Product classification
HS code for Quinine: 2939.20
Alkaloids, of cinchona and their derivatives, salts thereof.
Classification of quinine under HS 2939.20
Quinine and its derivatives are classified under HS code 2939.20. This code is situated within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2939 covers alkaloids of vegetable origin, their structural derivatives, and their salts. Quinine is a natural alkaloid extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree. The classification 2939.20 is reserved for the pure chemical compound and its salts (such as quinine sulfate or quinine hydrochloride) when they are not yet prepared as medicaments in measured doses or in forms for retail sale. The chemical purity and the absence of additives for therapeutic use are the primary factors for classification here. This follows GRI 1 and the Chapter 29 notes, which prioritize the chemical identity of the substance over its eventual application, provided it remains a separate chemically defined compound.
- Covers
- Quinine alkaloid powder
- Quinine sulfate and bisulfate
- Quinine hydrochloride
- Cinchona alkaloids and their salts
- Also under 2939.20
- Qualaquin (Aralez Pharmaceuticals - Quinine sulfate)
- Quinidine Sulfate (various generic manufacturers)
- Cinchona Bark Extract (various herbal suppliers)
- Schweppes Tonic Water (contains quinine)
Codes often confused with 2939.20
Common mistake. Quinine is frequently misclassified under HS code 3004.20 or 3004.90. These codes are for medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses. If the quinine is in tablet or capsule form for treating malaria, it belongs in Chapter 30. Another error is classification under 2202.10 for tonic water; while tonic water contains quinine, it is a beverage and must be classified in Chapter 22 based on its food-grade preparation and sugar content.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293920 (the code used for quinine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293920 (the code used for quinine) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 35% 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 293920, not only quinine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $14M 31% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $10M 23% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $7.2M 16% of world exports
World total: $44M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $22M 35% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $8.2M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $5.1M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $64M 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 quinine
Brazil classifies quinine under NCM 2939.20.00: HS 2939.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about quinine
What is the HS code for Quinine?
The HS code for Quinine is 293920 (Alkaloids; of cinchona and their derivatives; salts thereof). The HS code for quinine, its derivatives, and their salts as pure chemicals is 2939.20.
How do I classify Quinine for customs?
Quinine is classified under HS code 293920 — Alkaloids; of cinchona and their derivatives; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is quinine in tablet form classified under 2939.20?
No, quinine tablets for medical use are classified under heading 3004 as prepared medicaments.
Which countries are the top exporters of quinine (HS 293920)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293920 (the code used for quinine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($14M, 31% of world exports), the Netherlands ($10M) and Indonesia ($7.2M). World exports came to about $44M, 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 quinine (HS 293920)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293920 (the code used for quinine) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($22M, 35% of world imports), the Netherlands ($8.2M) and the United States ($5.1M). World imports came to about $64M, 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 Quinine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293920 for Quinine 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 quinine in Brazil?
In Brazil, quinine (HS 293920) is classified under NCM 2939.20.00.