HS 293333 Alfentanil (INN), anileridine (INN), bezitramide (INN), bromazepam (INN), carfentanil (INN), difenoxin (INN), diphenoxylate (INN), dipipanone (INN), fentanyl (INN), ketobemidone (INN), methylphenidate (INN), pentazocine (INN), pethidine (INN), pethidine (INN) intermediate A, phencyclidine (INN) (PCP), phenoperidine (INN), pipradrol (INN), piritramide (INN), propiram (INN), remifentanil (INN) and trimeperidine (INN); salts thereof
Quick Answer: HS code 2933.33 covers a specific group of heterocyclic compounds containing an unfused pyridine ring, primarily comprising potent synthetic opioids and psychotropic substances. This includes well-known pharmaceuticals such as fentanyl, alfentanil, remifentanil, and methylphenidate, along with their respective salts. These are highly controlled substances used in medicine for pain management and ADHD treatment, but also subject to strict international drug control conventions. For importers and customs brokers, duty rates vary significantly. The UK and EU apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. In contrast, the US imposes a complex duty rate of Free, 15.4¢/kg + 149.5% for non-MFN countries, indicating a strong protective or regulatory stance. Beyond tariffs, trade in these products is heavily regulated by national drug enforcement agencies and international treaties like the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, requiring specific licenses, permits, and strict record-keeping for both import and export. Compliance with these non-tariff measures is paramount.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2933330000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2933330000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2933330100 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 293333 cover?
This subheading covers a specific and exhaustive list of nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds with a pyridine ring, including alfentanil, anileridine, bezitramide, bromazepam, carfentanil, difenoxin, diphenoxylate, dipipanone, fentanyl, ketobemidone, methylphenidate, pentazocine, pethidine, pethidine intermediate A, phencyclidine (PCP), phenoperidine, pipradrol, piritramide, propiram, remifentanil, and trimeperidine, as well as their respective salts. These are precisely defined chemical compounds, often with pharmaceutical applications, and their inclusion in this subheading is dictated by their specific chemical structure and common names (INN - International Nonproprietary Name) as recognized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system.
What falls outside HS 293333?
The following products are excluded from HS 293333: any nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds containing a pyridine ring that are not explicitly named in the subheading text. For instance, other pyridine derivatives not listed, such as nicotine (classified under 2939.99), or other psychotropic substances with different chemical structures, would fall outside this specific classification. Additionally, preparations containing these substances, such as finished pharmaceutical dosage forms (e.g., tablets, injections), are generally excluded from Chapter 29 and are instead classified under Chapter 30, specifically heading 3004, provided they are put up in measured doses or for retail sale. The pure, unmixed chemical substance or its salt is the key determinant for inclusion here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 293333?
A common error is misclassifying pharmaceutical preparations containing these substances directly into HS 293333, rather than into Chapter 30. Importers often overlook General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(a), which prioritizes specific descriptions, and GRI 6, which extends the principles of GRIs 1 to 5 to the subheading level. While the raw active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) belongs here, a finished drug product, even if containing one of these listed compounds, is typically classified as a medicament under heading 3004. Another mistake is attempting to classify similar-sounding but chemically distinct pyridine derivatives that are not explicitly enumerated in the subheading text, leading to incorrect application of the "basket" provisions of other subheadings within Chapter 29.
How should importers classify products under HS 293333?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 293333 involves a meticulous review of the product's chemical name, International Nonproprietary Name (INN), and chemical structure to confirm it precisely matches one of the compounds or their salts explicitly listed in the subheading text. Importers and customs brokers must consult official chemical documentation, such as Certificates of Analysis, and cross-reference with the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29, as well as national tariff schedules like the HTSUS or EU TARIC. If the product is a finished pharmaceutical preparation, it should be considered for classification under Chapter 30, specifically heading 3004, rather than under this chemical subheading, adhering strictly to the General Rules of Interpretation, particularly GRI 3(a) and GRI 6, to ensure accurate and compliant customs declarations.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the standard Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) import duty rates for products classified under HS 2933.33 in major markets?
The MFN import duty rates for products under HS 2933.33 (Alfentanil, Fentanyl, Methylphenidate, etc., and their salts) vary by importing country. For example, as of the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, imports into the United States typically face a 'Free' duty rate under the General subcolumn for this heading. In the European Union's TARIC, the MFN duty rate is generally 0.00% ad valorem. Similarly, the UK Global Tariff also lists a 0.0% duty rate for this classification. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most current and accurate information, as rates can be subject to change or specific conditions.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2933.33 under common trade agreements, and what documentation is required to claim them?
Yes, preferential duty rates may be available for HS 2933.33 under various free trade agreements (FTAs) or generalized system of preferences (GSP) schemes, often resulting in a 0.00% or 'Free' rate. For instance, imports into the US from countries party to agreements like USMCA, CAFTA-DR, or originating from GSP-eligible countries may qualify for duty-free treatment. To claim preferential rates, importers typically must provide a Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 movement certificate for EU agreements, or a GSP Form A) that substantiates the product's originating status according to the agreement's rules of origin. It is crucial to ensure all documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays or denial of preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing products under HS 2933.33 from other heterocyclic compounds in Chapter 29?
HS 2933.33 specifically covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, containing an unfused pyridine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) in the structure, and explicitly lists a number of specific pharmaceutical substances such as Alfentanil, Fentanyl, Methylphenidate, and their salts. The primary classification criteria involve the chemical structure: the presence of a pyridine ring (unfused) as the sole nitrogen hetero-atom, and the specific identity of the compound matching one of those enumerated or being a salt thereof. This distinguishes them from other nitrogen heterocyclic compounds classified elsewhere in subheadings 2933.11 through 2933.99, which might contain different ring structures (e.g., pyrimidine, indole) or additional hetero-atoms. Accurate chemical analysis and structural identification are paramount for correct classification.
What specific import documentation and regulatory requirements, beyond standard customs declarations, are typically necessary for substances classified under HS 2933.33, given their nature as controlled substances?
Due to the nature of many substances under HS 2933.33 (e.g., Fentanyl, Methylphenidate) as controlled substances, importers face stringent regulatory requirements beyond standard customs declarations. In the United States, this includes compliance with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations, requiring DEA import permits for scheduled substances. Importers must hold a valid DEA registration and obtain specific permits for each import shipment. Similar controls exist in other jurisdictions; for example, in the EU and UK, these substances are subject to national drug control legislation and require specific licenses or authorizations from competent national authorities (e.g., Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK, or national health ministries in EU member states). Documentation typically includes import licenses, end-use certificates, and detailed product specifications, in addition to commercial invoices and packing lists. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties.