HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2939.44 – Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; norephedrine and its salts
HS code 2939.44 is the 6-digit subheading for alkaloids, of ephedrine and their derivatives, norephedrine and its salts. It is used for norephedrine base, norephedrine hydrochloride, phenylpropanolamine (PPA), phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride and norpseudoephedrine.
What HS 2939.44 covers
This code covers specific alkaloids derived from ephedrine, primarily norephedrine and its various salts. These compounds are crucial in the pharmaceutical industry, serving as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for a range of medications. They are often used as decongestants, bronchodilators, and in some cases, as precursors for other controlled substances, which makes their trade highly regulated. Major pharmaceutical manufacturers and chemical suppliers are the primary importers and exporters, often trading these in bulk for further processing. Key things to know include the strict regulatory oversight due to their potential for misuse and diversion, requiring extensive documentation and licensing for international shipments. The purity and form (e.g., hydrochloride salt) are critical specifications in trade. Countries with strong pharmaceutical manufacturing bases, like India, China, and various European nations, are significant players in this market, both as producers and consumers of these specialized chemical intermediates.
- Covers
- Norephedrine base
- Norephedrine hydrochloride
- Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)
- Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride
- Norpseudoephedrine
- Cathine
- Examples
- Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) in cold medicines (historical)
- Cathine in Khat (natural source)
- various pharmaceutical intermediates
Codes often confused with 2939.44
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 293949 (other ephedrine derivatives) if the specific alkaloid isn't norephedrine, or with 293943 (ephedrine and its salts) if the distinction between ephedrine and norephedrine is not carefully made.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293944, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293944 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 28% 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 $3.6M 62% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$1.9M 33% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $170K 2.9% of world exports
World total: $5.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $1.3M 28% of world imports
- 2 Philippines $737K 15% of world imports
- 3 Japan $704K 15% of world imports
World total: $4.8M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 2939.44
Brazil does not split HS 2939.44: its NCM code is 2939.44.00.
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 2939.44
What is HS code 293944?
HS code 293944 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; norephedrine and its salts. This code covers specific alkaloids derived from ephedrine, primarily norephedrine and its various salts. These compounds are crucial in the pharmaceutical industry, serving as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for a range of medications. They are often used as decongestants, bronchodilators, and in some cases, as precursors for other controlled substances, which makes their trade highly regulated. Major pharmaceutical manufacturers and chemical suppliers are the primary importers and exporters, often trading these in bulk for further processing. Key things to know include the strict regulatory oversight due to their potential for misuse and diversion, requiring extensive documentation and licensing for international shipments. The purity and form (e.g., hydrochloride salt) are critical specifications in trade. Countries with strong pharmaceutical manufacturing bases, like India, China, and various European nations, are significant players in this market, both as producers and consumers of these specialized chemical intermediates.
What products fall under HS code 293944?
Norephedrine base, Norephedrine hydrochloride, Phenylpropanolamine (PPA), Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, Norpseudoephedrine, Cathine
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293944?
This code can be confused with 293949 (other ephedrine derivatives) if the specific alkaloid isn't norephedrine, or with 293943 (ephedrine and its salts) if the distinction between ephedrine and norephedrine is not carefully made.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293944?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293944 in UN Comtrade data were India ($3.6M, 62% of world exports), Taiwan (about $1.9M) and Malaysia ($170K). World exports came to about $5.8M, 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 293944?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293944 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($1.3M, 28% of world imports), the Philippines ($737K) and Japan ($704K). World imports came to about $4.8M, 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.
How is HS code 293944 structured?
HS code 293944 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 (44) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293944?
In Brazil, HS code 293944 is NCM 2939.44.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.