenes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3817/) |
| 3818 | [Doped chemical elements](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3818/) |
| 3819 | [Hydraulic brake/transmission fluids](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3819/) |
| 3820 | [Anti-freeze preparations](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3820/) |
| 3822 | [Diagnostic reagents](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3822/) |
| 3823 | [Fatty acids & industrial oils](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3823/) |
| 3824 | [Chemical products for moulds & cores](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3824/) |
| 3825 | [Chemical residues](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3825/) |
| 3826 | [Biodiesel mixtures](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3826/) |
| 3827 | [Halogenated mixtures](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3827/) |