HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2933.55 – Heterocyclic compounds; containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring in the structure; loprazolam (INN), mecloqualone (INN), methaqualone (INN), and zipeprol (INN); salts thereof
HS code 2933.55 is the 6-digit subheading for heterocyclic compounds, containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring in the structure, loprazolam (INN), mecloqualone (INN), methaqualone (INN), and zipeprol (INN), salts thereof. It is used for loprazolam, mecloqualone, methaqualone, zipeprol and loprazolam salts.
What HS 2933.55 covers
These specific heterocyclic compounds, featuring pyrimidine or piperazine rings, represent a niche but significant segment within the pharmaceutical and chemical trade. The compounds listed – loprazolam, mecloqualone, methaqualone, and zipeprol – are primarily controlled substances, often used as sedatives or hypnotics, and are subject to strict international regulations due to their potential for abuse. International trade in these substances is highly regulated, requiring special licenses and permits from both exporting and importing countries, often under the purview of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). Key players in this trade include specialized pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, often in countries with advanced chemical synthesis capabilities like Switzerland, Germany, India, and China. Importers are typically pharmaceutical companies for legitimate medical research or very limited therapeutic use, or, unfortunately, illicit networks. Understanding the stringent legal frameworks, including CITES and national drug control acts, is paramount for anyone involved in their cross-border movement, as missteps can lead to severe penalties. The trade volume for these specific, often restricted, compounds is generally lower than for more common pharmaceuticals, but their high value and regulatory complexity make them a critical area for customs and trade compliance.
- Covers
- Loprazolam
- Mecloqualone
- Methaqualone
- Zipeprol
- Loprazolam salts
- Mecloqualone hydrochloride
- Methaqualone base
- Examples
- Dormonoct (Loprazolam)
- Quaalude (Methaqualone - historical)
- Mequelon (Methaqualone - historical)
- Zipeprol cough syrup (historical)
Codes often confused with 2933.55
Common mistake. This code is distinct due to its specific listing of controlled substances. It might be confused with 293359, which covers other pyrimidine/piperazine compounds not specifically enumerated, but the explicit naming here is key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293355, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293355 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 97% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Colombia, with 24% 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 France $800K 97% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $7K 0.8% of world exports
- 3 Germany $5K 0.6% of world exports
World total: $821K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Colombia $383K 24% of world imports
- 2 Italy $354K 22% of world imports
- 3 Poland $326K 21% of world imports
World total: $1.6M 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 codes for 2933.55 4
Brazil splits HS 2933.55 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2933.55.10 Loprazolam and its saltsLoprazolam e seus sais
- 2933.55.20 Mecloqualone and its saltsMecloqualona e seus sais
- 2933.55.30 Methaqualone and its saltsMetaqualona e seus sais
- 2933.55.40 Zipeprol and its saltsZipeprol e seus sais
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 2933.55
What is HS code 293355?
HS code 293355 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Heterocyclic compounds; containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring in the structure; loprazolam (INN), mecloqualone (INN), methaqualone (INN), and zipeprol (INN); salts thereof. These specific heterocyclic compounds, featuring pyrimidine or piperazine rings, represent a niche but significant segment within the pharmaceutical and chemical trade. The compounds listed – loprazolam, mecloqualone, methaqualone, and zipeprol – are primarily controlled substances, often used as sedatives or hypnotics, and are subject to strict international regulations due to their potential for abuse. International trade in these substances is highly regulated, requiring special licenses and permits from both exporting and importing countries, often under the purview of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). Key players in this trade include specialized pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, often in countries with advanced chemical synthesis capabilities like Switzerland, Germany, India, and China. Importers are typically pharmaceutical companies for legitimate medical research or very limited therapeutic use, or, unfortunately, illicit networks. Understanding the stringent legal frameworks, including CITES and national drug control acts, is paramount for anyone involved in their cross-border movement, as missteps can lead to severe penalties. The trade volume for these specific, often restricted, compounds is generally lower than for more common pharmaceuticals, but their high value and regulatory complexity make them a critical area for customs and trade compliance.
What products fall under HS code 293355?
Loprazolam, Mecloqualone, Methaqualone, Zipeprol, Loprazolam salts, Mecloqualone hydrochloride, Methaqualone base
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293355?
This code is distinct due to its specific listing of controlled substances. It might be confused with 293359, which covers other pyrimidine/piperazine compounds not specifically enumerated, but the explicit naming here is key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293355?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293355 in UN Comtrade data were France ($800K, 97% of world exports), Malaysia ($7K) and Germany ($5K). World exports came to about $821K, 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 293355?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293355 in UN Comtrade data were Colombia ($383K, 24% of world imports), Italy ($354K) and Poland ($326K). World imports came to about $1.6M, 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 293355 structured?
HS code 293355 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 (55) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293355?
Brazil splits HS code 293355 into 4 NCM codes: 2933.55.10 (Loprazolam and its salts), 2933.55.20 (Mecloqualone and its salts), 2933.55.30 (Methaqualone and its salts), 2933.55.40 (Zipeprol and its salts). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.