HTS US: 2944.XX.XXXX
Description
HTS Code 2944 encompasses a broad range of antibiotics and other antibacterial drugs utilized primarily in medical and veterinary applications. These substances include various chemical classes of antibiotics, such as penicillins, streptomycins, tetracyclines, and other antibacterial agents, whether in raw form or formulated preparations. The classification under this heading generally covers the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and their related derivatives designed to inhibit or kill bacteria.
Products classified here may be presented in various forms, including powders, granules, or other pharmaceutical forms, which are intended for further processing or direct medicinal use.
Code Hierarchy
- Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries (Chapters 28-38)
- Chapter 29: Organic Chemicals
- Heading 2944: Antibiotics
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
2944.XX.XXXX– Specifies the exact antibiotic or antibacterial substance and its form.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
While the HTS database does not list sub-codes explicitly for 2944, in practice, the 2944 heading is further divided based on the specific antibiotic or antibacterial agent, its chemical structure, and presentation.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2944.10 | Penicillins and their derivatives | Includes benzylpenicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, and other penicillin antibiotics. |
2944.10.0000 |
Raw and processed penicillin antibiotics | |
| 2944.20 | Streptomycins and derivatives | Streptomycin and related aminoglycoside antibiotics. |
2944.20.0000 |
Streptomycin raw materials and preparations | |
| 2944.30 | Tetracyclines and their derivatives | Tetracycline, doxycycline, and similar antibiotics. |
2944.30.0000 |
Tetracycline antibiotics in raw or formulated form | |
| 2944.90 | Other antibiotics and antibacterial substances | Includes chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and other antibacterial agents not classified above. |
2944.90.0000 |
Miscellaneous antibiotics and antibacterial drugs |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To avoid misclassification, note exclusions from this heading:
- Non-antibiotic pharmaceutical products such as antivirals, antifungals, or antiseptics fall under different HTS codes.
- Prepared medicaments containing antibiotics combined with other active substances are classified under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products).
- Antibiotics in formulated dosage forms like tablets, capsules, or ointments are generally classified under HTS 3004.
- Non-medicinal antibacterial agents such as disinfectants and sanitizers are under other headings like HTS 3808.
Notes
- Regulatory Compliance: Importation of antibiotics is strictly regulated by agencies such as the FDA in the United States. Proper licenses and documentation, including certificates of analysis and compliance with controlled substances regulations, are mandatory.
- Tariff Treatment: Duty rates vary based on the specific antibiotic and its intended use. Some antibiotics may be duty-free or subject to reduced duties under trade agreements.
- Controlled Substances: Certain antibiotics are controlled substances requiring additional permits and monitoring during import/export processes.
Declaration Example
Product: A shipment of raw tetracycline antibiotic powder for pharmaceutical manufacturing.US HTS Code:
2944.30.0000(Tetracycline antibiotics in raw or formulated form)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (May vary depending on trade agreements)
Additional Requirements: FDA import approval, certificates of analysis, and compliance with controlled substance regulations.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 3004: Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products containing antibiotics in pharmaceutical form.
- HTS 3808: Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, disinfectants, and similar products.
- HTS 2933: Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen, other than antibiotics.
- HTS 2941: Antibiotics in combination with other substances or derivatives.
