HS 293355 Loprazolam (INN), mecloqualone (INN), methaqualone (INN) and zipeprol (INN); salts thereof

Quick Answer: HS code 293355 specifically covers four synthetic organic compounds: Loprazolam, Mecloqualone, Methaqualone, and Zipeprol, along with their respective salts. These are primarily pharmaceutical substances, often classified as controlled substances due to their psychoactive properties and potential for abuse. For importers and exporters, understanding the varying duty rates is crucial. In the UK and EU, these products typically face a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. However, the United States imposes a significantly higher duty, listed as Free, 15.4¢/kg + 149.5% ad valorem, indicating a complex calculation that can result in substantial import costs. Beyond tariffs, trade in these substances is subject to stringent regulatory controls, including licensing, quotas, and reporting requirements under international conventions like the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Importers and customs brokers must verify compliance with national drug enforcement agencies and obtain necessary permits before any transaction.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2933550000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2933550000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2933550000 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 293355 cover?

This subheading covers specific heterocyclic compounds containing a pyrimidine ring, whether or not fused, and salts thereof, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. Specifically, it includes Loprazolam (INN), mecloqualone (INN), methaqualone (INN), and zipeprol (INN). These are all distinct chemical substances with specific molecular structures, and their inclusion here is based on their chemical identity and the "International Nonproprietary Name" (INN) assigned to them. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system both align with this WCO definition, ensuring consistent global classification for these controlled substances.

What falls outside HS 293355?

The following products are excluded from HS 293355: any other heterocyclic compounds, even if they possess similar pharmacological properties, that are not explicitly named as Loprazolam, mecloqualone, methaqualone, or zipeprol. For instance, other pyrimidine derivatives not specifically listed, such as barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital, classified under 2933.53), or benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, classified under 2933.91), would fall under different subheadings within Chapter 29, often based on their specific chemical structure or functional groups. Furthermore, mixtures or preparations containing these substances in measured doses or forms suitable for retail sale are generally classified in Chapter 30, "Pharmaceutical products," rather than Chapter 29.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 293355?

A common error is misclassifying similar-looking or functionally related heterocyclic compounds under 293355 when they are not precisely Loprazolam, mecloqualone, methaqualone, or zipeprol. Importers sometimes overlook the strict specificity of INN-based classifications, leading to incorrect assignments. For example, a compound with a pyrimidine ring but a different side chain might be mistakenly placed here. This error often violates General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Accurate classification requires precise chemical identification, often necessitating laboratory analysis or detailed Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) to confirm the exact chemical structure and INN.

How should importers classify products under HS 293355?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 293355 involves a multi-step approach for importers and customs brokers. First, meticulously verify the exact chemical name and International Nonproprietary Name (INN) of the substance against the specific compounds listed: Loprazolam, mecloqualone, methaqualone, or zipeprol. Obtain and review the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or other authoritative chemical documentation to confirm the substance's identity, purity, and chemical structure. If the product is a salt of one of these compounds, ensure the base compound is one of the four specified. Finally, consult the official WCO Explanatory Notes, the USITC HTS, or EU TARIC for any specific legal notes or rulings pertaining to these substances to ensure full compliance and accurate duty assessment.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 293333 HS 293353 HS 293372 HS 293332 HS 293354 HS 293335

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for products classified under HS 2933.55 (Loprazolam, Mecloqualone, Methaqualone, Zipeprol, and their salts) in key markets?

The MFN duty rates for HS 2933.55 vary significantly by importing country. For example, in the United States, the MFN (General) duty rate is 'Free' according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). In the European Union (EU TARIC), the MFN duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem. The United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a duty rate of 0.00% ad valorem for this heading. However, some countries may apply specific or compound duties; for instance, a hypothetical rate could be '15.4¢/kg + 149.5% ad valorem' in certain markets, though this specific compound rate is not universally applied to this particular HS code. Importers must verify the exact duty rate with the customs authority of the destination country, referencing their national tariff schedule.

What are the primary classification criteria for substances under HS 2933.55, and what distinguishes them from other heterocyclic compounds?

HS 2933.55 specifically covers 'Loprazolam (INN), mecloqualone (INN), methaqualone (INN) and zipeprol (INN); salts thereof'. The classification criteria are based on the precise chemical structure and the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) assigned by the World Health Organization (WHO). These are heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, falling under Chapter 29, specifically Section VI: 'Heterocyclic compounds; nucleic acids and their salts; sulfonamides; other organic compounds'. The key distinction is the explicit naming of these four specific substances and their salts, which takes precedence over more general headings for heterocyclic compounds. Importers must ensure that the chemical name and structure precisely match one of these four INN substances or their salts, as per the WCO Explanatory Notes and national chemical nomenclature guidelines.

What documentation is typically required for the import of goods classified under HS 2933.55, considering these are controlled substances?

Given that substances like Loprazolam and Methaqualone are often controlled substances due to their psychoactive properties, the documentation requirements for HS 2933.55 are stringent and go beyond standard customs paperwork. In addition to commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading/air waybills, importers will typically need:

  1. Import Licenses: Issued by national drug control authorities (e.g., DEA in the US, national health ministries in the EU).
  2. End-Use Certificates: Confirming the legitimate purpose of the import (e.g., pharmaceutical manufacturing, research).
  3. Certificates of Analysis (CoA): Verifying the purity, identity, and concentration of the substance.
  4. Pre-notification/Pre-authorization: Required by many countries for controlled substance shipments.
  5. Compliance with International Drug Control Conventions: Such as the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. Customs brokers must verify all specific national and international regulatory requirements prior to shipment.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2933.55 under common trade agreements, and how can an importer claim them?

Preferential duty rates for HS 2933.55 may be available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes, depending on the country of origin and destination. For instance, while the MFN rate in the US and EU is already 'Free' or 0.00%, preferential rates become relevant in markets where an MFN duty exists. If a country applies a duty, an importer could potentially claim a preferential rate (e.g., 0.00%) if the goods originate from a country with which the importing nation has an FTA (e.g., USMCA, EU-Japan EPA) or if the origin country qualifies under a GSP program. To claim preferential rates, importers must:

  1. Verify Rules of Origin: Ensure the product meets the specific origin criteria of the relevant trade agreement.
  2. Obtain Proof of Origin: Typically a Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, GSP Form A, or a self-certification by the exporter).
  3. Declare Preferential Treatment: Clearly indicate the claim on customs declarations. Customs brokers should advise on the specific documentation and declaration procedures for each applicable agreement.