Product classification
HS code for Cocaine: 2939.72
Alkaloids, of vegetal origin, cocaine, ecgonine, salts, esters and other derivatives thereof.
Classification of cocaine under HS 2939.72
Cocaine and its derivatives are classified under HS code 2939.72. This code falls under Chapter 29, which is dedicated to organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2939 covers alkaloids of vegetal origin, whether natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Subheading 2939.72 is the specific designation for cocaine, ecgonine, and their respective salts and esters. This classification is strictly for the chemical compound itself, often used in medical contexts as a local anesthetic or in forensic and laboratory standards. Due to its status as a controlled substance, the movement of goods under this code requires stringent licensing and documentation from national health and drug enforcement agencies.
- Covers
- Cocaine hydrochloride
- Cocaine base (freebase)
- Ecgonine
- Esters of ecgonine
- Salts of cocaine used in pharmaceutical preparations
- Also under 2939.72
- Pharmaceutical-grade cocaine for medical use (e.g., topical anesthetic)
- research-grade standards from NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Codes often confused with 2939.72
Common mistake. Cocaine is frequently confused with HS code 1211.30, which is the code for the raw coca leaf. The distinction lies in the level of processing: Chapter 12 is for botanical products, while Chapter 29 is for isolated chemical compounds. Another misclassification is HS code 3004.40, which covers medicaments containing alkaloids. If the cocaine is put up in measured doses for therapeutic use, it may move from Chapter 29 to Chapter 30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293972 (the code used for cocaine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293972 (the code used for cocaine) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 38% 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 293972, not only cocaine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $2.7M 59% of world exports
- 2 Norway $613K 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $455K 9.8% of world exports
World total: $4.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $1.6M 38% of world imports
- 2 Australia $527K 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $497K 12% of world imports
World total: $4.2M 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 cocaine
Brazil splits HS 2939.72 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2939.72.10Cocaine and its salts
- 2939.72.20Ecgonine and its salts
- 2939.72.90Other cocaine and ecgonine derivatives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cocaine
What is the HS code for Cocaine?
The HS code for Cocaine is 293972 (Alkaloids; of vegetal origin, cocaine, ecgonine; salts, esters and other derivatives thereof). The HS code for cocaine, ecgonine, and their salts or esters is 2939.72.
How do I classify Cocaine for customs?
Cocaine is classified under HS code 293972 — Alkaloids; of vegetal origin, cocaine, ecgonine; salts, esters and other derivatives thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is crack cocaine classified under this code?
Yes, as a base form of the alkaloid, it falls under the chemical classification of 2939.72, though its trade is generally prohibited outside of specific legal exceptions.
Which countries are the top exporters of cocaine (HS 293972)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293972 (the code used for cocaine) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($2.7M, 59% of world exports), Norway ($613K) and Germany ($455K). World exports came to about $4.7M, 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 cocaine (HS 293972)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293972 (the code used for cocaine) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.6M, 38% of world imports), Australia ($527K) and Germany ($497K). World imports came to about $4.2M, 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 Cocaine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293972 for Cocaine 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 cocaine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 293972 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for cocaine depends on the product's details: 2939.72.10 (Cocaine and its salts), 2939.72.20 (Ecgonine and its salts), 2939.72.90 (Other cocaine and ecgonine derivatives).