Product classification
HS code for Codeine: 2939.19
Alkaloids, of opium and their derivatives, other than in 2939.11, salts thereof.
Classification of codeine under HS 2939.19
Codeine is classified under HS code 2939.19 because it is an alkaloid of opium and its derivatives. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2939 specifically addresses vegetable alkaloids, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Within this heading, the 2939.1x series is dedicated to alkaloids of opium and their derivatives. While 2939.11 is reserved for concentrates of poppy straw, phenylacetic acid, and its salts, 2939.19 serves as the residual category for other opium alkaloids, including codeine and its salts like codeine phosphate. The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the substance as a pure compound rather than a formulated medicament. If the codeine is presented as a bulk raw material for pharmaceutical manufacturing, it remains in Chapter 29. However, the purity and the absence of additives or excipients are critical factors in maintaining this classification under General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1. The substance must be chemically defined to stay within this chapter; once it is prepared as a dosage form for retail sale, the classification shifts to Chapter 30.
- Covers
- Codeine phosphate
- Codeine sulfate
- Codeine hydrochloride
- Methylmorphine
- Codeine anhydrous
- Salts of codeine in bulk form
- Also under 2939.19
- OxyContin API (Purdue Pharma)
- Vicodin API (AbbVie)
- Suboxone API (Indivior)
- Dilaudid API (Mallinckrodt)
- Naloxone HCl (various manufacturers)
Codes often confused with 2939.19
Common mistake. Codeine is frequently misclassified under HS code 3004.40 or 3004.90. This occurs when the product is imported as a finished medicine (e.g., tablets or cough syrup) rather than a bulk chemical. HS code 3004 is for medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses. Another common error is using 2939.11, which is specifically for morphine and its salts, or 2933.33, which covers different types of alkaloids like fentanyl or pethidine.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293919 (the code used for codeine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293919 (the code used for codeine) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 20% 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 293919, not only codeine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $60M 20% of world exports
- 2 United States $55M 18% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $46M 15% of world exports
World total: $309M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $72M 20% of world imports
- 2 United States $51M 14% of world imports
- 3 China $43M 12% of world imports
World total: $365M 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 codeine
Brazil classifies codeine under NCM 2939.19.00: HS 2939.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about codeine
What is the HS code for Codeine?
The HS code for Codeine is 293919 (Alkaloids; of opium and their derivatives; other than in 2939.11, salts thereof). The HS code for codeine as a bulk alkaloid is 2939.19.
How do I classify Codeine for customs?
Codeine is classified under HS code 293919 — Alkaloids; of opium and their derivatives; other than in 2939.11, salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is codeine classified differently if it is in tablet form?
Yes, if codeine is prepared in measured doses or packaged for retail sale as a medicine, it is classified under heading 3004, typically 3004.43 or 3004.90, depending on the other ingredients.
Which countries are the top exporters of codeine (HS 293919)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293919 (the code used for codeine) in UN Comtrade data were France ($60M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($55M) and Hungary ($46M). World exports came to about $309M, 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 codeine (HS 293919)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293919 (the code used for codeine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($72M, 20% of world imports), the United States ($51M) and China ($43M). World imports came to about $365M, 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 Codeine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293919 for Codeine 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 codeine in Brazil?
In Brazil, codeine (HS 293919) is classified under NCM 2939.19.00.