HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2937.21 – Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone)

HS code 2937.21 is the 6-digit subheading for steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues, cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone). It is used for hydrocortisone acetate, prednisone tablets, cortisone powder, prednisolone sodium phosphate and methylprednisolone.

What HS 2937.21 covers

This HS code specifically covers cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone, along with their derivatives and structural analogues. These are potent steroidal hormones widely used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents in a vast array of medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and certain cancers. The international trade of these compounds is substantial, with major pharmaceutical manufacturers and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) suppliers being the primary exporters, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide importing them for formulation into finished medications. Key aspects of this trade include ensuring high purity, adhering to pharmacopoeial standards, and managing global supply chains for these essential medicines. Their widespread use makes them a staple in hospital and pharmacy inventories globally.

Covers
  • Hydrocortisone acetate
  • Prednisone tablets
  • Cortisone powder
  • Prednisolone sodium phosphate
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Dexamethasone
  • Betamethasone
Examples
  • Cortef (Pfizer)
  • Deltasone (Pfizer)
  • Medrol (Pfizer)
  • Solu-Medrol (Pfizer)
  • Orapred (Shionogi)

Codes often confused with 2937.21

Common mistake. This code is specific to these four key corticosteroids; other steroidal hormones, even corticosteroids, fall under different subheadings like 293722 or 293729.

2937.22Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; halogenated derivatives of corticosteroidal hormones2937.29Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; other than cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone), prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone), halogenated derivatives of corticosteroidal hormones, oestrogen and progestogens

Top exporters and importers of HS code 293721, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293721 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 15% 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 $144M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 Italy $19M

World total: $238M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $36M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 Italy $19M

World total: $235M 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 2937.21 4

Brazil splits HS 2937.21 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 2937.21.10 CortisoneCortisona
  2. 2937.21.20 HydrocortisoneHidrocortisona
  3. 2937.21.30 Prednisone (dehydrocortisone)Prednisona (deidrocortisona)
  4. 2937.21.40 Prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone)Prednisolona (deidroidrocortisona)

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.37 →

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

Questions about HS 2937.21

What is HS code 293721?

HS code 293721 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone). This HS code specifically covers cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone, along with their derivatives and structural analogues. These are potent steroidal hormones widely used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents in a vast array of medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and certain cancers. The international trade of these compounds is substantial, with major pharmaceutical manufacturers and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) suppliers being the primary exporters, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide importing them for formulation into finished medications. Key aspects of this trade include ensuring high purity, adhering to pharmacopoeial standards, and managing global supply chains for these essential medicines. Their widespread use makes them a staple in hospital and pharmacy inventories globally.

What products fall under HS code 293721?

Hydrocortisone acetate, Prednisone tablets, Cortisone powder, Prednisolone sodium phosphate, Methylprednisolone, Dexamethasone, Betamethasone

What are common misclassifications for HS code 293721?

This code is specific to these four key corticosteroids; other steroidal hormones, even corticosteroids, fall under different subheadings like 293722 or 293729.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293721?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293721 in UN Comtrade data were China ($144M, 60% of world exports), the United States ($22M) and Italy ($19M). World exports came to about $238M, 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 293721?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293721 in UN Comtrade data were India ($36M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($22M) and Italy ($19M). World imports came to about $235M, 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 293721 structured?

HS code 293721 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (37) 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 293721?

Brazil splits HS code 293721 into 4 NCM codes: 2937.21.10 (Cortisone), 2937.21.20 (Hydrocortisone), 2937.21.30 (Prednisone (dehydrocortisone)), 2937.21.40 (Prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone)). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.