Animal products; ambergris, castoreum, civet, musk, cantharides, bile (dried or not) glands and other animal products, for pharmaceutical purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or otherwise provisionally preserved

HS code 051000 covers a diverse range of animal-derived products that are primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry. These substances, which include ambergris, castoreum, civet, musk, cantharides, and dried or preserved animal glands, are highly valued for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. The global trade in these specialized animal products plays a crucial role in the broader pharmaceutical supply chain, contributing to the development of a wide range of essential medicines and healthcare products.

The production of HS code 051000 items typically involves the careful harvesting and processing of specific animal parts and secretions. For example, ambergris is a solid, waxy substance found in the digestive tracts of sperm whales, while castoreum is derived from the castor sacs of beavers. These materials are often collected through sustainable and ethical means, with strict regulations governing their trade and use to ensure the protection of vulnerable animal populations.

The main inputs required for the production of HS code 051000 items are the raw animal materials themselves, which are sourced from a variety of wildlife species. In addition, specialized equipment and facilities may be needed for the proper handling, storage, and processing of these delicate and often perishable substances. Skilled labor and expertise in the field of animal-derived pharmaceuticals are also essential for the successful production and distribution of these highly specialized products.

The outputs of HS code 051000 are primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry, where they are incorporated into a wide range of medicinal and healthcare products. These animal-derived substances may be used as active ingredients in drugs, as well as in the formulation of traditional herbal remedies and alternative medicines. The outputs of this industry may also be consumed by other related HS codes, such as 300490 Medicaments, consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packagings for retail sale, 300650 (Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles (for example, dressings, adhesive plasters, poultices), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances or put up in forms or packagings for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes), and 300670 Gel preparations designed to be used in human or veterinary medicine as a lubricant for parts of the body for surgical operations or physical examinations or as a coupling agent between the body and medical instruments.