Product classification

HS code for Secobarbital: 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 secobarbital under HS 2933.53

Secobarbital is a barbiturate derivative that functions as a central nervous system depressant, primarily used as a sedative or hypnotic. In the Harmonized System, it is classified under Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, it falls under heading 29.33, which is reserved for heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. Within this heading, subheading 2933.53 specifically lists Secobarbital (INN) and its salts, alongside other barbiturates like amobarbital and phenobarbital. This classification is strictly based on the chemical's molecular structure—a pyrimidine ring (a six-membered ring with two nitrogen atoms). Because Secobarbital is a regulated pharmaceutical substance, its classification is also influenced by international conventions on psychotropic substances, such as the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The HS code 2933.53 is used for the bulk chemical form of the drug. If the product were prepared in measured doses for retail sale as a medicament, the classification would shift to Chapter 30, but as a pure chemical compound or salt, it remains in 2933.53. This distinction is critical for customs clearance, as Chapter 29 items are often subject to different regulatory oversight than finished pharmaceuticals in Chapter 30.

Covers
  • Secobarbital (INN) bulk powder
  • Secobarbital sodium salts
  • Quinalbarbitone (alternative name)
  • Seconal (as a pure chemical substance)
  • Salts of secobarbital for laboratory use
Also under 2933.53
  • Pfizer
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Sandoz (Novartis)
  • Hikma Pharmaceuticals
  • Mylan (now Viatris)

Codes often confused with 2933.53

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is under 3004.40, which covers medicaments containing alkaloids or their derivatives. While Secobarbital is a medicine, it is only classified in Chapter 30 if it is in measured doses or packaged for retail sale. Another error is using 2933.52, which covers malonylurea (barbituric acid) and its salts, but Secobarbital is a specific derivative that belongs in 2933.53.

2933.52Heterocyclic compounds; containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring in the structure, malonylurea (barbituric acid) and its salts

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293353 (the code used for secobarbital) 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 secobarbital.

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 secobarbital

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 secobarbital

What is the HS code for Secobarbital?

The HS code for Secobarbital 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 specific HS code for Secobarbital and its salts is 2933.53.

How do I classify Secobarbital for customs?

Secobarbital 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.

Is Secobarbital a controlled substance for import?

Yes, it is strictly controlled under international drug treaties and requires specific import/export permits in most jurisdictions.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293353 (the code used for secobarbital) 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 secobarbital (HS 293353)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293353 (the code used for secobarbital) 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 Secobarbital the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293353 for Secobarbital 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 secobarbital in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293353 into 12 NCM codes, so the right one for secobarbital 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.