About HS Code 293941
This specific HS code covers ephedrine and its derivatives, along with their salts, excluding pseudoephedrine and cathine which have their own dedicated subheadings. Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine commonly used as a decongestant, bronchodilator, and in some cases, as a stimulant. It can be extracted from plants of the genus Ephedra or synthesized chemically. Due to its dual-use potential as a precursor in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine, trade in ephedrine is highly regulated under international drug control conventions. Major importers and exporters are licensed pharmaceutical companies and chemical manufacturers. Key things to know include the stringent controls on its production, distribution, and sale, requiring specific licenses, permits, and detailed record-keeping. The trade is primarily B2B, supplying active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for legitimate medicinal products, but it is constantly monitored to prevent diversion.
Products Under This Code
Ephedrine hydrochloride, Ephedrine sulfate, L-Ephedrine, DL-Ephedrine, Methylephedrine, Norephedrine
Real World Examples
Vicks VapoRub (contains ephedrine in some formulations), Primatene Mist (ephedrine inhaler, discontinued in some markets), Ephedrine HCL (various API suppliers), Bronkaid (contains ephedrine)
Common Misclassification
This code is for ephedrine and its direct derivatives, distinct from pseudoephedrine (293942) and cathine (293943), and also from formulated medicaments (Chapter 30).
Products Classified Under 2939.41
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
China and India are significant producers and exporters of ephedrine APIs, with the USA, Canada, and European countries being major importers for pharmaceutical use under strict controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 293941?
HS code 293941 covers: Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; salts thereof. This specific HS code covers ephedrine and its derivatives, along with their salts, excluding pseudoephedrine and cathine which have their own dedicated subheadings. Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine commonly used as a decongestant, bronchodilator, and in some cases, as a stimulant. It can be extracted from plants of the genus Ephedra or synthesized chemically. Due to its dual-use potential as a precursor in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine, trade in ephedrine is highly regulated under international drug control conventions. Major importers and exporters are licensed pharmaceutical companies and chemical manufacturers. Key things to know include the stringent controls on its production, distribution, and sale, requiring specific licenses, permits, and detailed record-keeping. The trade is primarily B2B, supplying active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for legitimate medicinal products, but it is constantly monitored to prevent diversion.
What products fall under HS code 293941?
Ephedrine hydrochloride, Ephedrine sulfate, L-Ephedrine, DL-Ephedrine, Methylephedrine, Norephedrine
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293941?
This code is for ephedrine and its direct derivatives, distinct from pseudoephedrine (293942) and cathine (293943), and also from formulated medicaments (Chapter 30).
How is HS code 293941 structured?
HS code 293941 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 (41) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.