HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2933.21 – Heterocyclic compounds; with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, containing an unfused imidazole ring (whether or not hydrogenated) in the structure, hydantoin and its derivatives

HS code 2933.21 is the 6-digit subheading for heterocyclic compounds, with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, containing an unfused imidazole ring (whether or not hydrogenated) in the structure, hydantoin and its derivatives. It is used for hydantoin, phenytoin, mephenytoin, ethotoin and DMDM Hydantoin.

What HS 2933.21 covers

This HS code specifically covers Hydantoin and its derivatives, which are heterocyclic compounds containing only nitrogen hetero-atoms and an unfused imidazole ring. Hydantoin is a versatile chemical intermediate with significant applications in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for anticonvulsant drugs like phenytoin. It also finds use in cosmetics as a preservative (e.g., DMDM Hydantoin), in agrochemicals, and in the production of resins. Trade in these compounds is driven by chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and cosmetic ingredient suppliers. Importers and exporters deal in bulk powders and specialized formulations, reflecting hydantoin's role as a foundational building block for various end products requiring its unique chemical properties.

Covers
  • Hydantoin
  • Phenytoin
  • Mephenytoin
  • Ethotoin
  • DMDM Hydantoin
Examples
  • Dilantin (Phenytoin)
  • specific cosmetic preservatives containing DMDM Hydantoin
  • generic hydantoin bulk chemicals from chemical suppliers

Codes often confused with 2933.21

Common mistake. Can be confused with other nitrogen heterocyclics (e.g., 293329 for other imidazoles) or even other drug categories (e.g., 3004) if not in bulk form, but the specific hydantoin structure is key.

2933.29Heterocyclic compounds; with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, containing an unfused imidazole ring (whether or not hydrogenated) in the structure, other than hydantoin and its derivatives30.04Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 293321, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293321 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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. 1 China $17M
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$9.5M
  3. 3 United States $8.3M

World total: $70M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $16M
  2. 2 Japan $7.6M
  3. 3 Germany $7.1M

World total: $90M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 codes for 2933.21 4

Brazil splits HS 2933.21 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 2933.21.10 IprodioneIprodiona
  2. 2933.21.2 Phenytoin and its saltsFenitoína e seus sais Group
  3. 2933.21.21 Phenytoin and its sodium saltFenitoína e seu sal sódico
  4. 2933.21.29 Other phenytoin saltsOutros
  5. 2933.21.90 Other hydantoin and its derivativesOutros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.33 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 2933.21

What is HS code 293321?

HS code 293321 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Heterocyclic compounds; with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, containing an unfused imidazole ring (whether or not hydrogenated) in the structure, hydantoin and its derivatives. This HS code specifically covers Hydantoin and its derivatives, which are heterocyclic compounds containing only nitrogen hetero-atoms and an unfused imidazole ring. Hydantoin is a versatile chemical intermediate with significant applications in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for anticonvulsant drugs like phenytoin. It also finds use in cosmetics as a preservative (e.g., DMDM Hydantoin), in agrochemicals, and in the production of resins. Trade in these compounds is driven by chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and cosmetic ingredient suppliers. Importers and exporters deal in bulk powders and specialized formulations, reflecting hydantoin's role as a foundational building block for various end products requiring its unique chemical properties.

What products fall under HS code 293321?

Hydantoin, Phenytoin, Mephenytoin, Ethotoin, DMDM Hydantoin

What are common misclassifications for HS code 293321?

Can be confused with other nitrogen heterocyclics (e.g., 293329 for other imidazoles) or even other drug categories (e.g., 3004) if not in bulk form, but the specific hydantoin structure is key.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293321?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293321 in UN Comtrade data were China ($17M, 25% of world exports), Taiwan (about $9.5M) and the United States ($8.3M). World exports came to about $70M, 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 293321?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293321 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($16M, 18% of world imports), Japan ($7.6M) and Germany ($7.1M). World imports came to about $90M, 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 293321 structured?

HS code 293321 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (33) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293321?

Brazil splits HS code 293321 into 4 NCM codes: 2933.21.10 (Iprodione), 2933.21.21 (Phenytoin and its sodium salt), 2933.21.29 (Other phenytoin salts), 2933.21.90 (Other hydantoin and its derivatives). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.