Product classification

HS code for Tetracycline derivatives: 2941.30

Antibiotics, tetracyclines and their derivatives, salts thereof.

Classification of tetracycline derivatives under HS 2941.30

Tetracycline derivatives are classified under HS code 2941.30, which is a specific subheading within the chapter for organic chemicals. Heading 2941 covers antibiotics, which are defined as substances secreted by microorganisms that have the capacity to inhibit the growth of or destroy other microorganisms. Tetracyclines are a specific class of broad-spectrum antibiotics characterized by their four-ring structure. This code includes the base antibiotic as well as its derivatives and salts, provided they are chemically defined compounds. The classification is strictly for the bulk chemical substance. If these derivatives are formulated into dosages or packaged for retail sale as medicaments, they would move to Chapter 30. However, in their raw chemical or bulk form, used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), they remain in 2941.30. This ensures that the chemical identity of the substance is the primary factor in its customs categorization. The derivatives included here are often used in both human and veterinary medicine, but the HS code remains consistent based on the chemical structure rather than the end-user species. The classification covers both natural tetracyclines and those produced through semi-synthetic processes.

Covers
  • Doxycycline and its salts
  • Minocycline hydrochloride
  • Oxytetracycline
  • Chlortetracycline
  • Tetracycline phosphate complex
  • Tigecycline
Also under 2941.30
  • Doryx (doxycycline)
  • Minocin (minocycline)
  • Sumycin (tetracycline)

Codes often confused with 2941.30

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is placing these substances under 3004.20, which is for medicaments containing antibiotics. 3004 is only for products in measured doses or retail packaging. Another error is using 2941.10, which is specifically for penicillins and their derivatives, a completely different class of antibiotic chemicals.

3004.20Medicaments; containing antibiotics (other than penicillins, streptomycins or their derivatives), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale30.04Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed for retail sale2941.10Antibiotics; penicillins and their derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure; salts thereof

Top exporters and importers of HS 294130 (the code used for tetracycline derivatives), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 294130 (the code used for tetracycline derivatives) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 68% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 294130, not only tetracycline derivatives.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $425M
  2. 2 Italy $54M
  3. 3 Portugal $45M

World total: $628M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $115M
  2. 2 India $66M
  3. 3 Italy $46M

World total: $710M 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 tetracycline derivatives

Brazil splits HS 2941.30 into 5 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 tetracycline derivatives

What is the HS code for Tetracycline derivatives?

The HS code for Tetracycline derivatives is 294130 (Antibiotics; tetracyclines and their derivatives; salts thereof). The HS code for tetracyclines and their derivatives in bulk chemical form is 2941.30.

How do I classify Tetracycline derivatives for customs?

Tetracycline derivatives is classified under HS code 294130 — Antibiotics; tetracyclines and their derivatives; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code cover finished antibiotic pills?

No, finished pills or capsules ready for patient use are classified under heading 3004.

Which countries are the top exporters of tetracycline derivatives (HS 294130)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 294130 (the code used for tetracycline derivatives) in UN Comtrade data were China ($425M, 68% of world exports), Italy ($54M) and Portugal ($45M). World exports came to about $628M, 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 tetracycline derivatives (HS 294130)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 294130 (the code used for tetracycline derivatives) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($115M, 16% of world imports), India ($66M) and Italy ($46M). World imports came to about $710M, 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 Tetracycline derivatives the same in all countries?

The base HS code 294130 for Tetracycline derivatives 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 tetracycline derivatives in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 294130 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for tetracycline derivatives depends on the product's details: 2941.30.10 (Tetracycline hydrochloride), 2941.30.20 (Oxytetracycline), 2941.30.31 (Minocycline), 2941.30.32 (Minocycline salts), 2941.30.90 (Other tetracyclines and derivatives).