Product classification
HS code for Ephedrine drugs: 3004.41
Medicaments, containing alkaloids or their derivatives, containing ephedrine or its salts, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale.
Classification of ephedrine drugs under HS 3004.41
Medicaments containing ephedrine are classified under HS code 3004.41, following the specific guidelines set forth in Chapter 30 of the Harmonized System, which governs pharmaceutical products. The classification process for drugs is highly dependent on the form in which the product is presented and its chemical composition. Heading 3004 is reserved for medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, provided they are put up in measured doses (such as tablets, capsules, or transdermal patches) or packaged for retail sale. This distinguishes them from bulk pharmaceutical substances found in Chapter 29. Within heading 3004, the subheadings are organized by the active ingredient. Subheading 3004.41 is specifically dedicated to medicaments containing alkaloids or their derivatives, specifically ephedrine or its salts. Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine commonly used as a decongestant, bronchodilator, or for the treatment of hypotension. The classification under 3004.41 applies to finished products like allergy medications, asthma treatments, or cold remedies where ephedrine is the primary active component. It is important to note that for a product to be classified here, it must be ready for use by the end consumer or medical professional without further processing. If the ephedrine were imported as a pure chemical powder in large drums for use in manufacturing, it would be classified under 2939.41. The distinction between 3004.41 and other subheadings in 3004, such as 3004.90, is based on the specific chemical identity of the alkaloid.
- Covers
- Ephedrine sulfate tablets
- Nasal decongestant drops containing ephedrine
- Oral solutions with ephedrine for retail sale
- Injectable ephedrine in measured ampoules
- Also under 3004.41
- Primatene Tablets (older formulations)
- Vicks VapoRub (some formulations)
- generic ephedrine products
- Bronkaid (older formulations)
Codes often confused with 3004.41
Common mistake. Ephedrine drugs are often confused with pure ephedrine alkaloids classified under 2939.41. The difference lies in the preparation: 2939.41 is for the raw chemical, while 3004.41 is for the finished medicine. Another common error is using 3003.41, which is for ephedrine medicaments not put up in measured doses or retail packaging.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300441 (the code used for ephedrine drugs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300441 (the code used for ephedrine drugs) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 300441, not only ephedrine drugs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $7.2M 17% of world exports
- 2 Canada $5.8M 14% of world exports
- 3 Italy $4.8M 11% of world exports
World total: $43M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $18M 38% of world imports
- 2 Serbia $6.0M 13% of world imports
- 3 Russia* ~$2.2M 4.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $47M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 ephedrine drugs
Brazil classifies ephedrine drugs under NCM 3004.41.00: HS 3004.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ephedrine drugs
What is the HS code for Ephedrine drugs?
The HS code for Ephedrine drugs is 300441 (Medicaments; containing alkaloids or their derivatives, containing ephedrine or its salts, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale). The HS code for medicaments containing ephedrine or its salts, put up for retail sale or in measured doses, is 3004.41.
How do I classify Ephedrine drugs for customs?
Ephedrine drugs is classified under HS code 300441 — Medicaments; containing alkaloids or their derivatives, containing ephedrine or its salts, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include pseudoephedrine?
No, pseudoephedrine and its salts in medicament form are typically classified under 3004.42, as the HS system provides distinct subheadings for these related but different alkaloids.
Which countries are the top exporters of ephedrine drugs (HS 300441)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300441 (the code used for ephedrine drugs) in UN Comtrade data were France ($7.2M, 17% of world exports), Canada ($5.8M) and Italy ($4.8M). World exports came to about $43M, 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 ephedrine drugs (HS 300441)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300441 (the code used for ephedrine drugs) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($18M, 38% of world imports), Serbia ($6.0M) and Russia (about $2.2M). World imports came to about $47M, 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 Ephedrine drugs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300441 for Ephedrine drugs 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 ephedrine drugs in Brazil?
In Brazil, ephedrine drugs (HS 300441) is classified under NCM 3004.41.00.