Product classification
HS code for Cinchona alkaloids: 2939.20
Alkaloids, of cinchona and their derivatives, salts thereof.
Classification of cinchona alkaloids under HS 2939.20
Cinchona alkaloids are classified under HS code 2939.20 because they represent a specific group of vegetable alkaloids, their derivatives, and their salts, as defined in the nomenclature of Chapter 29. Chapter 29 is dedicated to organic chemicals, and heading 2939 specifically covers vegetable alkaloids, whether or not they are reproduced by synthesis. The Cinchona genus of plants is the primary source of these alkaloids, which include quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine. These compounds are extracted from the bark of the Cinchona tree and are valued for their medicinal properties, particularly in the treatment of malaria and cardiac arrhythmias. The classification 2939.20 is applied when these substances are imported or exported as pure chemical compounds or in bulk form. It is important to note that the HS system distinguishes between the raw botanical material (which would fall under Chapter 12) and the isolated chemical alkaloid. Furthermore, the product must not be prepared as a medicament in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale, as that would shift the classification to Chapter 30. The salts of these alkaloids, such as quinine hydrochloride or quinine sulfate, are also included under this specific subheading, provided they maintain their character as separate chemically defined compounds.
- Covers
- Quinine and its salts (e.g., quinine sulfate, quinine bisulfate)
- Quinidine and its salts
- Cinchonine and its salts
- Cinchonidine and its salts
- Ethylhydrocupreine (optochin)
- Derivatives of cinchona alkaloids used in chemical synthesis
- Also under 2939.20
- Qualaquin (Aralez Pharmaceuticals - Quinine sulfate)
- Quinidine Sulfate (various generic manufacturers)
- Cinchona Bark Extract (various herbal suppliers)
- Schweppes Tonic Water (contains quinine)
Codes often confused with 2939.20
Common mistake. Cinchona alkaloids are frequently misclassified under HS code 3003 or 3004. These codes are reserved for medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms for retail sale. If the quinine is in the form of a finished tablet or an injectable solution ready for patient use, it must be moved to Chapter 30. Another common error is using HS code 1211.90 for the raw cinchona bark. While the alkaloids are derived from the bark, the bark itself is a botanical product and belongs in Chapter 12.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293920 (the code used for cinchona alkaloids), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293920 (the code used for cinchona alkaloids) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 35% 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 293920, not only cinchona alkaloids.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $14M 31% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $10M 23% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $7.2M 16% of world exports
World total: $44M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $22M 35% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $8.2M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $5.1M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $64M 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 code for cinchona alkaloids
Brazil classifies cinchona alkaloids under NCM 2939.20.00: HS 2939.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cinchona alkaloids
What is the HS code for Cinchona alkaloids?
The HS code for Cinchona alkaloids is 293920 (Alkaloids; of cinchona and their derivatives; salts thereof).
How do I classify Cinchona alkaloids for customs?
Cinchona alkaloids is classified under HS code 293920 — Alkaloids; of cinchona and their derivatives; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for Quinine?
The HS code for Quinine and its salts is 2939.20.
Does this code include synthetic versions?
Yes, HS code 2939.20 includes cinchona alkaloids whether they are naturally extracted or reproduced by synthesis.
Which countries are the top exporters of cinchona alkaloids (HS 293920)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293920 (the code used for cinchona alkaloids) in UN Comtrade data were India ($14M, 31% of world exports), the Netherlands ($10M) and Indonesia ($7.2M). World exports came to about $44M, 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 cinchona alkaloids (HS 293920)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293920 (the code used for cinchona alkaloids) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($22M, 35% of world imports), the Netherlands ($8.2M) and the United States ($5.1M). World imports came to about $64M, 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 Cinchona alkaloids the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293920 for Cinchona alkaloids 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 cinchona alkaloids in Brazil?
In Brazil, cinchona alkaloids (HS 293920) is classified under NCM 2939.20.00.