Product classification

HS code for Phenobarbital: 2933.53

Allobarbital (INN), amobarbital (INN), barbital (INN), butalbital (INN), butobarbital, cyclobarbital (INN), methylphenobarbital (INN), pentobarbital (INN), phenobarbital (INN), secbutabarbital (INN), secobarbital (INN) and vinylbital (INN), salts thereof.

Classification of phenobarbital under HS 2933.53

Phenobarbital is classified under HS code 2933.53. It is a barbiturate derivative, which is a type of heterocyclic compound containing a pyrimidine ring (malonylurea) in its structure. Heading 2933 covers nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds, and the 2933.5x series specifically addresses compounds containing a pyrimidine ring or piperazine ring. Subheading 2933.53 is the dedicated code for various barbiturates, including phenobarbital and its salts. This classification is strictly for the pure chemical substance or its salts in bulk form. Due to its status as a controlled substance in many jurisdictions, accurate classification under this code is vital for international regulatory compliance.

Covers
  • Phenobarbital (INN)
  • Phenobarbital sodium
  • Phenobarbital calcium
  • Bulk phenobarbital powder
  • Phenobarbital acid
Also under 2933.53
  • Pfizer
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Sandoz (Novartis)
  • Hikma Pharmaceuticals
  • Mylan (now Viatris)

Codes often confused with 2933.53

Common mistake. Phenobarbital is often misclassified under HS code 3004.49 or 3004.90, which are codes for medicaments put up for retail sale. While phenobarbital is a medication, the pure chemical substance belongs in Chapter 29. It may also be confused with other pyrimidine derivatives under HS code 2933.59, but since it is a barbiturate, it must be classified under the more specific 2933.53.

3004.49Medicaments; containing alkaloids or their derivatives; other than ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (INN) or norephedrine or their salts; for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale3004.90Medicaments; consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale2933.59Heterocyclic 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 2933.5

Top exporters and importers of HS 293353 (the code used for phenobarbital), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293353 (the code used for phenobarbital) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 293353, not only phenobarbital.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $9.0M
  2. 2 Ireland $5.9M
  3. 3 China $5.8M

World total: $34M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $5.6M
  2. 2 Netherlands $4.6M
  3. 3 Germany $3.2M

World total: $31M 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 phenobarbital

Brazil splits HS 2933.53 into 12 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 phenobarbital

What is the HS code for Phenobarbital?

The HS code for Phenobarbital is 293353 (Allobarbital (INN), amobarbital (INN), barbital (INN), butalbital (INN), butobarbital, cyclobarbital (INN), methylphenobarbital (INN), pentobarbital (INN), phenobarbital (INN), secbutabarbital (INN), secobarbital (INN) and vinylbital (INN); salts thereof). The HS code for phenobarbital and its salts is 2933.53, which falls under heterocyclic compounds with a pyrimidine ring.

How do I classify Phenobarbital for customs?

Phenobarbital is classified under HS code 293353 — Allobarbital (INN), amobarbital (INN), barbital (INN), butalbital (INN), butobarbital, cyclobarbital (INN), methylphenobarbital (INN), pentobarbital (INN), phenobarbital (INN), secbutabarbital (INN), secobarbital (INN) and vinylbital (INN); salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does the HS code change for phenobarbital tablets?

Yes, if the phenobarbital is in tablet form or packaged for retail sale as a finished medicine, it is classified under HS code 3004.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of phenobarbital (HS 293353)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293353 (the code used for phenobarbital) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($9.0M, 27% of world exports), Ireland ($5.9M) and China ($5.8M). World exports came to about $34M, 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 phenobarbital (HS 293353)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293353 (the code used for phenobarbital) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.6M, 18% of world imports), the Netherlands ($4.6M) and Germany ($3.2M). World imports came to about $31M, 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 Phenobarbital the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293353 for Phenobarbital 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 phenobarbital in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293353 into 12 NCM codes, so the right one for phenobarbital depends on the product's details: 2933.53.11 (Allobarbital and its salts), 2933.53.12 (Amobarbital and its salts), 2933.53.21 (Barbital and its salts), 2933.53.22 (Butalbital and its salts), 2933.53.23 (Butobarbital and its salts), 2933.53.30 (Cyclobarbital and its salts), and more.