Product classification

HS code for Chloramphenicol derivatives: 2941.40

Antibiotics, chloramphenicol and its derivatives, salts thereof.

Classification of chloramphenicol derivatives under HS 2941.40

Chloramphenicol and its derivatives are classified under HS code 2941.40 according to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Specifically, GRI 1 dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals, and heading 2941 is dedicated to antibiotics. Within this heading, subheading 2941.40 is a specific provision for chloramphenicol, its derivatives, and their salts. This classification applies to the substance in its pure chemical form or as a bulk pharmaceutical ingredient. The chemical structure of chloramphenicol, characterized by its nitrobenzene ring and propanediol chain, necessitates its placement within this specific organic chemical category. It is important to note that this code is reserved for separate chemically defined compounds; once the substance is formulated into a medicament for retail sale or measured doses, the classification shifts to Chapter 30.

Covers
  • Chloramphenicol base
  • Chloramphenicol palmitate
  • Chloramphenicol sodium succinate
  • Chloramphenicol pantothenate
  • Crystalline chloramphenicol for industrial use
Also under 2941.40
  • Chloromycetin (chloramphenicol eye drops/ointment)
  • various veterinary chloramphenicol formulations

Codes often confused with 2941.40

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3004.10 or 3004.20. While 2941.40 covers the bulk chemical, 3004 covers medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. Importers often confuse the raw antibiotic powder (2941) with the finished medicine (3004). Additionally, it may be confused with other antibiotics under 2941.10 (Penicillins) or 2941.30 (Tetracyclines) if the chemical structure is not clearly identified on the MSDS.

3004.10Medicaments; containing penicillins, streptomycins or their derivatives, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale3004.20Medicaments; containing antibiotics (other than penicillins, streptomycins or their derivatives), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale30.04Medicaments; (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 thereof

Top exporters and importers of HS 294140 (the code used for chloramphenicol derivatives), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 294140 (the code used for chloramphenicol derivatives) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 91% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, 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 294140, not only chloramphenicol derivatives.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $112M
  2. 2 India $2.6M
  3. 3 Germany $2.3M

World total: $122M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Brazil $15M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$8.7M
  3. 3 Germany $8.5M

World total: $109M 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 codes for chloramphenicol derivatives

Brazil splits HS 2941.40 into 4 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 chloramphenicol derivatives

What is the HS code for Chloramphenicol derivatives?

The HS code for Chloramphenicol derivatives is 294140 (Antibiotics; chloramphenicol and its derivatives; salts thereof).

How do I classify Chloramphenicol derivatives for customs?

Chloramphenicol derivatives is classified under HS code 294140 — Antibiotics; chloramphenicol and its derivatives; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for chloramphenicol?

The HS code for chloramphenicol and its derivatives in bulk form is 2941.40.

Does this code apply to chloramphenicol eye drops?

No, eye drops are finished medicaments and are typically classified under heading 3004, specifically 3004.20, as they are prepared for retail sale in measured doses.

Which countries are the top exporters of chloramphenicol derivatives (HS 294140)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 294140 (the code used for chloramphenicol derivatives) in UN Comtrade data were China ($112M, 91% of world exports), India ($2.6M) and Germany ($2.3M). World exports came to about $122M, 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 chloramphenicol derivatives (HS 294140)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 294140 (the code used for chloramphenicol derivatives) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($15M, 14% of world imports), Vietnam (about $8.7M) and Germany ($8.5M). World imports came to about $109M, 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 Chloramphenicol derivatives the same in all countries?

The base HS code 294140 for Chloramphenicol derivatives 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 chloramphenicol derivatives in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 294140 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for chloramphenicol derivatives depends on the product's details: 2941.40.11 (Chloramphenicol and its palmitate and succinates), 2941.40.19 (Other chloramphenicol esters), 2941.40.20 (Thiamphenicol and its esters), 2941.40.90 (Other chloramphenicol derivatives and salts).