Product classification
HS code for Opium alkaloids: 2939.19
Alkaloids, of opium and their derivatives, other than in 2939.11, salts thereof.
Classification of opium alkaloids under HS 2939.19
Opium alkaloids and their derivatives are classified under HS code 2939.19 when they are not specifically named in the more specific subheading 2939.11. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2939 is dedicated to vegetable alkaloids, whether natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. While 2939.11 covers concentrates of poppy straw and specific alkaloids like morphine, codeine, and ethylmorphine, the 2939.19 code serves as a residual category for other opium-derived alkaloids such as thebaine, papaverine, and narcotine. These are chemically defined compounds, which distinguishes them from the crude vegetable extracts found in Chapter 13. The classification depends on the chemical purity and the specific molecular structure of the alkaloid, ensuring that these potent substances are tracked accurately for both regulatory and statistical purposes in the global chemical trade.
- Covers
- Thebaine and its salts
- Papaverine and its salts
- Narceine and its salts
- Cotarnine and its salts
- Derivatives of opium alkaloids not in 2939.11
- Also under 2939.19
- OxyContin API (Purdue Pharma)
- Vicodin API (AbbVie)
- Suboxone API (Indivior)
- Dilaudid API (Mallinckrodt)
- Naloxone HCl (various manufacturers)
Codes often confused with 2939.19
Common mistake. These substances are often confused with HS code 1302.11 (raw opium). The distinction lies in the level of refinement; 1302.11 is for the crude sap, while 2939.19 is for isolated, chemically defined alkaloids. They may also be confused with 2939.11, which is strictly for morphine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, and their specific salts. If the alkaloid is not one of those specifically listed in 2939.11, it must be classified in 2939.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293919 (the code used for opium alkaloids), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293919 (the code used for opium alkaloids) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 20% 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 293919, not only opium alkaloids.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $60M 20% of world exports
- 2 United States $55M 18% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $46M 15% of world exports
World total: $309M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $72M 20% of world imports
- 2 United States $51M 14% of world imports
- 3 China $43M 12% of world imports
World total: $365M 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 code for opium alkaloids
Brazil classifies opium alkaloids under NCM 2939.19.00: HS 2939.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about opium alkaloids
What is the HS code for Opium alkaloids?
The HS code for Opium alkaloids is 293919 (Alkaloids; of opium and their derivatives; other than in 2939.11, salts thereof). The general HS code for opium alkaloids not specifically listed elsewhere is 2939.19.
How do I classify Opium alkaloids for customs?
Opium alkaloids is classified under HS code 293919 — Alkaloids; of opium and their derivatives; other than in 2939.11, salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 2939.19 differ from 2939.11?
HS code 2939.11 is for specific major alkaloids like morphine and codeine, while 2939.19 is the 'other' category for all remaining opium alkaloids and their derivatives.
Which countries are the top exporters of opium alkaloids (HS 293919)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293919 (the code used for opium alkaloids) in UN Comtrade data were France ($60M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($55M) and Hungary ($46M). World exports came to about $309M, 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 opium alkaloids (HS 293919)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293919 (the code used for opium alkaloids) in UN Comtrade data were India ($72M, 20% of world imports), the United States ($51M) and China ($43M). World imports came to about $365M, 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 Opium alkaloids the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293919 for Opium alkaloids 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 opium alkaloids in Brazil?
In Brazil, opium alkaloids (HS 293919) is classified under NCM 2939.19.00.