Product classification

HS code for Methaqualone: 2933.55

Heterocyclic compounds, containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring in the structure, loprazolam (INN), mecloqualone (INN), methaqualone (INN), and zipeprol (INN), salts thereof.

Classification of methaqualone under HS 2933.55

Methaqualone is classified under HS code 2933.55 because it is a heterocyclic compound containing a pyrimidine ring system. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), organic chemicals are categorized based on their molecular structure. Methaqualone (INN) is specifically named in the subheadings of 2933, which covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. The pyrimidine ring is a six-membered aromatic heterocycle with two nitrogen atoms at the 1 and 3 positions. Since methaqualone contains this specific structure and is a chemically defined organic compound, it must be classified within this specific subheading rather than more general categories. This classification remains consistent regardless of whether the product is in its base form or as a salt, such as methaqualone hydrochloride. The international trade of this substance is strictly monitored under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which is reflected in its specific identification within the Harmonized System to facilitate global tracking and regulatory compliance.

Covers
  • Methaqualone (INN) base
  • Methaqualone hydrochloride
  • Methaqualone salts
  • Technical grade methaqualone for laboratory research
  • Pure methaqualone crystals
Also under 2933.55
  • Dormonoct (Loprazolam)
  • Quaalude (Methaqualone - historical)
  • Mequelon (Methaqualone - historical)
  • Zipeprol cough syrup (historical)

Codes often confused with 2933.55

Common mistake. Methaqualone is frequently confused with other heterocyclic compounds under HS code 2933.59, which serves as a residual category for other pyrimidine or piperazine derivatives. It may also be misclassified under HS code 3004 if it is prepared as a medicament in measured doses for therapeutic use. However, as a raw chemical substance, it must remain in Chapter 29. Another common error is placing it under 2933.54, which is reserved for other specific derivatives like malonylurea (barbituric acid).

2933.59Heterocyclic compounds; containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring in the structure, (other than malonylurea and its derivatives, loprazolam, mecloqualone, methaqualone, zipeprol, and salts thereof) n.e.c. in 2933.530.04Medicaments; (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 sale2933.54Heterocyclic compounds; containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring in the structure, other derivatives of malonylurea (barbituric acid) and salts thereof, n.e.c. in 2933.53

Top exporters and importers of HS 293355 (the code used for methaqualone), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293355 (the code used for methaqualone) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 97% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Colombia, with 24% 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 293355, not only methaqualone.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 France $800K
  2. 2 Malaysia $7K
  3. 3 Germany $5K

World total: $821K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Colombia $383K
  2. 2 Italy $354K
  3. 3 Poland $326K

World total: $1.6M 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 methaqualone

Brazil splits HS 2933.55 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 methaqualone

What is the HS code for Methaqualone?

The HS code for Methaqualone is 293355 (Heterocyclic compounds; containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring in the structure; loprazolam (INN), mecloqualone (INN), methaqualone (INN), and zipeprol (INN); salts thereof). The HS code for Methaqualone is 2933.55, which specifically covers loprazolam, mecloqualone, methaqualone, and zipeprol.

How do I classify Methaqualone for customs?

Methaqualone is classified under HS code 293355 — Heterocyclic compounds; containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring in the structure; loprazolam (INN), mecloqualone (INN), methaqualone (INN), and zipeprol (INN); salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include pharmaceutical preparations?

No, HS code 2933.55 is for the bulk chemical substance. If the product is formulated into tablets or capsules for retail sale as a medicine, it should be classified under heading 3004.

Which countries are the top exporters of methaqualone (HS 293355)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293355 (the code used for methaqualone) in UN Comtrade data were France ($800K, 97% of world exports), Malaysia ($7K) and Germany ($5K). World exports came to about $821K, 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 methaqualone (HS 293355)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293355 (the code used for methaqualone) in UN Comtrade data were Colombia ($383K, 24% of world imports), Italy ($354K) and Poland ($326K). World imports came to about $1.6M, 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 Methaqualone the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293355 for Methaqualone 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 methaqualone in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293355 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for methaqualone depends on the product's details: 2933.55.10 (Loprazolam and its salts), 2933.55.20 (Mecloqualone and its salts), 2933.55.30 (Methaqualone and its salts), 2933.55.40 (Zipeprol and its salts).