Product classification
HS code for Erythromycin: 2941.50
Antibiotics, erythromycin and its derivatives, salts thereof.
Classification of erythromycin under HS 2941.50
Erythromycin is classified under HS code 2941.50 because it is a specifically identified antibiotic within the organic chemicals sector of the Harmonized System. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GRI 1), classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 2941 is dedicated to antibiotics, which are defined as substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit the growth of or destroy other microorganisms. Erythromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, is explicitly named in the subheadings. For a product to remain in Chapter 29, it must be a separate chemically defined compound, even if it contains impurities. This code covers the bulk active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) rather than the finished dosage form. The classification also encompasses the various salts and derivatives of erythromycin, such as erythromycin stearate or erythromycin ethylsuccinate, provided they retain the essential chemical character of the parent antibiotic and are not more specifically provided for elsewhere in the tariff schedule.
- Covers
- Bulk erythromycin base
- Erythromycin stearate (salt)
- Erythromycin ethylsuccinate (derivative)
- Erythromycin lactobionate
- Erythromycin estolate
- Purified erythromycin for laboratory use
- 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 3004.10 or 3004.20. While Chapter 29 covers bulk chemicals and antibiotics as raw materials, Chapter 30 is reserved for medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. If the erythromycin is in the form of tablets, capsules, or ointments ready for patient use, it must be moved to 3004. Additionally, some confuse it with 2941.90, which is the residual category for other antibiotics; however, since erythromycin is specifically named in 2941.50, the specific code takes precedence over the general one.
Top exporters and importers of HS 294150 (the code used for erythromycin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 294150 (the code used for erythromycin) 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.
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
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
What is the HS code for Erythromycin?
The HS code for Erythromycin is 294150 (Antibiotics; erythromycin and its derivatives; salts thereof). The specific HS code for erythromycin, its salts, and its derivatives in bulk form is 2941.50.
How do I classify Erythromycin for customs?
Erythromycin is classified under HS code 294150 — Antibiotics; erythromycin and its derivatives; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include erythromycin skin creams?
No, erythromycin skin creams or topical gels are considered finished medicaments and are typically classified under HS code 3004.20, as they are prepared for retail sale and therapeutic use.
Which countries are the top exporters of erythromycin (HS 294150)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 294150 (the code used for erythromycin) 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 (HS 294150)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 294150 (the code used for erythromycin) 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 294150 for Erythromycin 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 in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 294150 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for erythromycin depends on the product's details: 2941.50.10 (Clarithromycin), 2941.50.20 (Erythromycin and its salts), 2941.50.90 (Other erythromycin derivatives).