HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2939.49 – Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; other than ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (INN), norephedrine, cathine (INN), levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamefetamine racemate and their salts
HS code 2939.49 is the 6-digit subheading for alkaloids, of ephedrine and their derivatives, other than ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (INN), norephedrine, cathine (INN), levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamefetamine racemate and their salts. It is used for N-methylpseudoephedrine, N-ethylephedrine, methylephedrine, dimethylephedrine and various synthetic ephedrine analogues.
What HS 2939.49 covers
This "basket" code captures all other alkaloids derived from ephedrine and their salts that are not specifically enumerated in the preceding, more specific HS codes (293941, 293942, 293943, 293944, 293945). This category often includes novel or less common synthetic derivatives, research chemicals, or intermediates that fall under the broader umbrella of ephedrine-related compounds but lack specific medical or widespread industrial applications to warrant their own distinct classification. Trade in these substances is typically driven by specialized chemical manufacturers, research and development laboratories, and niche pharmaceutical companies. Due to their structural similarity to controlled substances, these "other" derivatives are also subject to varying degrees of regulatory scrutiny, especially concerning their potential as precursors or their psychoactive properties. Importers and exporters must be vigilant about evolving national and international chemical control lists.
- Covers
- N-methylpseudoephedrine
- N-ethylephedrine
- Methylephedrine
- Dimethylephedrine
- Various synthetic ephedrine analogues
- Research chemicals
- Examples
- Research-grade ephedrine derivatives
- custom-synthesized pharmaceutical intermediates
- analytical standards
Codes often confused with 2939.49
Common mistake. This code is a residual category, so misclassification often occurs when a specific ephedrine derivative (e.g., ephedrine under 293943 or norephedrine under 293944) is incorrectly placed here, or vice-versa, due to a lack of precise identification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293949, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293949 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 69% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 29% 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 69% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$524K 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Australia $254K 7.7% of world exports
World total: $3.3M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Pakistan $2.5M 29% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $1.1M 13% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $1.0M 12% of world imports
World total: $8.7M 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 2939.49
Brazil does not split HS 2939.49: its NCM code is 2939.49.00.
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 2939.49
What is HS code 293949?
HS code 293949 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; other than ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (INN), norephedrine, cathine (INN), levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamefetamine racemate and their salts. This "basket" code captures all other alkaloids derived from ephedrine and their salts that are not specifically enumerated in the preceding, more specific HS codes (293941, 293942, 293943, 293944, 293945). This category often includes novel or less common synthetic derivatives, research chemicals, or intermediates that fall under the broader umbrella of ephedrine-related compounds but lack specific medical or widespread industrial applications to warrant their own distinct classification. Trade in these substances is typically driven by specialized chemical manufacturers, research and development laboratories, and niche pharmaceutical companies. Due to their structural similarity to controlled substances, these "other" derivatives are also subject to varying degrees of regulatory scrutiny, especially concerning their potential as precursors or their psychoactive properties. Importers and exporters must be vigilant about evolving national and international chemical control lists.
What products fall under HS code 293949?
N-methylpseudoephedrine, N-ethylephedrine, Methylephedrine, Dimethylephedrine, various synthetic ephedrine analogues, research chemicals
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293949?
This code is a residual category, so misclassification often occurs when a specific ephedrine derivative (e.g., ephedrine under 293943 or norephedrine under 293944) is incorrectly placed here, or vice-versa, due to a lack of precise identification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293949?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293949 in UN Comtrade data were India ($2.3M, 69% of world exports), Taiwan (about $524K) and Australia ($254K). World exports came to about $3.3M, 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 293949?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293949 in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($2.5M, 29% of world imports), South Korea ($1.1M) and Saudi Arabia ($1.0M). World imports came to about $8.7M, 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 293949 structured?
HS code 293949 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 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293949?
In Brazil, HS code 293949 is NCM 2939.49.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.