Product classification
HS code for Bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments: 3003.42
Medicaments, containing alkaloids or their derivatives, containing pseudoephedrine (INN) or its salts, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, (not packaged for retail sale).
Classification of bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments under HS 3003.42
Bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments are classified under HS code 3003.42, a category specifically designated for medicaments containing alkaloids or their derivatives. Pseudoephedrine is an alkaloid frequently used as a nasal decongestant. For classification under this code, the product must be a mixture of ingredients—such as the active pseudoephedrine combined with binders, stabilizers, or other active markers—intended for medicinal use. Crucially, the product must be in bulk form, which means it has not yet been divided into individual doses (like pills, capsules, or liquid ampoules) and is not packaged for direct sale to consumers. This subheading was specifically introduced or refined in recent Harmonized System updates to improve the monitoring of precursor chemicals and substances with high therapeutic value. The classification distinguishes these mixtures from pure chemical substances and from retail-ready cold and allergy medicines. Because pseudoephedrine is a controlled substance in many regions, the use of the correct HS code is vital for regulatory compliance and customs clearance.
- Covers
- Bulk mixtures of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for medicine production
- Pseudoephedrine-based decongestant mixtures in large drums
- Alkaloid-based medicaments containing pseudoephedrine salts
- Bulk pharmaceutical preparations for cold relief (unmeasured)
- Also under 3003.42
Johnson Matthey Pseudoephedrine, BASF Pseudoephedrine HCl, Sigma-Aldrich Pseudoephedrine, Teva API Pseudoephedrine, Dr. Reddy's Pseudoephedrine
Codes often confused with 3003.42
Common mistake. This product is frequently misclassified under 3004.42, which is the code for pseudoephedrine medicaments that are put up for retail sale or in measured doses. The distinction between 3003 (bulk) and 3004 (retail/dosage) is the most common source of error. Additionally, pure pseudoephedrine or its salts that have not been mixed into a medicament preparation are classified under heading 2939 (specifically 2939.42). Using the incorrect code can lead to significant delays, as pseudoephedrine is often subject to strict import permits and precursor chemical controls.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300342 (the code used for bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300342 (the code used for bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 51% 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 300342, not only bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $1.5M 29% of world exports
- 2 Italy $1.2M 23% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.1M 22% of world exports
World total: $5.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $6.5M 51% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $2.1M 17% of world imports
- 3 Algeria* ~$1.5M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $13M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments
Brazil classifies bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments under NCM 3003.42.00: HS 3003.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments
What is the HS code for Bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments?
The HS code for Bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments is 300342 (Medicaments; containing alkaloids or their derivatives, containing pseudoephedrine (INN) or its salts, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, (not packaged for retail sale)). The HS code for bulk medicaments containing pseudoephedrine or its salts (not in measured doses or retail packaging) is 3003.42.
How do I classify Bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments for customs?
Bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments is classified under HS code 300342 — Medicaments; containing alkaloids or their derivatives, containing pseudoephedrine (INN) or its salts, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, (not packaged for retail sale). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is pure pseudoephedrine powder classified here?
No, pure pseudoephedrine powder (a pure chemical) is classified under HS code 2939.42. Heading 3003.42 is only for medicaments consisting of mixed ingredients.
Which countries are the top exporters of bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments (HS 300342)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300342 (the code used for bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments) in UN Comtrade data were France ($1.5M, 29% of world exports), Italy ($1.2M) and Germany ($1.1M). World exports came to about $5.0M, 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 bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments (HS 300342)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300342 (the code used for bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($6.5M, 51% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($2.1M) and Algeria (about $1.5M). World imports came to about $13M, 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 Bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300342 for Bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments 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 bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments in Brazil?
In Brazil, bulk pseudoephedrine medicaments (HS 300342) is classified under NCM 3003.42.00.