HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2939.41 – Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; salts thereof
HS code 2939.41 is the 6-digit subheading for alkaloids, of ephedrine and their derivatives, salts thereof. It is used for ephedrine hydrochloride, ephedrine sulfate, L-Ephedrine, DL-Ephedrine and methylephedrine.
What HS 2939.41 covers
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.
- Covers
- Ephedrine hydrochloride
- Ephedrine sulfate
- L-Ephedrine
- DL-Ephedrine
- Methylephedrine
- Norephedrine
- Examples
- Vicks VapoRub (contains ephedrine in some formulations)
- Primatene Mist (ephedrine inhaler, discontinued in some markets)
- Ephedrine HCL (various API suppliers)
- Bronkaid (contains ephedrine)
Codes often confused with 2939.41
Common mistake. This code is for ephedrine and its direct derivatives, distinct from pseudoephedrine (293942) and cathine (293943), and also from formulated medicaments (Chapter 30).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293941, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293941 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 19% 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 India $2.3M 60% of world exports
- 2 Germany $916K 24% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $159K 4.2% of world exports
World total: $3.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Egypt $1.1M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $981K 16% of world imports
- 3 Russia* ~$606K 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $6.0M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 2939.41
Brazil does not split HS 2939.41: its NCM code is 2939.41.00.
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 2939.41
What is HS code 293941?
HS code 293941 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293941?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293941 in UN Comtrade data were India ($2.3M, 60% of world exports), Germany ($916K) and Denmark ($159K). World exports came to about $3.8M, 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 293941?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293941 in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($1.1M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($981K) and Russia (about $606K). World imports came to about $6.0M, 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 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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293941?
In Brazil, HS code 293941 is NCM 2939.41.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.