Product classification
HS code for Cathine: 2939.43
Alkaloids, of ephedrine and their derivatives, cathine (INN) and its salts.
Classification of cathine under HS 2939.43
Cathine is classified under HS code 2939.43. This classification is found in Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, specifically within the section for vegetable alkaloids. Heading 2939 covers vegetable alkaloids, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Cathine, also known as d-norpseudoephedrine (INN), is a psychoactive substance found in the Khat plant. Because it is a specifically named alkaloid in the Harmonized System nomenclature, it is assigned its own subheading under the group of ephedrines and their salts (2939.41 through 2939.49). The classification is strictly determined by the chemical identity of the substance. This level of specificity is maintained in the HS system to facilitate the monitoring and control of substances that are subject to international drug conventions, such as the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. GRI 1 applies here as the substance is named explicitly in the subheading text.
- Covers
- Cathine (INN) pure substance
- Cathine hydrochloride (salt)
- Cathine sulfate (salt)
- D-Norpseudoephedrine
- Synthetic cathine for laboratory use
- Also under 2939.43
- Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine)
- specific pharmaceutical raw materials from companies like Siegfried
- Cambrex
Codes often confused with 2939.43
Common mistake. Cathine is often confused with other alkaloids in the same group. For example, Ephedrine is 2939.41 and Pseudoephedrine is 2939.42. It is also sometimes confused with Norephedrine (2939.44). Accurate chemical identification is required to distinguish between these isomers. Furthermore, if the substance is contained within the Khat plant material itself (not extracted), it might be classified under 1211.90 as a plant part used in pharmacy, though many jurisdictions treat the plant and the alkaloid under the same restrictive codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293943 (the code used for cathine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293943 (the code used for cathine) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 88% 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 293943, not only cathine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $246K 61% of world exports
- 2 Romania $144K 35% of world exports
- 3 Poland $9K 2.1% of world exports
World total: $405K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Egypt $216K 88% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $7K 3.0% of world imports
- 3 Belarus* ~$7K 2.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $245K 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 cathine
Brazil classifies cathine under NCM 2939.43.00: HS 2939.43 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cathine
What is the HS code for Cathine?
The HS code for Cathine is 293943 (Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; cathine (INN) and its salts). The HS code for Cathine and its salts is 2939.43.
How do I classify Cathine for customs?
Cathine is classified under HS code 293943 — Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; cathine (INN) and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Cathine classified differently if it is synthetic?
No, HS code 2939.43 covers both natural vegetable alkaloids and those reproduced by synthesis, provided they have the same chemical structure.
Which countries are the top exporters of cathine (HS 293943)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293943 (the code used for cathine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($246K, 61% of world exports), Romania ($144K) and Poland ($9K). World exports came to about $405K, 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 cathine (HS 293943)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293943 (the code used for cathine) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($216K, 88% of world imports), Nigeria ($7K) and Belarus (about $7K). World imports came to about $245K, 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 Cathine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293943 for Cathine 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 cathine in Brazil?
In Brazil, cathine (HS 293943) is classified under NCM 2939.43.00.