HS Code Subheading

Alkaloids; caffeine and its salts

2939.30 Subheading
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries

About HS Code 293930

This HS code specifically covers caffeine and its various salts. Caffeine is a widely consumed natural stimulant found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans, and guarana. It is a methylxanthine alkaloid known for its psychoactive effects, primarily increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. In international trade, caffeine is a significant commodity, used extensively in the food and beverage industry (soft drinks, energy drinks), pharmaceuticals (pain relievers, alertness aids), and dietary supplements. It is typically traded as a high-purity white powder, either extracted from natural sources (decaffeination by-product) or synthesized chemically. Major importers and exporters include large food and beverage corporations, pharmaceutical companies, and chemical manufacturers. Key things to know include the global demand driven by consumer products, the relatively straightforward synthesis or extraction processes, and the quality standards required for different applications (e.g., food grade vs. pharmaceutical grade).

Products Under This Code

Caffeine anhydrous, Caffeine citrate, Caffeine benzoate, Caffeine monohydrate, Theine, Guaranine

Real World Examples

Red Bull (contains caffeine), Coca-Cola (contains caffeine), Excedrin (contains caffeine), NoDoz (contains caffeine), Caffeine powder (various supplement brands)

Common Misclassification

This code is specific to caffeine and its salts; it should not be confused with other methylxanthines like theophylline or theobromine (293999) or with coffee/tea extracts containing caffeine (2101).

Products Classified Under 2939.30

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

China and Germany are major exporters of synthetic caffeine, while the USA, India, and European countries are significant importers for their food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 293930?

HS code 293930 covers: Alkaloids; caffeine and its salts. This HS code specifically covers caffeine and its various salts. Caffeine is a widely consumed natural stimulant found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans, and guarana. It is a methylxanthine alkaloid known for its psychoactive effects, primarily increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. In international trade, caffeine is a significant commodity, used extensively in the food and beverage industry (soft drinks, energy drinks), pharmaceuticals (pain relievers, alertness aids), and dietary supplements. It is typically traded as a high-purity white powder, either extracted from natural sources (decaffeination by-product) or synthesized chemically. Major importers and exporters include large food and beverage corporations, pharmaceutical companies, and chemical manufacturers. Key things to know include the global demand driven by consumer products, the relatively straightforward synthesis or extraction processes, and the quality standards required for different applications (e.g., food grade vs. pharmaceutical grade).

What products fall under HS code 293930?

Caffeine anhydrous, Caffeine citrate, Caffeine benzoate, Caffeine monohydrate, Theine, Guaranine

What are common misclassifications for HS code 293930?

This code is specific to caffeine and its salts; it should not be confused with other methylxanthines like theophylline or theobromine (293999) or with coffee/tea extracts containing caffeine (2101).

How is HS code 293930 structured?

HS code 293930 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.