HTS US: 2939.XX.XX.XX
Description
This heading encompasses a broad range of alkaloids, whether naturally sourced or synthetically reproduced, along with their salts, ethers, esters, and other chemical derivatives. Alkaloids are a diverse group of naturally occurring organic compounds, many of which have significant pharmacological effects. This classification includes both well-known narcotic alkaloids and other biologically active substances.
The products covered under this heading range from concentrates of poppy straw and important medicinal opiates to stimulants such as caffeine and synthetic derivatives with diverse uses in medicine and industry.
Code Hierarchy
- Section VI: Chemical Products (Chapters 28-38)
- Chapter 29: Organic Chemicals
- Heading 2939: Alkaloids, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
2939.XX.XX.XX– Specifies precise alkaloid compounds or groups.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The heading 2939 is subdivided into detailed 8-digit and 10-digit codes identifying specific alkaloids and their salts or derivatives. Below is a comprehensive table illustrating these classifications:
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2939.11.00.00 | Concentrates of poppy straw; buprenorphine (INN); codeine, dihydrocodeine (INN), ethylmorphine, etorphine (INN), heroin, hydrocodone (INN), hydromorphone (INN), morphine, nicomorphine (INN), oxycodone (INN), oxymorphone (INN), pholcodine (INN), thebacon (INN) and thebaine; salts thereof | Includes major opiate alkaloids and their salts, key in pharmaceutical applications and controlled substances regulation. |
| 2939.19.10.00 | Papaverine and its salts | A non-narcotic alkaloid used as a smooth muscle relaxant. |
| 2939.19.20.00 | Synthetic | Other synthetic alkaloids not specified elsewhere. |
| 2939.19.50.00 | Other | Miscellaneous alkaloids falling under this residual category. |
| 2939.20.00.10 | Quinine and its salts | Alkaloids derived from cinchona, used as antimalarial drugs. |
| 2939.20.00.50 | Other | Other alkaloids of cinchona and their derivatives. |
| 2939.30.00.00 | Caffeine and its salts | Widely used stimulant alkaloid found in coffee, tea, and various pharmaceuticals. |
| 2939.41.00.00 | Ephedrine and its salts | Used medicinally as a decongestant and stimulant. |
| 2939.42.00.00 | Pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts | Commonly used in cold and allergy medications. |
| 2939.43.00.00 | Cathine (INN) and its salts | Natural stimulant alkaloid derived from certain plants. |
| 2939.44.00.00 | Norephedrine and its salts | Used in pharmaceutical preparations as a stimulant. |
| 2939.45.00.00 | Levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamfetamine racemate and their salts | Includes various forms of methamphetamine alkaloids. |
| 2939.49.03.00 | Other | Additional miscellaneous alkaloids and derivatives. |
| 2939.51.00.00 | Fenetylline (INN) and its salts | A synthetic stimulant alkaloid. |
| 2939.59.00.00 | Other | Residual category for other alkaloids not elsewhere specified. |
| 2939.61.00.00 | Ergometrine and its salts | Used in obstetrics for controlling bleeding. |
| 2939.62.00.00 | Ergotamine and its salts | Alkaloids used in migraine treatment. |
| 2939.63.00.00 | Lysergic acid and its salts | Precursors for various pharmaceutical compounds. |
| 2939.69.00.00 | Other | Other ergot alkaloids and related derivatives. |
| 2939.72.00.00 | Cocaine, ecgonine; salts, esters and other derivatives thereof | Controlled substances with specific pharmaceutical and industrial uses. |
| 2939.79.00.00 | Other | Miscellaneous alkaloids and derivatives not otherwise classified. |
| 2939.80.00.10 | Saxitoxin | A potent neurotoxin produced by marine dinoflagellates. |
| 2939.80.00.50 | Other | Other alkaloids and derivatives within this subgroup. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
This heading excludes:
- Non-alkaloid organic chemicals, including amino acids and other nitrogen compounds.
- Alkaloids incorporated into complex preparations or pharmaceutical formulations classified under other headings.
- Raw plant materials containing alkaloids which are generally classified under agricultural or plant product headings.
Notes
- Regulatory Considerations: Many of the alkaloids under this heading are controlled substances or subject to special import/export regulations due to their pharmacological effects.
- Duty Rates: Tariffs and duties vary significantly depending on the specific compound and its classification at the 10-digit level.
- Labeling and Documentation: Accurate chemical description and compliance with safety and import regulations are mandatory.
Declaration Example
Product: A shipment of caffeine and its salts for pharmaceutical use.US HTS Code:
2939.30.00.00(Caffeine and its salts)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS for applicable rates
Additional Requirements: Compliance with FDA and DEA regulations may be required.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 2933: Quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides.
- HTS 2942: Antibiotics.
- HTS 3003: Medicaments consisting of two or more constituents mixed together.
- HTS 1211: Plants and parts of plants for perfumery, pharmacy, or insecticidal uses.
