HS Code 29.38 – Glycosides, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives

HS code 2938 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Glycosides, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives. HS Code 2938 encompasses glycosides, both natural and reproduced by synthesis, along with their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Glycosides are organic compounds where a sugar molecule (glycone) is bonded to a non-sugar molecule (aglycone) via a glycosidic bond. This heading is highly significant for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, as many plant-derived compounds with medicinal properties are glycosides. The scope covers the isolated, chemically pure forms of these complex organic molecules, which include cardiac glycosides (like digoxin), steviol glycosides (natural sweeteners), and various flavonoid glycosides known for their antioxidant properties. This classification is crucial for trade compliance, as it determines specific tariff rates, regulatory frameworks for health products, and often requires detailed chemical identification. Historically, many traditional medicines relied on plants rich in glycosides, and modern chemistry has isolated and synthesized these active principles. The heading sits firmly within Chapter 29, highlighting these substances as specific, complex organic chemicals rather than crude plant extracts or finished products. Their trade often involves specialized handling due to potency or purity requirements.

Digoxin, Digitoxin, Strophanthin, Rutin, Quercitrin, Hesperidin, Naringin, Sennosides (A and B), Glycyrrhizin, Saponins (e.g., Quillaja saponin), Stevioside, Rebaudioside A, Salicin, Amygdalin, Arbutin, Indican, Flavonoid glycosides, Anthocyanin glycosides, Cardiac glycosides, Cyanogenic glycosides, Glucosinolates, Solanine, Aesculin, Kaempferol glycosides

A common misclassification involves confusing pure glycosides (2938) with crude plant extracts (Chapter 13). If the product is a raw or partially processed extract containing glycosides but not isolated to a chemically pure form, it may fall under 1302. Another error is classifying finished pharmaceutical products containing glycosides (e.g., digoxin tablets) under 2938; these belong to Chapter 30 (e.g., 3004). Additionally, certain sugars or sugar derivatives not linked to an aglycone (non-sugar part) would fall under 2940 or Chapter 17, not 2938. The defining characteristic for 2938 is the isolated, chemically pure glycosidic structure.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2938 in UN Comtrade data were China ($705M, 44% of world exports), France ($178M) and Malaysia ($103M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2938 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($346M, 22% of world imports), France ($133M) and Germany ($104M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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.

HS code 2938 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (38) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.