About HS Code 293942
This HS code is dedicated to pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts, a stereoisomer of ephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is a widely used decongestant found in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications. Like ephedrine, it can be extracted from certain Ephedra species or synthesized. Its trade is also heavily regulated globally due to its potential use as a precursor in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine. International trade primarily involves licensed pharmaceutical companies and chemical manufacturers. Importers are typically drug formulators, while exporters are API producers. Key things to know include the strict regulatory oversight, including precursor chemical controls, licensing requirements, and reporting obligations to prevent diversion. Despite its widespread legitimate use, its controlled status means that trade volumes and destinations are closely monitored by national and international authorities. The market is driven by demand for cold and flu remedies.
Products Under This Code
Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, Pseudoephedrine sulfate, D-Pseudoephedrine, L-Pseudoephedrine, Pseudoephedrine base
Real World Examples
Sudafed (Johnson & Johnson), Claritin-D (Bayer), Zyrtec-D (Johnson & Johnson), Mucinex D (Reckitt Benckiser), Pseudoephedrine HCl API (various suppliers)
Common Misclassification
This code is specifically for pseudoephedrine, differentiating it from ephedrine (293941) and cathine (293943), and should not be confused with finished cold medications (Chapter 30).
Products Classified Under 2939.42
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
China and India are major exporters of pseudoephedrine APIs, with the USA, Canada, and European countries being significant importers for their pharmaceutical industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 293942?
HS code 293942 covers: Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts. This HS code is dedicated to pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts, a stereoisomer of ephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is a widely used decongestant found in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications. Like ephedrine, it can be extracted from certain Ephedra species or synthesized. Its trade is also heavily regulated globally due to its potential use as a precursor in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine. International trade primarily involves licensed pharmaceutical companies and chemical manufacturers. Importers are typically drug formulators, while exporters are API producers. Key things to know include the strict regulatory oversight, including precursor chemical controls, licensing requirements, and reporting obligations to prevent diversion. Despite its widespread legitimate use, its controlled status means that trade volumes and destinations are closely monitored by national and international authorities. The market is driven by demand for cold and flu remedies.
What products fall under HS code 293942?
Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, Pseudoephedrine sulfate, D-Pseudoephedrine, L-Pseudoephedrine, Pseudoephedrine base
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293942?
This code is specifically for pseudoephedrine, differentiating it from ephedrine (293941) and cathine (293943), and should not be confused with finished cold medications (Chapter 30).
How is HS code 293942 structured?
HS code 293942 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 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.