HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2939.20 – Alkaloids; of cinchona and their derivatives; salts thereof

HS code 2939.20 is the 6-digit subheading for alkaloids, of cinchona and their derivatives, salts thereof. It is used for quinine sulfate, quinidine sulfate, cinchonine, cinchonidine and quinine hydrochloride.

What HS 2939.20 covers

This category specifically covers alkaloids derived from the cinchona tree bark, primarily quinine and quinidine, along with their various derivatives and salts. Cinchona alkaloids are historically significant for their antimalarial properties (quinine) and their use as antiarrhythmic agents (quinidine). While quinine's role in malaria treatment has diminished with newer drugs, it still finds use in treating nocturnal leg cramps and as a bittering agent in beverages. Quinidine remains important in cardiology. International trade involves the extraction of these alkaloids from cinchona bark, primarily from South American and African countries, and their subsequent purification and chemical modification. Key players include specialized botanical extractors, chemical manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies. Importers are typically pharmaceutical firms and food/beverage industries. Key things to know include the natural origin of these compounds, the sustainability of cinchona harvesting, and the specific regulatory requirements for their pharmaceutical applications.

Covers
  • Quinine sulfate
  • Quinidine sulfate
  • Cinchonine
  • Cinchonidine
  • Quinine hydrochloride
  • Quinidine gluconate
Examples
  • Qualaquin (Aralez Pharmaceuticals - Quinine sulfate)
  • Quinidine Sulfate (various generic manufacturers)
  • Cinchona Bark Extract (various herbal suppliers)
  • Schweppes Tonic Water (contains quinine)

Codes often confused with 2939.20

Common mistake. This code is distinct from other plant-derived alkaloids (e.g., 293999) and should not be confused with crude cinchona bark (1211) or formulated antimalarial drugs (Chapter 30).

12.11Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered

Top exporters and importers of HS code 293920, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293920 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 35% 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 India $14M
  2. 2 Netherlands $10M
  3. 3 Indonesia $7.2M

World total: $44M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Switzerland $22M
  2. 2 Netherlands $8.2M
  3. 3 United States $5.1M

World total: $64M 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 code for 2939.20

Brazil does not split HS 2939.20: its NCM code is 2939.20.00.

  1. 2939.20.00 Cinchona alkaloids, derivatives and saltsAlcaloides da quina e seus derivados; sais destes produtos

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.39 →

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

Questions about HS 2939.20

What is HS code 293920?

HS code 293920 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alkaloids; of cinchona and their derivatives; salts thereof. This category specifically covers alkaloids derived from the cinchona tree bark, primarily quinine and quinidine, along with their various derivatives and salts. Cinchona alkaloids are historically significant for their antimalarial properties (quinine) and their use as antiarrhythmic agents (quinidine). While quinine's role in malaria treatment has diminished with newer drugs, it still finds use in treating nocturnal leg cramps and as a bittering agent in beverages. Quinidine remains important in cardiology. International trade involves the extraction of these alkaloids from cinchona bark, primarily from South American and African countries, and their subsequent purification and chemical modification. Key players include specialized botanical extractors, chemical manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies. Importers are typically pharmaceutical firms and food/beverage industries. Key things to know include the natural origin of these compounds, the sustainability of cinchona harvesting, and the specific regulatory requirements for their pharmaceutical applications.

What products fall under HS code 293920?

Quinine sulfate, Quinidine sulfate, Cinchonine, Cinchonidine, Quinine hydrochloride, Quinidine gluconate

What are common misclassifications for HS code 293920?

This code is distinct from other plant-derived alkaloids (e.g., 293999) and should not be confused with crude cinchona bark (1211) or formulated antimalarial drugs (Chapter 30).

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293920?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293920 in UN Comtrade data were India ($14M, 31% of world exports), the Netherlands ($10M) and Indonesia ($7.2M). World exports came to about $44M, 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 293920?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293920 in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($22M, 35% of world imports), the Netherlands ($8.2M) and the United States ($5.1M). World imports came to about $64M, 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 293920 structured?

HS code 293920 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (39) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293920?

In Brazil, HS code 293920 is NCM 2939.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.