What HS code for caffeine imports?
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HS-4 · Heading
2939 — Alkaloids; natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives
Chapter 29: Organic chemicals
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 2939 when importing alkaloids like caffeine or opium derivatives. For example, if you're shipping a pharmaceutical product containing morphine, this heading will likely apply. Understanding the specific subheading is crucial for compliance and tariff classification.
When distinguishing between subheadings, consider the source and type of alkaloid. For instance, HS-6 293911 covers opium alkaloids and their salts, while HS-6 293920 pertains specifically to cinchona alkaloids. Make sure to identify the exact alkaloid to select the correct code.
Another important distinction is between ephedrine derivatives. If your shipment includes pseudoephedrine, you would use HS-6 293942. However, if it contains other ephedrine derivatives not listed, you would fall under HS-6 293949. Accurate classification is key to avoiding penalties.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
alkaloids import code · HS-4 2939 classification · caffeine shipping regulations · opium alkaloids tariff · ephedrine derivatives HS code · cocaine import requirements · theophylline classification · natural alkaloids import · alkaloids salts and derivatives · pharmaceutical alkaloids HS-4
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Caffeine and its salts for energy drinks (HS-6 293930)
- Morphine or codeine from opium (HS-6 293911)
- Cocaine and derivatives from coca leaves (HS-6 293972)
- Theophylline for respiratory medications (HS-6 293951)
- Ephedrine used in decongestants (HS-6 293941)
- Lysergic acid derivatives for research purposes (HS-6 293963)
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify opium alkaloids?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
What are the rules for importing ephedrine?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Are there special tariffs for alkaloids?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to determine the right HS-6 for cocaine?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What subheading for theophylline derivatives?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
how to classify alkaloids for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
specific HS codes for opium derivatives
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
importing caffeine and its salts
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
ephedrine derivatives tariff classification
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
requirements for shipping alkaloids
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
how to choose the right HS-6 code
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
understanding alkaloids and their derivatives
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
shipping regulations for natural alkaloids
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What is the difference between HS-6 293911 and HS-6 293919?
- HS-6 293911 covers opium alkaloids and their salts, while HS-6 293919 includes other opium derivatives that do not fall under 293911.
- How do I know if my product falls under HS-4 2939?
- If your product contains alkaloids or their derivatives, check the specific subheadings to see if it matches your product's composition.
- Are there special import regulations for alkaloids?
- Yes, many alkaloids, especially those derived from opium or coca, are subject to strict regulations and may require special permits.
- What should I do if my product contains multiple alkaloids?
- You should classify it under the subheading that corresponds to the primary alkaloid present or the one that is most significant for its use.
- Can I use HS-4 2939 for synthetic alkaloids?
- Yes, HS-4 2939 applies to both natural and synthetic alkaloids, as long as they are classified under the specific subheadings.
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HS-6 subheadings (19)
- 293911Alkaloids; of opium and their derivatives; salts thereof
- 293919Alkaloids; of opium and their derivatives; other than in 2939.11, salts thereof
- 293920Alkaloids; of cinchona and their derivatives; salts thereof
- 293930Alkaloids; caffeine and its salts
- 293941Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; salts thereof
- 293942Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts
- 293943Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; cathine (INN) and its salts
- 293944Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; norephedrine and its salts
- 293945Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamefetamine racemate and their salts
- 293949Alkaloids; of ephedrine and their derivatives; other than ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (INN), norephedrine, cathine (INN), levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamefetamine racemate and their salts
- 293951Alkaloids; theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives; salts thereof, fenetylline (INN) and its salts
- 293959Alkaloids; theophylline and aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) and their derivatives; salts thereof, other than fenetylline
- 293961Alkaloids; of rye ergot and their derivatives, ergometrine (INN) and its salts
- 293962Alkaloids; of rye ergot and their derivatives, ergotamine (INN) and its salts
- 293963Alkaloids; of rye ergot and their derivatives, lysergic acid and its salts
- 293969Alkaloids; of rye ergot and their derivatives, salts thereof, n.e.c. in item no. 2939.6
- 293972Alkaloids; of vegetal origin, cocaine, ecgonine; salts, esters and other derivatives thereof
- 293979Alkaloids; of vegetal origin, other than cocaine, ecgonine; salts, esters and other derivatives; n.e.c. in heading no. 2939
- 293980Alkaloids; natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, esters and other derivatives n.e.c. in heading no. 2939