HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2939.59 – Alkaloids; theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives; salts thereof, other than fenetylline
HS code 2939.59 is the 6-digit subheading for alkaloids, theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives, salts thereof, other than fenetylline. It is used for diprofylline, etamiphylline, proxyphylline, acefylline piperazine and theophylline derivatives for research.
What HS 2939.59 covers
This "other" category within the theophylline and aminophylline group covers all derivatives and salts of these alkaloids, excluding fenetylline, which has its own specific classification (293951). This code encompasses a range of related compounds that might be used as pharmaceutical intermediates, research chemicals, or less common therapeutic agents. Theophylline and aminophylline themselves are well-established bronchodilators, and their "other" derivatives might offer different pharmacokinetic profiles or be used in specific formulations. Trade is primarily conducted by pharmaceutical chemical manufacturers, distributors, and research institutions. Key considerations for trade include the purity standards required for pharmaceutical applications, the specific chemical form (e.g., different salts or esters), and compliance with any relevant national drug regulations, although these "other" derivatives are generally less stringently controlled than fenetylline.
- Covers
- Diprofylline
- Etamiphylline
- Proxyphylline
- Acefylline piperazine
- Theophylline derivatives for research
- Aminophylline derivatives
- Examples
- Diprofylline (used in some cough syrups)
- Proxyphylline (bronchodilator)
- various research-grade theophylline analogues
Codes often confused with 2939.59
Common mistake. This code is for derivatives *other than* fenetylline; confusion might arise if fenetylline or its salts are incorrectly classified here instead of 293951.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293959, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293959 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 9.6% 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 $45M 56% of world exports
- 2 China $18M 22% of world exports
- 3 Italy $6.6M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $81M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $7.5M 9.6% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $5.2M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 India $4.6M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $78M 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 2939.59 3
Brazil splits HS 2939.59 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2939.59.10 TheophyllineTeofilina
- 2939.59.20 AminophyllineAminofilina
- 2939.59.90 Other theophylline and aminophylline derivativesOutros
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 2939.59
What is HS code 293959?
HS code 293959 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alkaloids; theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives; salts thereof, other than fenetylline. This "other" category within the theophylline and aminophylline group covers all derivatives and salts of these alkaloids, excluding fenetylline, which has its own specific classification (293951). This code encompasses a range of related compounds that might be used as pharmaceutical intermediates, research chemicals, or less common therapeutic agents. Theophylline and aminophylline themselves are well-established bronchodilators, and their "other" derivatives might offer different pharmacokinetic profiles or be used in specific formulations. Trade is primarily conducted by pharmaceutical chemical manufacturers, distributors, and research institutions. Key considerations for trade include the purity standards required for pharmaceutical applications, the specific chemical form (e.g., different salts or esters), and compliance with any relevant national drug regulations, although these "other" derivatives are generally less stringently controlled than fenetylline.
What products fall under HS code 293959?
Diprofylline, Etamiphylline, Proxyphylline, Acefylline piperazine, Theophylline derivatives for research, Aminophylline derivatives
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293959?
This code is for derivatives *other than* fenetylline; confusion might arise if fenetylline or its salts are incorrectly classified here instead of 293951.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293959?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293959 in UN Comtrade data were India ($45M, 56% of world exports), China ($18M) and Italy ($6.6M). World exports came to about $81M, 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 293959?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293959 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($7.5M, 9.6% of world imports), South Korea ($5.2M) and India ($4.6M). World imports came to about $78M, 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 293959 structured?
HS code 293959 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 (59) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293959?
Brazil splits HS code 293959 into 3 NCM codes: 2939.59.10 (Theophylline), 2939.59.20 (Aminophylline), 2939.59.90 (Other theophylline and aminophylline derivatives). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.