Product classification
HS code for Chloramphenicol: 2941.40
Antibiotics, chloramphenicol and its derivatives, salts thereof.
Classification of chloramphenicol under HS 2941.40
Chloramphenicol is classified under HS code 2941.40. This classification is based on its chemical identity as a specific antibiotic substance. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2941 is specifically designated for antibiotics. Within this heading, the international community has assigned a dedicated subheading, 2941.40, for chloramphenicol, its derivatives, and their salts. This classification applies to the substance when it is imported or exported in bulk form as a pure chemical or raw material. The classification is driven by the molecular structure of the compound, which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic originally derived from Streptomyces venezuelae. Even when produced synthetically, it remains under this code because the HS nomenclature classifies antibiotics based on their chemical nature rather than their method of production.
- Covers
- Chloramphenicol (bulk powder)
- Chloramphenicol palmitate
- Chloramphenicol sodium succinate
- Thiamphenicol
- Salts of chloramphenicol
- Esters of chloramphenicol
- 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, which covers medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or for retail sale. If chloramphenicol is packaged as finished capsules, eye drops, or ointments for consumer use, it must be classified under 3004. Another error involves 2941.90, which is a residual category for other antibiotics; however, since chloramphenicol is explicitly named in 2941.40, the specific code takes precedence over the general one.
Top exporters and importers of HS 294140 (the code used for chloramphenicol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 294140 (the code used for chloramphenicol) 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.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $112M 91% of world exports
- 2 India $2.6M 2.1% of world exports
- 3 Germany $2.3M 1.9% of world exports
World total: $122M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $15M 14% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$8.7M 8.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $8.5M 7.8% of world imports
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
Brazil splits HS 2941.40 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2941.40.11Chloramphenicol and its palmitate and succinates
- 2941.40.19Other chloramphenicol esters
- 2941.40.20Thiamphenicol and its esters
- 2941.40.90Other chloramphenicol derivatives and salts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chloramphenicol
What is the HS code for Chloramphenicol?
The HS code for Chloramphenicol is 294140 (Antibiotics; chloramphenicol and its derivatives; salts thereof). The HS code for chloramphenicol in its bulk chemical form is 2941.40.
How do I classify Chloramphenicol for customs?
Chloramphenicol is classified under HS code 294140 — Antibiotics; chloramphenicol and its derivatives; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include chloramphenicol eye drops?
No, eye drops are considered finished medicaments and are classified under heading 3004 rather than the bulk chemical code 2941.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of chloramphenicol (HS 294140)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 294140 (the code used for chloramphenicol) 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 (HS 294140)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 294140 (the code used for chloramphenicol) 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 294140 for Chloramphenicol 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 in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 294140 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for chloramphenicol 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).