Product classification
HS code for Ephedrine medicine: 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 medicine under HS 3004.41
Ephedrine medicine is classified under HS code 3004.41, which covers pharmaceutical products containing ephedrine or its salts. Chapter 30 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to pharmaceutical products. Heading 3004 specifically includes 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 ampoules) or in forms or packings for retail sale. Subheading 3004.41 is the specific category for these medicaments when they contain alkaloids or their derivatives, specifically ephedrine. This classification takes precedence over Chapter 29 (pure chemicals) and Chapter 13 (extracts) because the product has been prepared for final medical use. The key criteria for 3004.41 are the dosage form and the retail packaging. If the ephedrine is mixed with other active ingredients but is still intended for therapeutic use and packaged for the end consumer, it remains within this classification. This code is essential for regulating the legal trade of finished pharmaceuticals containing controlled substances.
- Covers
- Ephedrine tablets in blister packs
- Ephedrine sulfate injections in ampoules
- Cough syrups containing ephedrine in retail bottles
- Ephedrine capsules in measured doses
- Nasal drops containing ephedrine for retail sale
- 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 medicine is often confused with 3003.41, which covers medicaments containing ephedrine that are not put up in measured doses or for retail sale (bulk medicaments). It is also frequently misclassified as the pure alkaloid in 2939.41 if the retail packaging is ignored.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300441 (the code used for ephedrine medicine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300441 (the code used for ephedrine medicine) 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 medicine.
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 medicine
Brazil classifies ephedrine medicine 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 medicine
What is the HS code for Ephedrine medicine?
The HS code for Ephedrine medicine 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 ephedrine-based medicaments in retail packaging or measured doses is 3004.41.
How do I classify Ephedrine medicine for customs?
Ephedrine medicine 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.
What if the medicine contains other ingredients?
If ephedrine is the primary alkaloid component and the product is a retail medicament, it is still classified under 3004.41.
Which countries are the top exporters of ephedrine medicine (HS 300441)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300441 (the code used for ephedrine medicine) 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 medicine (HS 300441)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300441 (the code used for ephedrine medicine) 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 medicine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300441 for Ephedrine medicine 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 medicine in Brazil?
In Brazil, ephedrine medicine (HS 300441) is classified under NCM 3004.41.00.