Product classification
HS code for Pseudoephedrine drugs: 3004.42
Medicaments, containing alkaloids or their derivatives, containing pseudoephedrine (INN) or its salts, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale.
Classification of pseudoephedrine drugs under HS 3004.42
Pseudoephedrine drugs are classified under HS code 3004.42. This code is situated within Chapter 30, which covers pharmaceutical products. Heading 30.04 specifically refers to medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. Subheading 3004.42 is reserved for those medicaments containing alkaloids or their derivatives, specifically containing pseudoephedrine (INN) or its salts. The classification logic hinges on two primary factors: the presence of pseudoephedrine as an active pharmaceutical ingredient and the fact that the product is packaged for retail sale (e.g., in blister packs or bottles intended for the end consumer). If the product were in bulk form and not packaged for retail, it would likely fall under heading 30.03. This classification is vital for regulatory monitoring, as pseudoephedrine is a precursor chemical subject to international controls to prevent its diversion into illicit drug manufacturing.
- Covers
- Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride tablets for retail sale
- Cold and flu medications containing pseudoephedrine
- Nasal decongestants in retail packaging
- Allergy relief capsules containing pseudoephedrine salts
- Also under 3004.42
- Sudafed
- Claritin-D
- Mucinex D
- Allegra-D
- Zyrtec-D
Codes often confused with 3004.42
Common mistake. A common error is classifying these drugs under 2939.42, which is the code for pure pseudoephedrine as a chemical alkaloid. Another misclassification occurs with 3003.42, which covers medicaments containing pseudoephedrine that are not put up in measured doses or for retail sale (bulk pharmaceuticals). Importers must ensure the packaging status is correctly identified to choose between 3003 and 3004.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300442 (the code used for pseudoephedrine drugs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300442 (the code used for pseudoephedrine drugs) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 7.6% 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 300442, not only pseudoephedrine drugs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $53M 21% of world exports
- 2 Germany $38M 15% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $31M 13% of world exports
World total: $247M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $21M 7.6% of world imports
- 2 Poland $18M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 Italy $17M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $273M 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 pseudoephedrine drugs
Brazil classifies pseudoephedrine drugs under NCM 3004.42.00: HS 3004.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pseudoephedrine drugs
What is the HS code for Pseudoephedrine drugs?
The HS code for Pseudoephedrine drugs is 300442 (Medicaments; containing alkaloids or their derivatives, containing pseudoephedrine (INN) or its salts, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale). The HS code for pseudoephedrine drugs packaged for retail sale is 3004.42.
How do I classify Pseudoephedrine drugs for customs?
Pseudoephedrine drugs is classified under HS code 300442 — Medicaments; containing alkaloids or their derivatives, containing pseudoephedrine (INN) or its salts, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include medications mixed with paracetamol?
Yes, provided the primary active alkaloid derivative is pseudoephedrine and it is packaged for retail sale, though some jurisdictions may prioritize other headings if the paracetamol content is the defining characteristic.
Which countries are the top exporters of pseudoephedrine drugs (HS 300442)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300442 (the code used for pseudoephedrine drugs) in UN Comtrade data were France ($53M, 21% of world exports), Germany ($38M) and Switzerland ($31M). World exports came to about $247M, 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 pseudoephedrine drugs (HS 300442)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300442 (the code used for pseudoephedrine drugs) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($21M, 7.6% of world imports), Poland ($18M) and Italy ($17M). World imports came to about $273M, 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 Pseudoephedrine drugs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300442 for Pseudoephedrine drugs 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 pseudoephedrine drugs in Brazil?
In Brazil, pseudoephedrine drugs (HS 300442) is classified under NCM 3004.42.00.