HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2937.90 – Hormones, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, natural or reproduced by synthesis; derivatives and structural analogues thereof, including chain modified polypeptides, used primarily as hormones, n.e.c. in heading 2937
HS code 2937.90 is the 6-digit subheading for hormones, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, natural or reproduced by synthesis, derivatives and structural analogues thereof, including chain modified polypeptides, used primarily as hormones, n.e.c. in heading 2937. It is used for insulin glargine, somatropin, leuprolide acetate, alprostadil and dinoprostone.
What HS 2937.90 covers
This category encompasses a diverse range of biologically active compounds crucial for pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. It includes various hormones, such as growth hormones, insulin analogues, and sex hormones, as well as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, which are lipid compounds with hormone-like effects involved in inflammation and other physiological processes. These substances, whether naturally derived or synthetically reproduced, are vital for manufacturing medicines, diagnostic reagents, and research chemicals. Major importers and exporters are typically pharmaceutical giants, specialized chemical manufacturers, and research institutions in developed economies. Key things to know include the stringent regulatory controls on their production, handling, and trade due to their potent biological activity and potential for misuse. The high value and sensitivity of these products necessitate specialized logistics, including cold chain management, and compliance with international drug control conventions. Their trade is often B2B, supplying active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for drug formulation.
- Covers
- Insulin glargine
- Somatropin
- Leuprolide acetate
- Alprostadil
- Dinoprostone
- Eptifibatide
- Desmopressin
- Examples
- Humalog (Eli Lilly)
- Norditropin (Novo Nordisk)
- Lupron (AbbVie)
- Prostin VR Pediatric (Pfizer)
- Eptifibatide Injection (Hikma)
- DDAVP (Ferring Pharmaceuticals)
Codes often confused with 2937.90
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other medicaments (Chapter 30) if the products are already formulated into dosage forms, or with other organic compounds (Chapter 29) if their primary use isn't hormonal, such as certain amino-acids or peptides under 2922 or 2924.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293790, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293790 in UN Comtrade data was Ireland, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 Ireland $75M 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $69M 19% of world exports
- 3 India $40M 11% of world exports
World total: $372M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $144M 29% of world imports
- 2 France $83M 17% of world imports
- 3 India $72M 15% of world imports
World total: $490M 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 2937.90 4
Brazil splits HS 2937.90 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2937.90.10 Tiratricol (triac) and its sodium saltTiratricol (triac) e seu sal sódico
- 2937.90.30 Levothyroxine sodiumLevotiroxina sódica
- 2937.90.40 Liothyronine sodiumLiotironina sódica
- 2937.90.90 Other hormones, derivatives and analoguesOutros
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 2937.90
What is HS code 293790?
HS code 293790 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hormones, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, natural or reproduced by synthesis; derivatives and structural analogues thereof, including chain modified polypeptides, used primarily as hormones, n.e.c. in heading 2937. This category encompasses a diverse range of biologically active compounds crucial for pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. It includes various hormones, such as growth hormones, insulin analogues, and sex hormones, as well as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, which are lipid compounds with hormone-like effects involved in inflammation and other physiological processes. These substances, whether naturally derived or synthetically reproduced, are vital for manufacturing medicines, diagnostic reagents, and research chemicals. Major importers and exporters are typically pharmaceutical giants, specialized chemical manufacturers, and research institutions in developed economies. Key things to know include the stringent regulatory controls on their production, handling, and trade due to their potent biological activity and potential for misuse. The high value and sensitivity of these products necessitate specialized logistics, including cold chain management, and compliance with international drug control conventions. Their trade is often B2B, supplying active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for drug formulation.
What products fall under HS code 293790?
Insulin glargine, Somatropin, Leuprolide acetate, Alprostadil, Dinoprostone, Eptifibatide, Desmopressin
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293790?
This code can be confused with other medicaments (Chapter 30) if the products are already formulated into dosage forms, or with other organic compounds (Chapter 29) if their primary use isn't hormonal, such as certain amino-acids or peptides under 2922 or 2924.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293790?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293790 in UN Comtrade data were Ireland ($75M, 20% of world exports), Germany ($69M) and India ($40M). World exports came to about $372M, 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 293790?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293790 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($144M, 29% of world imports), France ($83M) and India ($72M). World imports came to about $490M, 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 293790 structured?
HS code 293790 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293790?
Brazil splits HS code 293790 into 4 NCM codes: 2937.90.10 (Tiratricol (triac) and its sodium salt), 2937.90.30 (Levothyroxine sodium), 2937.90.40 (Liothyronine sodium), 2937.90.90 (Other hormones, derivatives and analogues). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.