Product classification

HS code for Caffeine: 2939.30

Alkaloids, caffeine and its salts.

Classification of caffeine under HS 2939.30

Caffeine is classified under HS code 293930, which specifically covers "Alkaloids; caffeine and its salts." This classification falls within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, dedicated to organic chemicals. Caffeine, being a naturally occurring organic compound containing nitrogen atoms, is categorized as an alkaloid. The code encompasses both naturally derived and synthetically produced caffeine, provided it is in a purified chemical form. This precise classification ensures that caffeine, whether used in pharmaceuticals, food and beverage industries, or other chemical applications, is consistently identified for customs, trade, and regulatory purposes, reflecting its chemical identity as an alkaloid and its salts.

Covers
  • Anhydrous caffeine
  • Caffeine citrate
  • Caffeine sodium benzoate
  • Synthetic caffeine (purified)
  • Natural caffeine extracts (purified chemical form)
Also under 2939.30
  • Red Bull (contains caffeine)
  • Coca-Cola (contains caffeine)
  • Excedrin (contains caffeine)
  • NoDoz (contains caffeine)
  • Caffeine powder (various supplement brands)

Codes often confused with 2939.30

Common mistake. Common misclassifications for caffeine often arise from its presence in various products. HS code 293999 covers "Other vegetable alkaloids, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives," which could be confused if the specific alkaloid is not identified as caffeine. The distinction is that 293930 is exclusively for caffeine and its salts, while 293999 is a residual category for other alkaloids. Another area of confusion is with HS code 210111, which covers "Extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee." While these products contain caffeine, 210111 applies to the coffee extract itself, not purified caffeine. If caffeine is extracted and purified from coffee, it would then fall under 293930. Furthermore, finished pharmaceutical preparations containing caffeine, such as tablets or capsules, are classified under Chapter 30, typically under codes like 300490, as they are medicaments, not the raw chemical substance.

2101.11Extracts, essences and concentrates; of coffee, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of coffee3004.90Medicaments; consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 293930 (the code used for caffeine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293930 (the code used for caffeine) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 293930, not only caffeine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $175M
  2. 2 China $170M
  3. 3 India $70M

World total: $556M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $135M
  2. 2 Germany $69M
  3. 3 Ireland $69M

World total: $634M 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 caffeine

Brazil splits HS 2939.30 into 2 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 caffeine

What is the HS code for Caffeine?

The HS code for Caffeine is 293930 (Alkaloids; caffeine and its salts). The HS code for Caffeine is 293930. This code specifically covers caffeine and its salts, classifying it as an alkaloid within the organic chemicals chapter of the Harmonized System.

How do I classify Caffeine for customs?

Caffeine is classified under HS code 293930 — Alkaloids; caffeine and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is synthetic caffeine classified under this code?

Yes, both naturally derived and synthetically produced caffeine, when in a purified chemical form, are classified under HS code 293930. The origin does not alter its chemical classification as caffeine or its salts.

Which countries are the top exporters of caffeine (HS 293930)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293930 (the code used for caffeine) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($175M, 31% of world exports), China ($170M) and India ($70M). World exports came to about $556M, 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 caffeine (HS 293930)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293930 (the code used for caffeine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($135M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($69M) and Ireland ($69M). World imports came to about $634M, 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 Caffeine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293930 for Caffeine 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 caffeine in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293930 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for caffeine depends on the product's details: 2939.30.10 (Caffeine), 2939.30.20 (Caffeine salts).