Product classification
HS code for Pseudoephedrine: 2939.42
Alkaloids, of ephedrine and their derivatives, pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts.
Classification of pseudoephedrine under HS 2939.42
Pseudoephedrine as a pure chemical substance is classified under HS code 293942. This classification falls under Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2939 covers alkaloids, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Pseudoephedrine is an alkaloid of ephedra, and its classification is strictly governed by its chemical purity and its status as a separate chemically defined compound. This code is used for the bulk raw material used in pharmaceutical manufacturing rather than the finished medicinal products found on pharmacy shelves. Proper classification requires laboratory analysis or a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to confirm the molecular structure and purity levels consistent with Chapter 29 requirements.
- Covers
- Pseudoephedrine (INN)
- Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (bulk)
- Pseudoephedrine sulfate (bulk)
- Pure pseudoephedrine crystals
- Pseudoephedrine salts for laboratory use
- Also under 2939.42
- Sudafed (Johnson & Johnson)
- Claritin-D (Bayer)
- Zyrtec-D (Johnson & Johnson)
- Mucinex D (Reckitt Benckiser)
- Pseudoephedrine HCl API (various suppliers)
Codes often confused with 2939.42
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs between HS code 293942 and HS code 300442. While 293942 is for the bulk chemical, 300442 is for the finished medicament packaged for retail sale. Importers often confuse these when shipping active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Another common error is confusing it with Ephedrine (293941) or Norephedrine (293944), which are distinct isomers or related alkaloids with different regulatory controls under the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293942 (the code used for pseudoephedrine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293942 (the code used for pseudoephedrine) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 293942, not only pseudoephedrine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $30M 53% of world exports
- 2 Germany $20M 35% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $2.4M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.5M 15% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $3.5M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $3.2M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $56M 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
Brazil classifies pseudoephedrine under NCM 2939.42.00: HS 2939.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pseudoephedrine
What is the HS code for Pseudoephedrine?
The HS code for Pseudoephedrine is 293942 (Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts). The HS code for pseudoephedrine in its pure chemical or salt form is 293942.
How do I classify Pseudoephedrine for customs?
Pseudoephedrine is classified under HS code 293942 — Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is pseudoephedrine a controlled substance for shipping?
Yes, because it is a precursor for other substances, it is heavily regulated, and the HS code 293942 often triggers specific permit requirements from drug enforcement agencies.
Which countries are the top exporters of pseudoephedrine (HS 293942)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293942 (the code used for pseudoephedrine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($30M, 53% of world exports), Germany ($20M) and Switzerland ($2.4M). World exports came to about $57M, 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 (HS 293942)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293942 (the code used for pseudoephedrine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.5M, 15% of world imports), Switzerland ($3.5M) and Egypt ($3.2M). World imports came to about $56M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293942 for Pseudoephedrine 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, pseudoephedrine (HS 293942) is classified under NCM 2939.42.00.