Product classification

HS code for Prednisone: 2937.21

Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues, cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone).

Classification of prednisone under HS 2937.21

Prednisone is classified under HS code 2937.21 as a result of its chemical structure as a steroidal hormone. Specifically, Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals, and heading 2937 is dedicated to hormones, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is explicitly named in the subheading 2937.21 alongside cortisone and hydrocortisone. This classification applies to the bulk chemical substance in its pure form or as a derivative. The Harmonized System prioritizes the chemical identity of a substance when it is traded as a raw material. Because Prednisone is a dehydro derivative of cortisone, it fits perfectly into this specific chemical nomenclature. It is essential to distinguish between the bulk active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and the finished medicine, as the processing level changes the classification entirely.

Covers
  • Pure Prednisone powder (bulk)
  • Prednisone acetate in bulk form
  • Dehydrocortisone (Prednisone) chemical compounds
  • Prednisone salts for pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Unmixed steroidal hormones for systemic use
Also under 2937.21
  • Cortef (Pfizer)
  • Deltasone (Pfizer)
  • Medrol (Pfizer)
  • Solu-Medrol (Pfizer)
  • Orapred (Shionogi)

Codes often confused with 2937.21

Common mistake. Prednisone is frequently misclassified under HS code 3004.32. While 3004.32 covers medicaments containing adrenal cortical hormones put up in measured doses (like tablets or bottles of syrup), 2937.21 is strictly for the bulk chemical. If the product is in a drum for factory use, it is 2937.21; if it is in a blister pack for a patient, it is 3004.32. Another error involves 2937.29, which is a residual category for other steroidal hormones; however, since Prednisone is specifically named in 2937.21, the residual code should not be used.

3004.32Medicaments; containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale2937.29Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; other than cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone), prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone), halogenated derivatives of corticosteroidal hormones, oestrogen and progestogens

Top exporters and importers of HS 293721 (the code used for prednisone), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293721 (the code used for prednisone) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 15% 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 293721, not only prednisone.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $144M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 Italy $19M

World total: $238M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $36M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 Italy $19M

World total: $235M 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 prednisone

Brazil splits HS 2937.21 into 4 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 prednisone

What is the HS code for Prednisone?

The HS code for Prednisone is 293721 (Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone)). The HS code for bulk Prednisone is 2937.21, while Prednisone in dosage form (tablets) is 3004.32.

How do I classify Prednisone for customs?

Prednisone is classified under HS code 293721 — Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is Prednisone classified as a steroid for customs purposes?

Yes, it is classified under the category of steroidal hormones, their derivatives, and structural analogues within the organic chemicals chapter.

Which countries are the top exporters of prednisone (HS 293721)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293721 (the code used for prednisone) in UN Comtrade data were China ($144M, 60% of world exports), the United States ($22M) and Italy ($19M). World exports came to about $238M, 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 prednisone (HS 293721)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293721 (the code used for prednisone) in UN Comtrade data were India ($36M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($22M) and Italy ($19M). World imports came to about $235M, 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 Prednisone the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293721 for Prednisone 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 prednisone in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293721 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for prednisone depends on the product's details: 2937.21.10 (Cortisone), 2937.21.20 (Hydrocortisone), 2937.21.30 (Prednisone (dehydrocortisone)), 2937.21.40 (Prednisolone (dehydrohydrocortisone)).