HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2941.20 – Antibiotics; streptomycins and their derivatives; salts thereof
HS code 2941.20 is the 6-digit subheading for antibiotics, streptomycins and their derivatives, salts thereof. It is used for streptomycin sulfate, dihydrostreptomycin sulfate, neomycin sulfate, kanamycin sulfate and gentamicin sulfate.
What HS 2941.20 covers
This HS code covers streptomycins and their derivatives, along with their salts. Streptomycins belong to the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics, primarily known for their efficacy against tuberculosis and certain other severe bacterial infections, as well as significant use in veterinary medicine. Trade in these compounds involves bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are subsequently formulated into finished drug products. Importers are typically pharmaceutical companies specializing in anti-infectives or veterinary pharmaceuticals, often requiring these specific antibiotics for niche applications. Exporters are frequently specialized chemical manufacturers with advanced fermentation capabilities, as streptomycin is commonly produced through microbial fermentation processes. Key considerations include strict quality control, adherence to pharmacopoeial standards, and navigating the specific regulatory requirements for both human and animal use, especially given their potency and potential for side effects.
- Covers
- Streptomycin sulfate
- Dihydrostreptomycin sulfate
- Neomycin sulfate
- Kanamycin sulfate
- Gentamicin sulfate
- Tobramycin
- Amikacin sulfate
- Examples
- Streptomycin injection (for TB)
- Neosporin (contains neomycin)
- Gentamicin eye drops
Codes often confused with 2941.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other aminoglycoside antibiotics not specifically listed under 294120, which might fall under 294190, or with 3004 when prepared as medicaments in dosage forms.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 294120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 294120 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 73% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 13% 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 China $44M 73% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $5.9M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 United States $3.6M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $60M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $10M 13% of world imports
- 2 India $7.0M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 United States $6.8M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $79M 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 2941.20 2
Brazil splits HS 2941.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2941.20.10 Sulphates of streptomycins and their derivativesSulfatos
- 2941.20.90 Other streptomycins and derivativesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.41 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2941.20
What is HS code 294120?
HS code 294120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Antibiotics; streptomycins and their derivatives; salts thereof. This HS code covers streptomycins and their derivatives, along with their salts. Streptomycins belong to the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics, primarily known for their efficacy against tuberculosis and certain other severe bacterial infections, as well as significant use in veterinary medicine. Trade in these compounds involves bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are subsequently formulated into finished drug products. Importers are typically pharmaceutical companies specializing in anti-infectives or veterinary pharmaceuticals, often requiring these specific antibiotics for niche applications. Exporters are frequently specialized chemical manufacturers with advanced fermentation capabilities, as streptomycin is commonly produced through microbial fermentation processes. Key considerations include strict quality control, adherence to pharmacopoeial standards, and navigating the specific regulatory requirements for both human and animal use, especially given their potency and potential for side effects.
What products fall under HS code 294120?
Streptomycin sulfate, Dihydrostreptomycin sulfate, Neomycin sulfate, Kanamycin sulfate, Gentamicin sulfate, Tobramycin, Amikacin sulfate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 294120?
This code can be confused with other aminoglycoside antibiotics not specifically listed under 294120, which might fall under 294190, or with 3004 when prepared as medicaments in dosage forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 294120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 294120 in UN Comtrade data were China ($44M, 73% of world exports), the Netherlands ($5.9M) and the United States ($3.6M). World exports came to about $60M, 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 294120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 294120 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($10M, 13% of world imports), India ($7.0M) and the United States ($6.8M). World imports came to about $79M, 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 294120 structured?
HS code 294120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (41) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 294120?
Brazil splits HS code 294120 into 2 NCM codes: 2941.20.10 (Sulphates of streptomycins and their derivatives), 2941.20.90 (Other streptomycins and derivatives). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.