Product classification
HS code for Aminophylline: 2939.59
Alkaloids, theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives, salts thereof, other than fenetylline.
Classification of aminophylline under HS 2939.59
Aminophylline is classified under HS code 2939.59, which is a specific category for theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives, including their salts. This classification is situated within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which covers organic chemicals. Aminophylline is a complex compound composed of theophylline and ethylenediamine in a specific molecular ratio, typically 2:1. It is technically categorized as a vegetable alkaloid, although modern industrial production often involves synthetic processes. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the classification is determined by the literal terms of the headings. Since heading 2939 explicitly names aminophylline, it takes precedence over more general chemical headings. The substance is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a bronchodilator to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is important to note that for the product to remain under this code, it must be in its bulk chemical form. If the product is prepared in measured doses or packaged for retail sale as a finished medicament, the classification would shift to Chapter 30.
- Covers
- Bulk Aminophylline powder
- Aminophylline hydrates
- Theophylline-ethylenediamine compounds
- Salts of aminophylline
- Aminophylline derivatives (excluding fenetylline)
- Also under 2939.59
- Diprofylline (used in some cough syrups)
- Proxyphylline (bronchodilator)
- various research-grade theophylline analogues
Codes often confused with 2939.59
Common mistake. Aminophylline is frequently confused with HS code 2939.51, which is reserved specifically for fenetylline (INN) and its salts. Another common error is classifying bulk aminophylline under HS code 3004.20 or 3004.90. These codes are for medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic uses, put up in measured doses or for retail sale. If the substance is a raw chemical material, it must stay in Chapter 29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293959 (the code used for aminophylline), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293959 (the code used for aminophylline) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 293959, not only aminophylline.
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 aminophylline
Brazil splits HS 2939.59 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2939.59.10Theophylline
- 2939.59.20Aminophylline
- 2939.59.90Other theophylline and aminophylline derivatives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about aminophylline
What is the HS code for Aminophylline?
The HS code for Aminophylline is 293959 (Alkaloids; theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives; salts thereof, other than fenetylline). The HS code for bulk Aminophylline is 2939.59, which covers theophylline and its derivatives.
How do I classify Aminophylline for customs?
Aminophylline is classified under HS code 293959 — Alkaloids; theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives; salts thereof, other than fenetylline. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include theophylline?
Yes, HS code 2939.59 specifically includes both theophylline and aminophylline, as well as their derivatives and salts, provided they are not fenetylline.
Which countries are the top exporters of aminophylline (HS 293959)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293959 (the code used for aminophylline) 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 aminophylline (HS 293959)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293959 (the code used for aminophylline) 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.
Is the HS code for Aminophylline the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293959 for Aminophylline is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for aminophylline in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 293959 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for aminophylline depends on the product's details: 2939.59.10 (Theophylline), 2939.59.20 (Aminophylline), 2939.59.90 (Other theophylline and aminophylline derivatives).