Product classification
HS code for Ecgonine: 2939.72
Alkaloids, of vegetal origin, cocaine, ecgonine, salts, esters and other derivatives thereof.
Classification of ecgonine under HS 2939.72
Ecgonine is classified under HS code 2939.72. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and specifically within the section for alkaloids of vegetal origin. Heading 2939 is reserved for alkaloids, their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Ecgonine is a tropane alkaloid found naturally in coca leaves and serves as the chemical backbone for cocaine. The HS nomenclature provides specific subheadings for high-risk or strictly regulated substances to facilitate international monitoring and control. Subheading 2939.72 was established to specifically track ecgonine and its derivatives, separate from cocaine, which is classified under 2939.71. Classification requires precise chemical analysis to confirm the molecular structure and ensure it is not a different alkaloid. As an alkaloid derivative, it must be classified here rather than under general chemical headings or under Chapter 12, which covers the raw botanical source. The inclusion of salts and esters in this code ensures that chemical variations of the base molecule are captured under the same regulatory umbrella, preventing evasion through minor chemical modifications.
- Covers
- Ecgonine base
- Ecgonine hydrochloride
- Ecgonine methyl ester
- Benzoylecgonine
- Salts and esters of ecgonine
- 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. Ecgonine is most frequently misclassified under HS code 2939.71, which is the specific code for cocaine. While chemically related, the HS system maintains separate subheadings for these substances to assist law enforcement and health authorities. It may also be confused with 1211.30, which covers coca leaves; however, once the alkaloid is extracted or synthesized, it must move to Chapter 29. Another potential error is classification under 2939.79, the "other" category for alkaloids, but since ecgonine has its own specific subheading (2939.72), the "other" category is incorrect according to GRI 1.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293972 (the code used for ecgonine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293972 (the code used for ecgonine) 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 ecgonine.
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 ecgonine
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 ecgonine
What is the HS code for Ecgonine?
The HS code for Ecgonine is 293972 (Alkaloids; of vegetal origin, cocaine, ecgonine; salts, esters and other derivatives thereof). The specific HS code for ecgonine, including its salts and esters, is 2939.72.
How do I classify Ecgonine for customs?
Ecgonine 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.
Why is ecgonine classified separately from cocaine?
Ecgonine is classified separately to allow for more granular tracking of precursors and derivatives of coca alkaloids, which is essential for international drug control treaties.
Which countries are the top exporters of ecgonine (HS 293972)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293972 (the code used for ecgonine) 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 ecgonine (HS 293972)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293972 (the code used for ecgonine) 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 Ecgonine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293972 for Ecgonine 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 ecgonine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 293972 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for ecgonine 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).