HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2939.61 – Alkaloids; of rye ergot and their derivatives, ergometrine (INN) and its salts
HS code 2939.61 is the 6-digit subheading for alkaloids, of rye ergot and their derivatives, ergometrine (INN) and its salts. It is used for ergometrine maleate, ergometrine tartrate, ergonovine maleate, ergonovine base and ergometrine hydrochloride.
What HS 2939.61 covers
This HS code specifically covers ergometrine (also known as ergonovine) and its salts, which are alkaloids derived from rye ergot fungus. Ergometrine is a crucial pharmaceutical ingredient, primarily used in obstetrics to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage and to promote uterine contractions. Its potent oxytocic properties make it indispensable in maternal healthcare. Trade in ergometrine and its salts is dominated by pharmaceutical manufacturers and specialized chemical suppliers. Due to its medical significance and the potential for misuse (as a precursor for illicit substances, though less common than other ergot alkaloids), its international trade is subject to strict regulatory controls, including licensing and reporting requirements in many countries. Ensuring high pharmaceutical purity and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are paramount for importers and exporters in this sector.
- Covers
- Ergometrine maleate
- Ergometrine tartrate
- Ergonovine maleate
- Ergonovine base
- Ergometrine hydrochloride
- Examples
- Methergine (Novartis - contains methylergometrine, a derivative)
- Ergotrate (historical brand)
- various generic ergometrine injections
Codes often confused with 2939.61
Common mistake. This code is specific to ergometrine; it should not be confused with other ergot alkaloids like ergotamine (293962) or lysergic acid (293963), which have distinct medical uses and regulatory statuses.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293961, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293961 in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 23% 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 Czechia $381K 52% of world exports
- 2 China $112K 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $89K 12% of world exports
World total: $727K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $132K 23% of world imports
- 2 India $125K 22% of world imports
- 3 Germany $116K 20% of world imports
World total: $573K 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 2939.61
Brazil does not split HS 2939.61: its NCM code is 2939.61.00.
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 2939.61
What is HS code 293961?
HS code 293961 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alkaloids; of rye ergot and their derivatives, ergometrine (INN) and its salts. This HS code specifically covers ergometrine (also known as ergonovine) and its salts, which are alkaloids derived from rye ergot fungus. Ergometrine is a crucial pharmaceutical ingredient, primarily used in obstetrics to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage and to promote uterine contractions. Its potent oxytocic properties make it indispensable in maternal healthcare. Trade in ergometrine and its salts is dominated by pharmaceutical manufacturers and specialized chemical suppliers. Due to its medical significance and the potential for misuse (as a precursor for illicit substances, though less common than other ergot alkaloids), its international trade is subject to strict regulatory controls, including licensing and reporting requirements in many countries. Ensuring high pharmaceutical purity and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are paramount for importers and exporters in this sector.
What products fall under HS code 293961?
Ergometrine maleate, Ergometrine tartrate, Ergonovine maleate, Ergonovine base, Ergometrine hydrochloride
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293961?
This code is specific to ergometrine; it should not be confused with other ergot alkaloids like ergotamine (293962) or lysergic acid (293963), which have distinct medical uses and regulatory statuses.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293961?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293961 in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($381K, 52% of world exports), China ($112K) and Germany ($89K). World exports came to about $727K, 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 293961?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293961 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($132K, 23% of world imports), India ($125K) and Germany ($116K). World imports came to about $573K, 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 293961 structured?
HS code 293961 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 (61) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293961?
In Brazil, HS code 293961 is NCM 2939.61.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.