Product classification
HS code for Penicillin: 2941.10
Antibiotics, penicillins and their derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure, salts thereof.
Classification of penicillin under HS 2941.10
Penicillin in its raw or bulk form is classified under HS code 294110. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Heading 2941 is dedicated to antibiotics, and subheading 294110 specifically identifies penicillins and their derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure, including their salts. To qualify for this code, the substance must be a separate chemically defined compound, typically the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) before it has been formulated into a finished medicament. The classification relies on the molecular structure, which must feature the characteristic fused beta-lactam and thiazolidine rings. This code is used by chemical manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies importing raw materials for further processing or formulation. It excludes any penicillin that has been mixed with excipients or put up in measured doses for therapeutic use, as those are moved to Chapter 30.
- Covers
- Amoxicillin in bulk powder form
- Ampicillin and its salts
- Penicillin G potassium (bulk)
- Penicillin V free acid
- 6-Aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA)
- Benzylpenicillin sodium
- Also under 2941.10
- Amoxil (amoxicillin)
- Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate)
- Pen-Vee K (penicillin V potassium)
Codes often confused with 2941.10
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 300410. While 294110 is for the bulk chemical substance, 300410 is for the finished medicine in retail packaging or measured doses. Another common error is using 294120, which is specifically for streptomycins and their derivatives, or 294190, which is a residual category for other antibiotics like erythromycin or tetracycline.
Top exporters and importers of HS 294110 (the code used for penicillin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 294110 (the code used for penicillin) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 34% 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 294110, not only penicillin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $753M 52% of world exports
- 2 India $274M 19% of world exports
- 3 Spain $136M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $648M 34% of world imports
- 2 Italy $75M 3.9% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $71M 3.7% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 penicillin
Brazil splits HS 2941.10 into 9 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2941.10.10Ampicillin and its salts
- 2941.10.20Amoxicillin and its salts
- 2941.10.31Penicillin V potassium
- 2941.10.39Penicillin V; other derivatives and salts
- 2941.10.41Penicillin G potassium
- 2941.10.42Penicillin G benzathine
- 2941.10.43Penicillin G procaine
- 2941.10.49Penicillin G; other derivatives and salts
- 2941.10.90Other penicillins and their derivatives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about penicillin
What is the HS code for Penicillin?
The HS code for Penicillin is 294110 (Antibiotics; penicillins and their derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure; salts thereof). The HS code for bulk penicillin and its derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure is 294110.
How do I classify Penicillin for customs?
Penicillin is classified under HS code 294110 — Antibiotics; penicillins and their derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include penicillin tablets?
No, penicillin tablets are considered finished medicaments and are classified under HS code 300410, not the bulk chemical code 294110.
Which countries are the top exporters of penicillin (HS 294110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 294110 (the code used for penicillin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($753M, 52% of world exports), India ($274M) and Spain ($136M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 penicillin (HS 294110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 294110 (the code used for penicillin) in UN Comtrade data were India ($648M, 34% of world imports), Italy ($75M) and the United Kingdom ($71M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 Penicillin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 294110 for Penicillin 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 penicillin in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 294110 into 9 NCM codes, so the right one for penicillin depends on the product's details: 2941.10.10 (Ampicillin and its salts), 2941.10.20 (Amoxicillin and its salts), 2941.10.31 (Penicillin V potassium), 2941.10.39 (Penicillin V; other derivatives and salts), 2941.10.41 (Penicillin G potassium), 2941.10.42 (Penicillin G benzathine), and more.