HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2939.45 – Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamefetamine racemate and their salts
HS code 2939.45 is the 6-digit subheading for alkaloids, of ephedrine and their derivatives, levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamefetamine racemate and their salts. It is used for levometamfetamine, metamfetamine hydrochloride, metamfetamine racemate, levometamfetamine sulfate and dextrometamfetamine.
What HS 2939.45 covers
This highly sensitive HS code specifically targets levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamefetamine racemate, and their respective salts, all derivatives of ephedrine. These substances are under extremely strict international control due to their potent stimulant properties and high potential for abuse. While metamfetamine is a well-known illicit drug, levometamfetamine has limited legitimate medical uses, primarily as a nasal decongestant in some over-the-counter inhalers. Trade in these compounds is almost exclusively for legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturing under stringent regulatory frameworks, or for scientific research purposes. Importers and exporters are typically highly specialized pharmaceutical companies or research institutions with specific licenses. Key considerations include adherence to international drug control conventions (like the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances), requiring meticulous record-keeping, secure transport, and explicit government authorizations for every transaction. The illicit trade of these substances is a major global concern, making legitimate trade exceptionally scrutinized.
- Covers
- Levometamfetamine
- Metamfetamine hydrochloride
- Metamfetamine racemate
- Levometamfetamine sulfate
- Dextrometamfetamine
- Examples
- Vicks VapoInhaler (contains levometamfetamine)
- pharmaceutical-grade metamfetamine (Desoxyn - US prescription drug)
- research chemicals
Codes often confused with 2939.45
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 293944 (norephedrine) and 293949 (other ephedrine derivatives) due to the specific and highly controlled nature of metamfetamine and its isomers, which are often scheduled substances.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293945, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293945 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 37% 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 $210K 61% of world exports
- 2 Germany $90K 26% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $38K 11% of world exports
World total: $342K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $232K 37% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $199K 32% of world imports
- 3 United States $67K 11% of world imports
World total: $627K 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 codes for 2939.45 3
Brazil splits HS 2939.45 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2939.45.10 Levometamfetamine and its saltsLevometanfetamina e seus sais
- 2939.45.20 Metamfetamine and its saltsMetanfetamina e seus sais
- 2939.45.30 Metamfetamine racemate and its saltsRacemato de metanfetamina e seus sais
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 2939.45
What is HS code 293945?
HS code 293945 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamefetamine racemate and their salts. This highly sensitive HS code specifically targets levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamefetamine racemate, and their respective salts, all derivatives of ephedrine. These substances are under extremely strict international control due to their potent stimulant properties and high potential for abuse. While metamfetamine is a well-known illicit drug, levometamfetamine has limited legitimate medical uses, primarily as a nasal decongestant in some over-the-counter inhalers. Trade in these compounds is almost exclusively for legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturing under stringent regulatory frameworks, or for scientific research purposes. Importers and exporters are typically highly specialized pharmaceutical companies or research institutions with specific licenses. Key considerations include adherence to international drug control conventions (like the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances), requiring meticulous record-keeping, secure transport, and explicit government authorizations for every transaction. The illicit trade of these substances is a major global concern, making legitimate trade exceptionally scrutinized.
What products fall under HS code 293945?
Levometamfetamine, Metamfetamine hydrochloride, Metamfetamine racemate, Levometamfetamine sulfate, Dextrometamfetamine
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293945?
This code is distinct from 293944 (norephedrine) and 293949 (other ephedrine derivatives) due to the specific and highly controlled nature of metamfetamine and its isomers, which are often scheduled substances.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293945?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293945 in UN Comtrade data were India ($210K, 61% of world exports), Germany ($90K) and the United Kingdom ($38K). World exports came to about $342K, 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 293945?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293945 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($232K, 37% of world imports), Malaysia ($199K) and the United States ($67K). World imports came to about $627K, 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 293945 structured?
HS code 293945 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 (45) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293945?
Brazil splits HS code 293945 into 3 NCM codes: 2939.45.10 (Levometamfetamine and its salts), 2939.45.20 (Metamfetamine and its salts), 2939.45.30 (Metamfetamine racemate and its salts). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.