Product classification

HS code for Tetracycline: 2941.30

Antibiotics, tetracyclines and their derivatives, salts thereof.

Classification of tetracycline under HS 2941.30

Tetracycline and its various derivatives and salts are classified under HS code 2941.30. This classification is found in Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals), specifically under heading 2941, which is dedicated to antibiotics. Antibiotics are defined in the Harmonized System as substances produced by living microorganisms which have the property of inhibiting the growth of or destroying other microorganisms. Tetracyclines are a specific group of broad-spectrum antibiotics characterized by their four-ring naphthacene core structure. This HS code covers the bulk chemical substances, whether they are natural or produced by synthesis. It includes not only the base tetracycline but also its derivatives like oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline, provided they retain the essential tetracycline structure. It is important to note that this code is for the raw material or bulk substance used in manufacturing, rather than the finished dosage forms ready for patient use, which are classified elsewhere in the tariff.

Covers
  • Tetracycline base (bulk)
  • Tetracycline hydrochloride (salt)
  • Oxytetracycline and its salts
  • Chlortetracycline and its salts
  • Tetracycline phosphate complex
  • Other chemical derivatives of tetracycline in bulk form
Also under 2941.30
  • Doryx (doxycycline)
  • Minocin (minocycline)
  • Sumycin (tetracycline)

Codes often confused with 2941.30

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is placing these products under HS code 3004.20. Chapter 30 covers pharmaceutical products, and 3004 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. If the tetracycline is in the form of tablets, capsules, or ointments ready for the consumer, it belongs in 3004.20. However, if it is imported as a bulk powder for further processing, it must be classified in 2941.30. Another error is confusing it with other antibiotics like Penicillins (2941.10) or Streptomycins (2941.20).

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 thereof2941.20Antibiotics; streptomycins and their derivatives; salts thereof

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 294130 (the code used for tetracycline) 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.

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

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

What is the HS code for Tetracycline?

The HS code for Tetracycline is 294130 (Antibiotics; tetracyclines and their derivatives; salts thereof). The HS code for bulk tetracycline, its derivatives, and their salts is 2941.30.

How do I classify Tetracycline for customs?

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

Does this code include tetracycline tablets?

No, tetracycline tablets put up for retail sale or in measured doses are classified under HS code 3004.20 as finished medicaments.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 294130 (the code used for tetracycline) 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 (HS 294130)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 294130 (the code used for tetracycline) 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 the same in all countries?

The base HS code 294130 for Tetracycline 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 in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 294130 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for tetracycline 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).