Product classification

HS code for Antibiotics: 2941.90

Antibiotics, n.e.c. in heading no. 2941.

Classification of antibiotics under HS 2941.90

Antibiotics, in their unmixed form or not elsewhere specified, are classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 294190, which covers "Antibiotics; n.e.c. in heading no. 2941." This classification falls under Chapter 29 of the HS nomenclature, which is dedicated to organic chemicals. Heading 2941 specifically encompasses antibiotics. The subheading 294190 serves as a residual category for antibiotics that do not have a more specific six-digit code within 2941 (e.g., penicillins, streptomycins, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, which have their own distinct subheadings). This code is typically used for bulk, unmixed antibiotic substances, often referred to as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), intended for further manufacturing into pharmaceutical preparations.

Covers
  • Bulk vancomycin powder for pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Unmixed polymyxin B sulfate for compounding
  • Raw bacitracin for use as an API
  • Fusidic acid in its unformulated chemical state
  • Daptomycin as a bulk active pharmaceutical ingredient
  • Other novel or less common antibiotics not specifically listed under other 2941 subheadings
Also under 2941.90
  • Rocephin (ceftriaxone)
  • Merrem (meropenem)
  • Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
  • Vancocin (vancomycin)

Codes often confused with 2941.90

Common mistake. The most common misclassification for antibiotics under HS 294190 is with HS 3004, which covers "Medicaments containing antibiotics." The critical distinction is that 294190 is for the unmixed, bulk antibiotic substance (API), whereas 3004 is for prepared medicines, formulated into dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, injections) and often packaged for retail sale. For example, bulk erythromycin would be 294190, but erythromycin tablets for retail would be 3004. Another potential confusion could be with other specific antibiotic types that have their own subheadings within 2941, such as 294110 for penicillins or 294130 for tetracyclines. Misclassification could also occur if an antibiotic is part of a mixture not yet a medicament, potentially leading to consideration under HS 3003, but 2941 is for the unmixed substance.

30.04Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed for retail sale29.41Antibiotics2941.10Antibiotics; penicillins and their derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure; salts thereof2941.30Antibiotics; tetracyclines and their derivatives; salts thereof30.03Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) of two or more constituents mixed together for therapeutic or prophylactic use not in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 294190 (the code used for antibiotics), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 294190 (the code used for antibiotics) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 14% 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 294190, not only antibiotics.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.7B
  2. 2 Switzerland $851M
  3. 3 Italy $681M

World total: $6.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $1.1B
  2. 2 India $1.0B
  3. 3 United States $595M

World total: $7.7B 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 antibiotics

Brazil splits HS 2941.90 into 35 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about antibiotics

What is the HS code for Antibiotics?

The HS code for Antibiotics is 294190 (Antibiotics; n.e.c. in heading no. 2941). The HS code for antibiotics, specifically those not elsewhere specified within heading 2941 and typically in their unmixed, bulk form, is 294190. This code is part of Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, including various types of antibiotics.

How do I classify Antibiotics for customs?

Antibiotics is classified under HS code 294190 — Antibiotics; n.e.c. in heading no. 2941. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the distinction between HS 2941 and HS 3004 for antibiotics?

HS 2941 covers antibiotics in their unmixed, bulk form, serving as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for further manufacturing. In contrast, HS 3004 covers prepared medicaments containing antibiotics, which are formulated into specific dosage forms (e.g., tablets, injections) and often packaged for retail sale or direct therapeutic use.

Which countries are the top exporters of antibiotics (HS 294190)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 294190 (the code used for antibiotics) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.7B, 40% of world exports), Switzerland ($851M) and Italy ($681M). World exports came to about $6.8B, 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 antibiotics (HS 294190)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 294190 (the code used for antibiotics) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.1B, 14% of world imports), India ($1.0B) and the United States ($595M). World imports came to about $7.7B, 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 Antibiotics the same in all countries?

The base HS code 294190 for Antibiotics 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 antibiotics in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 294190 into 35 NCM codes, so the right one for antibiotics depends on the product's details: 2941.90.11 (Rifamycin S), 2941.90.12 (Rifampicin (rifamycin AMP)), 2941.90.13 (Rifamycin SV sodium), 2941.90.19 (Other rifamycins and derivatives), 2941.90.21 (Lincomycin hydrochloride), 2941.90.22 (Clindamycin phosphate), and more.