Product classification
HS code for Ephedrine: 2939.41
Alkaloids, of ephedrine and their derivatives, salts thereof.
Classification of ephedrine under HS 2939.41
Ephedrine is classified under HS code 2939.41 as a chemically defined alkaloid. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to organic chemicals, and heading 2939 specifically covers alkaloids of vegetable origin, their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Within the subheadings for alkaloids of ephedrine and their derivatives, 2939.41 is the specific code for ephedrine and its salts. This classification is strictly reserved for the pure chemical substance, whether it is naturally derived from the ephedra plant or synthetically produced. The product must be a separate chemically defined compound to meet the requirements of Chapter 29. This means it should not contain the other vegetable matter found in extracts (Chapter 13) or be mixed with other ingredients for therapeutic use (Chapter 30). Because ephedrine is a precursor chemical used in the illicit manufacture of stimulants, this HS code is subject to intense regulatory scrutiny and international reporting requirements under various drug control treaties.
- Covers
- Pure ephedrine alkaloid
- Ephedrine hydrochloride
- Ephedrine sulfate
- Anhydrous ephedrine
- Ephedrine crystals or crystalline powder
- Also under 2939.41
- Vicks VapoRub (contains ephedrine in some formulations)
- Primatene Mist (ephedrine inhaler, discontinued in some markets)
- Ephedrine HCL (various API suppliers)
- Bronkaid (contains ephedrine)
Codes often confused with 2939.41
Common mistake. Ephedrine is often misclassified under 2939.42, which is the code for pseudoephedrine, a closely related but distinct isomer. It is also frequently confused with 1302.14 (ephedra extract) or 3004.41 (finished ephedrine medicine). Accurate chemical analysis is often required to distinguish it from other alkaloids in the 2939.4x series.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293941 (the code used for ephedrine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293941 (the code used for ephedrine) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 19% 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 293941, not only ephedrine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $2.3M 60% of world exports
- 2 Germany $916K 24% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $159K 4.2% of world exports
World total: $3.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Egypt $1.1M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $981K 16% of world imports
- 3 Russia* ~$606K 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $6.0M 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
Brazil classifies ephedrine under NCM 2939.41.00: HS 2939.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ephedrine
What is the HS code for Ephedrine?
The HS code for Ephedrine is 293941 (Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; salts thereof). The HS code for pure ephedrine and its salts is 2939.41.
How do I classify Ephedrine for customs?
Ephedrine is classified under HS code 293941 — Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is synthetic ephedrine classified differently?
No, both naturally extracted and synthetically produced ephedrine are classified under 2939.41 as long as they are pure chemical substances.
Which countries are the top exporters of ephedrine (HS 293941)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293941 (the code used for ephedrine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($2.3M, 60% of world exports), Germany ($916K) and Denmark ($159K). World exports came to about $3.8M, 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 (HS 293941)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293941 (the code used for ephedrine) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($1.1M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($981K) and Russia (about $606K). World imports came to about $6.0M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293941 for Ephedrine 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, ephedrine (HS 293941) is classified under NCM 2939.41.00.