HS Code for Ephedra

Ephedra is classified under HS code 1211.50 based on its nature as a raw plant material used primarily for medicinal or pharmaceutical purposes. Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System encompasses oil seeds, oleaginous fruits, and various industrial or medicinal plants. Heading 1211 specifically covers plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits) of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy, or for insecticidal, fungicidal, or similar purposes. Within this heading, 1211.50 is the specific international subheading for the Ephedra plant. This classification applies to the plant in its natural state, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried. It also includes the plant material if it has been cut, crushed, or ground into a powder. The essential criterion for classification under 1211.50 is that the plant has not undergone any extraction process or chemical modification. Once the active alkaloids are extracted or the plant is processed into a refined vegetable sap, it must be classified in Chapter 13. This code is vital for customs authorities to monitor the trade of botanical precursors used in the production of stimulants.

Products Included

• Dried Ephedra sinica stems
• Powdered ephedra herb (Ma Huang)
• Fresh ephedra plant parts for pharmaceutical processing
• Crushed ephedra leaves and stalks
• Frozen ephedra plant material

Common Misclassification

Ephedra is most commonly misclassified under 1302.14, which is reserved for ephedra extracts. It is also sometimes confused with 1211.90 (other medicinal plants) if the specific subheading 1211.50 is overlooked. Additionally, pure ephedrine alkaloids are classified in 2939.41, not 1211.50.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Ephedra?

The HS code for the raw or dried Ephedra plant is 1211.50.

Does this code include ephedra tea bags?

If the tea bags contain only crushed ephedra leaves, they may stay in 1211.50, but if they are blended with other herbs for retail sale, they may move to 2106.90.