Product classification
HS code for Norephedrine: 2939.44
Alkaloids, of ephedrine and their derivatives, norephedrine and its salts.
Classification of norephedrine under HS 2939.44
Norephedrine, also known as phenylpropanolamine, is classified under HS code 2939.44. This code falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and specifically heading 2939, which is dedicated to alkaloids of vegetable origin, their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Norephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine often used as a precursor in chemical synthesis or as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The classification 2939.44 is reserved for the pure chemical substance or its salts (such as norephedrine hydrochloride) that have not yet been formulated into a finished medicament. Because norephedrine is a precursor chemical often subject to international monitoring under the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, precise classification under 2939.44 is critical for regulatory compliance and import/export permits. The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the molecule, which contains the alkaloid backbone characteristic of the Ephedra plant derivatives, even if the substance is produced synthetically.
- Covers
- Pure norephedrine crystals for laboratory use
- Norephedrine hydrochloride in bulk powder form
- Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) as a raw chemical
- Salts of norephedrine for industrial manufacturing
- Norephedrine sulfate in non-retail packaging
- Also under 2939.44
- Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) in cold medicines (historical)
- Cathine in Khat (natural source)
- various pharmaceutical intermediates
Codes often confused with 2939.44
Common mistake. Norephedrine is often confused with HS code 2939.41 (Ephedrine) or 2939.42 (Pseudoephedrine) due to their similar chemical structures and shared origin in the Ephedra genus. However, each isomer and derivative has its own specific subheading. Another common error is using HS code 3004.43, which is reserved for the finished medicine. If the product is a bulk chemical and not in a measured dose or retail pack, it must remain in Chapter 29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293944 (the code used for norephedrine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293944 (the code used for norephedrine) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 28% 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 293944, not only norephedrine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $3.6M 62% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$1.9M 33% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $170K 2.9% of world exports
World total: $5.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $1.3M 28% of world imports
- 2 Philippines $737K 15% of world imports
- 3 Japan $704K 15% of world imports
World total: $4.8M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 norephedrine
Brazil classifies norephedrine under NCM 2939.44.00: HS 2939.44 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about norephedrine
What is the HS code for Norephedrine?
The HS code for Norephedrine is 293944 (Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; norephedrine and its salts). The HS code for norephedrine and its salts in pure chemical form is 2939.44.
How do I classify Norephedrine for customs?
Norephedrine is classified under HS code 293944 — Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; norephedrine and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is norephedrine classified as a narcotic?
While not a narcotic itself, it is classified as a precursor chemical (Schedule I or II in many jurisdictions) and requires specific documentation under HS code 2939.44.
Which countries are the top exporters of norephedrine (HS 293944)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293944 (the code used for norephedrine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($3.6M, 62% of world exports), Taiwan (about $1.9M) and Malaysia ($170K). World exports came to about $5.8M, 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 norephedrine (HS 293944)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293944 (the code used for norephedrine) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($1.3M, 28% of world imports), the Philippines ($737K) and Japan ($704K). World imports came to about $4.8M, 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 Norephedrine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293944 for Norephedrine 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 norephedrine in Brazil?
In Brazil, norephedrine (HS 293944) is classified under NCM 2939.44.00.