Exporting Health, Cosmetics and Chemicals: markets, headings and fairs

Tariff chapters in this sector

• Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopesChapter 28
• Organic chemicalsChapter 29
• Pharmaceutical productsChapter 30
• Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inksChapter 32
• Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparationsChapter 33
• Soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plasterChapter 34
• Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymesChapter 35
• Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparationsChapter 36
• Chemical products n.e.c.Chapter 38

Trade fairs in this sector

• Cosmoprof Worldwide BolognaBologna
• CPhI WorldwideMilán
• in‑cosmetics GlobalBarcelona
• InfarmaBarcelona
• MEDICADüsseldorf

What you need to know to export from Spain

The health, cosmetics and chemicals sector spans nine tariff chapters, from inorganic chemicals (Chapter 28) through pharmaceuticals (Chapter 30) to perfumery and cosmetics (Chapter 33). Your product's chapter determines the applicable tariff rate, origin rules and import procedures at each destination.

If you export to the EU, no tariffs apply: you move goods under the internal market regime. If you export outside the EU—to the US, Switzerland, the UK or others—each country applies its own duties. Check the specific tariff code for your product on TARIC or Access2Markets to know the exact rate.

Packaging and labelling vary sharply by destination. The EU requires multilingual labels and specific hazard pictograms; the US uses different symbols; some markets ban certain dyes or preservatives outright. Budget for separate packaging per region and confirm rules early with your importer or a compliance advisor.

Frequently asked questions