About HS Code 2935
Heading 2935 specifically covers 'Sulphonamides' within Chapter 29, Section VI of the Harmonized System. This classification is dedicated to organic compounds characterized by the presence of a sulfonyl group (-SO2-) directly attached to a nitrogen atom, forming a sulfonamide functional group (-SO2NH2, -SO2NHR, or -SO2NR2). This heading encompasses a wide range of compounds, most famously the 'sulfa drugs' or sulfonamide antibiotics, which were among the first effective systemic antibacterial agents. However, its scope extends beyond antimicrobials to include other pharmacologically active compounds (e.g., diuretics, antidiabetics like sulfonylureas), as well as industrial chemicals used in dyes, plastics, and agrochemicals. It is crucial to distinguish these compounds from other sulfur-containing organic compounds (e.g., thiols, sulfoxides in 2930) or other nitrogen-function compounds (e.g., amines, amides in 2921-2929) by precisely identifying the sulfonamide functional group. The historical significance of sulfa drugs underscores their enduring importance in medicine, while their continued use as APIs and chemical intermediates makes accurate classification vital for pharmaceutical trade compliance, regulatory approvals, and managing global supply chains. This heading highlights a specific class of organic chemicals defined by a unique functional group, crucial for its diverse applications.
Products Under This Code
Sulfanilamide, Sulfadiazine, Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfacetamide, Sulfapyridine, Glipizide, Furosemide, Acetazolamide, Saccharin (certain forms), Tolbutamide, Chlorpropamide, Sulfathiazole, Sulfamerazine, Sulfamethizole, Sulfisoxazole, Sulfaguanidine, Indapamide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Metolazone, Chlorthalidone, Sulfonylurea herbicides
Real World Examples
An Indian pharmaceutical company exports several tons of bulk Sulfamethoxazole API to a drug manufacturer in the USA for the production of combination antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), typically shipped in sealed drums via ocean freight. A Swiss chemical producer ships Furosemide, a diuretic, to Brazil for pharmaceutical formulation, transported in controlled conditions by air cargo. A Chinese chemical plant exports a specific sulphonamide intermediate to Germany for use in the synthesis of certain agrochemicals, usually in large quantities via container vessels.
Common Misclassification
A common misclassification error for 2935 is confusing sulphonamides with other sulfur-containing organic compounds (2930) or general nitrogen-function compounds (2921-2929) if the specific sulphonamide functional group (-SO2N-) is not correctly identified. For example, a compound with a sulfoxide group (-SO-) attached to a carbon, but no nitrogen directly bonded to the sulfonyl, would fall under 2930, not 2935. Another significant mistake is classifying sulphonamides in dosage form (e.g., tablets, injections) under 2935, when they should be classified under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products). Heading 2935 is strictly for chemically defined, unmixed sulphonamides, typically in bulk form.
Subheadings 6
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
India and China are prominent global producers of sulphonamide APIs, leveraging their strong pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. European countries (e.g., Germany, Switzerland) and the USA are significant producers of higher-value sulphonamide derivatives and major consumers for their pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Trade in sulphonamides is globally active, with key routes between Asia, Europe, and North America. Products in this heading are often subject to strict pharmaceutical regulations, quality control standards (e.g., GMP), and sometimes precursor chemical controls. Tariffs can vary, with many pharmaceutical APIs benefiting from reduced or zero duties under various free trade agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 2935?
HS code 2935 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sulphonamides. Heading 2935 specifically covers 'Sulphonamides' within Chapter 29, Section VI of the Harmonized System. This classification is dedicated to organic compounds characterized by the presence of a sulfonyl group (-SO2-) directly attached to a nitrogen atom, forming a sulfonamide functional group (-SO2NH2, -SO2NHR, or -SO2NR2). This heading encompasses a wide range of compounds, most famously the 'sulfa drugs' or sulfonamide antibiotics, which were among the first effective systemic antibacterial agents. However, its scope extends beyond antimicrobials to include other pharmacologically active compounds (e.g., diuretics, antidiabetics like sulfonylureas), as well as industrial chemicals used in dyes, plastics, and agrochemicals. It is crucial to distinguish these compounds from other sulfur-containing organic compounds (e.g., thiols, sulfoxides in 2930) or other nitrogen-function compounds (e.g., amines, amides in 2921-2929) by precisely identifying the sulfonamide functional group. The historical significance of sulfa drugs underscores their enduring importance in medicine, while their continued use as APIs and chemical intermediates makes accurate classification vital for pharmaceutical trade compliance, regulatory approvals, and managing global supply chains. This heading highlights a specific class of organic chemicals defined by a unique functional group, crucial for its diverse applications.
What products fall under HS code 2935?
Sulfanilamide, Sulfadiazine, Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfacetamide, Sulfapyridine, Glipizide, Furosemide, Acetazolamide, Saccharin (certain forms), Tolbutamide, Chlorpropamide, Sulfathiazole, Sulfamerazine, Sulfamethizole, Sulfisoxazole, Sulfaguanidine, Indapamide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Metolazone, Chlorthalidone, Sulfonylurea herbicides
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2935?
A common misclassification error for 2935 is confusing sulphonamides with other sulfur-containing organic compounds (2930) or general nitrogen-function compounds (2921-2929) if the specific sulphonamide functional group (-SO2N-) is not correctly identified. For example, a compound with a sulfoxide group (-SO-) attached to a carbon, but no nitrogen directly bonded to the sulfonyl, would fall under 2930, not 2935. Another significant mistake is classifying sulphonamides in dosage form (e.g., tablets, injections) under 2935, when they should be classified under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products). Heading 2935 is strictly for chemically defined, unmixed sulphonamides, typically in bulk form.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 2935?
India and China are prominent global producers of sulphonamide APIs, leveraging their strong pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. European countries (e.g., Germany, Switzerland) and the USA are significant producers of higher-value sulphonamide derivatives and major consumers for their pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Trade in sulphonamides is globally active, with key routes between Asia, Europe, and North America. Products in this heading are often subject to strict pharmaceutical regulations, quality control standards (e.g., GMP), and sometimes precursor chemical controls. Tariffs can vary, with many pharmaceutical APIs benefiting from reduced or zero duties under various free trade agreements.
How is HS code 2935 structured?
HS code 2935 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (35) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.