HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2939.51 – Alkaloids; theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives; salts thereof, fenetylline (INN) and its salts
HS code 2939.51 is the 6-digit subheading for alkaloids, theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives, salts thereof, fenetylline (INN) and its salts. It is used for theophylline anhydrous, theophylline monohydrate, aminophylline anhydrous, aminophylline dihydrate and fenetylline hydrochloride.
What HS 2939.51 covers
This HS code specifically covers theophylline, aminophylline (which is a complex of theophylline with ethylenediamine), their derivatives, and salts, with a particular inclusion of fenetylline (INN) and its salts. These compounds are vital in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily as bronchodilators used in the treatment of respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Theophylline has been a long-standing medication, though its use has somewhat declined with newer, safer alternatives. Fenetylline, while a derivative, is known for its stimulant properties and is a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for abuse. Major pharmaceutical companies and bulk chemical suppliers are the primary traders. Key aspects of trade involve ensuring high purity for pharmaceutical use, adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and navigating the regulatory status of fenetylline, which is often under international drug control conventions.
- Covers
- Theophylline anhydrous
- Theophylline monohydrate
- Aminophylline anhydrous
- Aminophylline dihydrate
- Fenetylline hydrochloride
- Theophylline sodium glycinate
- Examples
- Theophylline tablets (e.g., Theolair, Uniphyl)
- Aminophylline injections
- Fenetylline (Captagon - illicit drug)
Codes often confused with 2939.51
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 293959 (other theophylline derivatives) by specifically naming fenetylline; misclassification could occur if fenetylline is mistakenly placed in the "other" category.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293951, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293951 in UN Comtrade data was Hungary, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 53% of world imports. Austria reports $783M of its chapter 29 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hungary $384 60% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $260 40% of world exports
Austria reports $783M of its chapter 29 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $644 Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $213K 53% of world imports
- 2 Egypt $189K 47% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $361 <0.1% of world imports
World total: $403K 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 code for 2939.51
Brazil does not split HS 2939.51: its NCM code is 2939.51.00.
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 2939.51
What is HS code 293951?
HS code 293951 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alkaloids; theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives; salts thereof, fenetylline (INN) and its salts. This HS code specifically covers theophylline, aminophylline (which is a complex of theophylline with ethylenediamine), their derivatives, and salts, with a particular inclusion of fenetylline (INN) and its salts. These compounds are vital in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily as bronchodilators used in the treatment of respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Theophylline has been a long-standing medication, though its use has somewhat declined with newer, safer alternatives. Fenetylline, while a derivative, is known for its stimulant properties and is a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for abuse. Major pharmaceutical companies and bulk chemical suppliers are the primary traders. Key aspects of trade involve ensuring high purity for pharmaceutical use, adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and navigating the regulatory status of fenetylline, which is often under international drug control conventions.
What products fall under HS code 293951?
Theophylline anhydrous, Theophylline monohydrate, Aminophylline anhydrous, Aminophylline dihydrate, Fenetylline hydrochloride, Theophylline sodium glycinate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293951?
This code is distinct from 293959 (other theophylline derivatives) by specifically naming fenetylline; misclassification could occur if fenetylline is mistakenly placed in the "other" category.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293951?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293951 in UN Comtrade data were Hungary ($384, 60% of world exports) and Belgium ($260). World exports came to about $644, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $783M of its chapter 29 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 293951?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293951 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($213K, 53% of world imports), Egypt ($189K) and Brazil ($361). World imports came to about $403K, 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 293951 structured?
HS code 293951 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 (51) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293951?
In Brazil, HS code 293951 is NCM 2939.51.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.