Product classification
HS code for Erythromycin derivatives: 2941.50
Antibiotics, erythromycin and its derivatives, salts thereof.
Classification of erythromycin derivatives under HS 2941.50
Erythromycin and its derivatives are classified under HS code 2941.50. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Heading 2941 is specifically dedicated to antibiotics. The Harmonized System organizes antibiotics by their chemical structure or specific name, and erythromycin is granted its own subheading at 2941.50. This code includes the base antibiotic erythromycin as well as its various derivatives and salts, which are often created to improve stability, absorption, or taste for pharmaceutical applications. To be classified here, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound in bulk form. If the erythromycin is prepared in measured doses or packaged for retail sale as a medicine, the classification would shift to Chapter 30. The inclusion of 'salts thereof' ensures that common pharmaceutical forms like erythromycin stearate or estolate remain within this specific subheading when traded as raw chemical ingredients.
- Covers
- Erythromycin base
- Erythromycin estolate
- Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
- Erythromycin lactobionate
- Erythromycin stearate
- Salts of erythromycin derivatives
- Also under 2941.50
- Ery-Tab (erythromycin)
- Zithromax (azithromycin)
- Biaxin (clarithromycin)
Codes often confused with 2941.50
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3004.20. While 2941.50 covers the bulk antibiotic substance, 3004.20 covers medicaments containing antibiotics put up in measured doses (like tablets or capsules) or in forms for retail sale. Another error involves 2941.90, which is a 'catch-all' for other antibiotics; however, because erythromycin is specifically named in 2941.50, the specific code takes precedence over the general one according to GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 294150 (the code used for erythromycin derivatives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 294150 (the code used for erythromycin derivatives) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 69% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 35% 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 294150, not only erythromycin derivatives.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $324M 69% of world exports
- 2 India $103M 22% of world exports
- 3 Italy $14M 3.0% of world exports
World total: $471M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $185M 35% of world imports
- 2 Japan $41M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Croatia $32M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $524M 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 erythromycin derivatives
Brazil splits HS 2941.50 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2941.50.10Clarithromycin
- 2941.50.20Erythromycin and its salts
- 2941.50.90Other erythromycin derivatives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about erythromycin derivatives
What is the HS code for Erythromycin derivatives?
The HS code for Erythromycin derivatives is 294150 (Antibiotics; erythromycin and its derivatives; salts thereof). The HS code for erythromycin, its derivatives, and their salts in bulk chemical form is 2941.50.
How do I classify Erythromycin derivatives for customs?
Erythromycin derivatives is classified under HS code 294150 — Antibiotics; erythromycin and its derivatives; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are erythromycin tablets classified under 2941.50?
No, erythromycin in tablet form or any measured dosage for medical use is classified under HS code 3004.20, as it is considered a finished medicament.
Which countries are the top exporters of erythromycin derivatives (HS 294150)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 294150 (the code used for erythromycin derivatives) in UN Comtrade data were China ($324M, 69% of world exports), India ($103M) and Italy ($14M). World exports came to about $471M, 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 erythromycin derivatives (HS 294150)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 294150 (the code used for erythromycin derivatives) in UN Comtrade data were India ($185M, 35% of world imports), Japan ($41M) and Croatia ($32M). World imports came to about $524M, 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 Erythromycin derivatives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 294150 for Erythromycin derivatives 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 erythromycin derivatives in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 294150 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for erythromycin derivatives depends on the product's details: 2941.50.10 (Clarithromycin), 2941.50.20 (Erythromycin and its salts), 2941.50.90 (Other erythromycin derivatives).