HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1211.50 – Ephedra, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered
HS code 1211.50 is the 6-digit subheading for ephedra, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered. It is used for dried Ephedra stems, ephedra sinica herb, ephedra extract (raw material), powdered Ephedra and ephedra viridis.
What HS 1211.50 covers
This category encompasses Ephedra plants and their parts, used primarily for medicinal, perfumery, or pest control purposes. Ephedra species, particularly Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang), are historically significant in traditional medicine for their stimulant properties, owing to the presence of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine alkaloids. In modern trade, it's sought after by pharmaceutical companies for extracting these compounds, which are used in decongestants and bronchodilators. Herbal supplement manufacturers also import it, though its use is heavily regulated in many countries due to health concerns related to its stimulant effects. Trade involves careful adherence to CITES regulations for certain endangered Ephedra species and national controlled substance laws. Importers are typically pharmaceutical and herbal product manufacturers, while exporters are often countries where these plants grow naturally or are cultivated under strict controls.
- Covers
- Dried Ephedra stems
- Ephedra sinica herb
- Ephedra extract (raw material)
- Powdered Ephedra
- Ephedra viridis
- Ephedra nevadensis.
- Examples
- KPC Products (herbal extracts)
- Gaia Herbs (botanical ingredients)
- various traditional Chinese medicine suppliers
- pharmaceutical raw material distributors.
Codes often confused with 1211.50
Common mistake. Often confused with 121190 (other medicinal plants) if not clearly specified as Ephedra, or even 0604 (foliage) if ornamental, but its primary use is medicinal.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 121150, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 121150 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 76% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 44% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.8M 76% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $427K 8.5% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $396K 7.9% of world exports
World total: $5.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $2.9M 44% of world imports
- 2 Japan $1.9M 29% of world imports
- 3 France $674K 10% of world imports
World total: $6.5M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 1211.50
Brazil does not split HS 1211.50: its NCM code is 1211.50.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 12.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1211.50
What is HS code 121150?
HS code 121150 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ephedra, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered. This category encompasses Ephedra plants and their parts, used primarily for medicinal, perfumery, or pest control purposes. Ephedra species, particularly Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang), are historically significant in traditional medicine for their stimulant properties, owing to the presence of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine alkaloids. In modern trade, it's sought after by pharmaceutical companies for extracting these compounds, which are used in decongestants and bronchodilators. Herbal supplement manufacturers also import it, though its use is heavily regulated in many countries due to health concerns related to its stimulant effects. Trade involves careful adherence to CITES regulations for certain endangered Ephedra species and national controlled substance laws. Importers are typically pharmaceutical and herbal product manufacturers, while exporters are often countries where these plants grow naturally or are cultivated under strict controls.
What products fall under HS code 121150?
Dried Ephedra stems, Ephedra sinica herb, Ephedra extract (raw material), powdered Ephedra, Ephedra viridis, Ephedra nevadensis.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 121150?
Often confused with 121190 (other medicinal plants) if not clearly specified as Ephedra, or even 0604 (foliage) if ornamental, but its primary use is medicinal.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 121150?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 121150 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.8M, 76% of world exports), Pakistan ($427K) and the United Kingdom ($396K). World exports came to about $5.0M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 121150?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 121150 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($2.9M, 44% of world imports), Japan ($1.9M) and France ($674K). World imports came to about $6.5M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 121150 structured?
HS code 121150 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 121150?
In Brazil, HS code 121150 is NCM 1211.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.