Product classification
HS code for Norephedrine salts: 2939.44
Alkaloids, of ephedrine and their derivatives, norephedrine and its salts.
Classification of norephedrine salts under HS 2939.44
Norephedrine salts are classified under HS code 2939.44. This code falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and specifically heading 2939, which is reserved for alkaloids of vegetable origin (natural or reproduced by synthesis) and their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Norephedrine is a diastereomer of ephedrine, and its salts, such as norephedrine hydrochloride, are used extensively in the pharmaceutical industry as precursors or active ingredients. Unlike finished medicaments, these salts are typically traded in bulk as pure chemical substances. The classification is based on the chemical identity of the substance as an alkaloid derivative of the ephedrine group. Because norephedrine is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions due to its potential use as a precursor for illicit substances, the specific subheading 2939.44 allows for precise monitoring of international trade volumes by regulatory agencies.
- Covers
- Norephedrine hydrochloride (bulk)
- Norephedrine sulfate (bulk)
- Pure norephedrine base
- Phenylpropanolamine salts in powder form
- Synthetic norephedrine alkaloids
- 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 salts are often confused with HS code 3004.43. The distinction lies in the processing and packaging; 2939.44 is for the raw chemical substance, while 3004.43 is for the finished medicine. Additionally, it may be misclassified under 2939.41 (Ephedrine and its salts) or 2939.42 (Pseudoephedrine and its salts). While chemically related, each of these substances has its own specific subheading within the ephedrine group.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293944 (the code used for norephedrine salts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293944 (the code used for norephedrine salts) 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 salts.
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 salts
Brazil classifies norephedrine salts 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 salts
What is the HS code for Norephedrine salts?
The HS code for Norephedrine salts is 293944 (Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; norephedrine and its salts). The HS code for norephedrine and its salts in bulk form is 2939.44.
How do I classify Norephedrine salts for customs?
Norephedrine salts is classified under HS code 293944 — Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; norephedrine and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are these salts subject to international precursor control?
Yes, norephedrine is listed under the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and its trade is monitored under this HS code.
Which countries are the top exporters of norephedrine salts (HS 293944)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293944 (the code used for norephedrine salts) 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 salts (HS 293944)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293944 (the code used for norephedrine salts) 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 salts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293944 for Norephedrine salts 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 salts in Brazil?
In Brazil, norephedrine salts (HS 293944) is classified under NCM 2939.44.00.