Product classification

HS code for Cortisone: 2937.21

Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues, cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone).

Classification of cortisone under HS 2937.21

Cortisone is classified under HS code 2937.21 as it is a specific steroidal hormone in its pure chemical or bulk form. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2937 is dedicated to hormones, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, natural or reproduced by synthesis, as well as their derivatives and structural analogues used primarily as hormones. Subheading 2937.21 specifically identifies cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone), and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone). This classification is appropriate for the raw material used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. It is important to distinguish these bulk substances from finished pharmaceutical preparations. The Harmonized System separates chemicals by their degree of processing; Chapter 29 is for chemically defined compounds, whereas Chapter 30 is for prepared medicines. Therefore, as long as the cortisone is a pure chemical compound not yet formulated into a final dosage form like a tablet or a retail-ready ointment, it remains under 2937.21.

Covers
  • Pure cortisone powder
  • Bulk hydrocortisone chemical
  • Prednisone in raw chemical form
  • Prednisolone acetate (bulk)
Also under 2937.21
  • Cortef (Pfizer)
  • Deltasone (Pfizer)
  • Medrol (Pfizer)
  • Solu-Medrol (Pfizer)
  • Orapred (Shionogi)

Codes often confused with 2937.21

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 3004.32, which covers the same hormones but only when they are prepared as medicaments in measured doses or retail packaging. Another common error is using 2937.22, which is reserved for halogenated derivatives of corticosteroidal hormones, such as dexamethasone or triamcinolone.

3004.32Medicaments; containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale2937.22Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; halogenated derivatives of corticosteroidal hormones

Top exporters and importers of HS 293721 (the code used for cortisone), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293721 (the code used for cortisone) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 15% 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 293721, not only cortisone.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $144M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 Italy $19M

World total: $238M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $36M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 Italy $19M

World total: $235M 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 cortisone

Brazil splits HS 2937.21 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 cortisone

What is the HS code for Cortisone?

The HS code for Cortisone is 293721 (Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone)).

How do I classify Cortisone for customs?

Cortisone is classified under HS code 293721 — Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for pure cortisone?

The HS code for pure, bulk cortisone is 2937.21.

How does this differ from hydrocortisone?

Both cortisone and hydrocortisone are actually grouped together under the same subheading, 2937.21, as they are closely related steroidal hormones.

Which countries are the top exporters of cortisone (HS 293721)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293721 (the code used for cortisone) in UN Comtrade data were China ($144M, 60% of world exports), the United States ($22M) and Italy ($19M). World exports came to about $238M, 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 cortisone (HS 293721)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293721 (the code used for cortisone) in UN Comtrade data were India ($36M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($22M) and Italy ($19M). World imports came to about $235M, 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 Cortisone the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293721 for Cortisone 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 cortisone in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293721 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for cortisone depends on the product's details: 2937.21.10 (Cortisone), 2937.21.20 (Hydrocortisone), 2937.21.30 (Prednisone (dehydrocortisone)), 2937.21.40 (Prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone)).