Product classification

HS code for Hydrocortisone: 2937.21

Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues, cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone).

Classification of hydrocortisone under HS 2937.21

Hydrocortisone is classified under HS code 2937.21. This classification is based on its identity as a steroidal hormone. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2937 is specifically designated for hormones, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, as well as their derivatives and structural analogues used primarily as hormones. Subheading 2937.21 specifically names cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone), and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone). Hydrocortisone is a naturally occurring corticosteroid produced by the adrenal cortex and is widely used in medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. For classification under this code, the product must be a pure, chemically defined compound. This means it is in its bulk form, not yet processed into final dosage forms like tablets, creams, or injectable solutions for retail sale.

Covers
  • Pure hydrocortisone powder
  • Hydrocortisone acetate (bulk)
  • Hydrocortisone sodium succinate (bulk)
  • Micronized hydrocortisone USP/BP
Also under 2937.21
  • Cortef (Pfizer)
  • Deltasone (Pfizer)
  • Medrol (Pfizer)
  • Solu-Medrol (Pfizer)
  • Orapred (Shionogi)

Codes often confused with 2937.21

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification of hydrocortisone is under HS code 3004.32. Heading 3004 covers 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 hydrocortisone is already formulated into a tube of cream or a bottle of pills, it belongs in Chapter 30. Another error is confusing it with other steroidal hormones in 2937.22 or 2937.29.

3004.32Medicaments; containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale30.04Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed for retail sale2937.22Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; halogenated derivatives of corticosteroidal hormones2937.29Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; other than cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone), prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone), halogenated derivatives of corticosteroidal hormones, oestrogen and progestogens

Top exporters and importers of HS 293721 (the code used for hydrocortisone), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293721 (the code used for hydrocortisone) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 15% 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 293721, not only hydrocortisone.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $144M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 Italy $19M

World total: $238M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $36M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 Italy $19M

World total: $235M 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 hydrocortisone

Brazil splits HS 2937.21 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about hydrocortisone

What is the HS code for Hydrocortisone?

The HS code for Hydrocortisone is 293721 (Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone)). The HS code for pure, bulk hydrocortisone is 2937.21.

How do I classify Hydrocortisone for customs?

Hydrocortisone is classified under HS code 293721 — Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What code is used for hydrocortisone cream sold in pharmacies?

Hydrocortisone cream packaged for retail sale is classified under HS code 3004.32, as it is a finished medicament.

Which countries are the top exporters of hydrocortisone (HS 293721)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293721 (the code used for hydrocortisone) in UN Comtrade data were China ($144M, 60% of world exports), the United States ($22M) and Italy ($19M). World exports came to about $238M, 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 hydrocortisone (HS 293721)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293721 (the code used for hydrocortisone) in UN Comtrade data were India ($36M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($22M) and Italy ($19M). World imports came to about $235M, 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 Hydrocortisone the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293721 for Hydrocortisone 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 hydrocortisone in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293721 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for hydrocortisone depends on the product's details: 2937.21.10 (Cortisone), 2937.21.20 (Hydrocortisone), 2937.21.30 (Prednisone (dehydrocortisone)), 2937.21.40 (Prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone)).