HS 293943 Cathine (INN) and its salts
Quick Answer: HS code 293943 specifically covers Cathine (INN) and its salts. Cathine, also known as (+)-norpseudoephedrine, is an alkaloid derived from the khat plant, primarily used as a central nervous system stimulant. This classification is crucial for importers, exporters, and customs brokers dealing with pharmaceutical raw materials or controlled substances. Across major jurisdictions, the duty rates for Cathine and its salts vary significantly. The United Kingdom and the European Union both apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate, indicating duty-free entry. In contrast, the United States imposes a more complex duty structure, with a rate of 15.4¢/kg + 59% ad valorem, or "Free" under specific conditions, such as General System of Preferences (GSP) or other trade agreements. Importers must verify eligibility for preferential treatment. Due to its nature as a controlled substance in many countries, trade in Cathine is subject to strict regulatory oversight, licensing, and import/export permits, beyond standard customs procedures.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2939430000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2939430000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2939430000 | 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 293943 cover?
This subheading covers Cathine (INN) and its salts, which are specifically identified as ephedrine alkaloids. Cathine, also known as (+)-norpseudoephedrine, is a stimulant drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2939, this heading encompasses vegetable alkaloids, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Subheading 2939.43 specifically carves out Cathine (INN) and its salts from the broader category of ephedrine and its salts (2939.41) and pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts (2939.42), as well as other ephedrine alkaloids and their salts (2939.49), ensuring precise classification for this particular chemical entity.
What falls outside HS 293943?
The following products are excluded from HS 293943: Ephedrine and its salts are classified under HS 2939.41, while Pseudoephedrine (INN) and its salts fall under HS 2939.42. Other ephedrine alkaloids and their salts, not specifically named, are classified under HS 2939.49. Furthermore, preparations containing Cathine, where the Cathine is not in an isolated or pure form but rather mixed with other substances for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, would typically be classified in Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products) if they meet the criteria for medicaments. For instance, a pharmaceutical formulation containing Cathine as an active ingredient, combined with excipients, would generally be classified under heading 3004, not as a pure chemical in Chapter 29.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 293943?
A common error is misclassifying Cathine (INN) and its salts under the broader "other ephedrine alkaloids and their salts" subheading 2939.49, or even incorrectly grouping it with Ephedrine (2939.41) or Pseudoephedrine (2939.42). This often occurs due to a lack of precise chemical identification or an incomplete understanding of the specific carve-outs within Heading 2939. Importers might also mistakenly classify pharmaceutical preparations containing Cathine as the pure chemical under 2939.43, rather than as a medicament in Chapter 30. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid such errors, requiring careful review of the chemical structure and purity.
How should importers classify products under HS 293943?
The correct procedure for classifying Cathine (INN) and its salts involves a meticulous review of the product's chemical name, structure, and purity. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the substance is indeed Cathine (INN) or one of its specific salts, as defined by international nomenclature like the International Nonproprietary Names (INN) system. This often requires laboratory analysis or a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the manufacturer. Subsequently, they should apply General Interpretative Rule 1, which directs classification based on the specific terms of heading 2939 and subheading 2939.43. If the product is a pure, isolated chemical, it belongs here. If it's part of a pharmaceutical preparation, Chapter 30 should be considered. Consulting the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or the EU TARIC database for specific rulings or explanatory notes related to Cathine is also a critical step to ensure accurate and compliant classification.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for Cathine (INN) and its salts under HS 2939.43?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rates for products classified under HS 2939.43, 'Cathine (INN) and its salts,' can vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a 'Free' duty rate for this subheading under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). In contrast, some other jurisdictions might apply specific or mixed rates. For instance, a hypothetical non-preferential rate could be '15.4¢/kg + 59% ad valorem' in certain markets, or simply '0.00 %' in others. Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country, such as the USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff, for the precise and current MFN rate applicable at the time of importation.
Are there any preferential duty rates or trade agreements that commonly impact imports of Cathine (INN) and its salts (HS 2939.43)?
Yes, preferential duty rates can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for Cathine (INN) and its salts under HS 2939.43, depending on the country of origin and the trade agreements in force. For instance, imports into the United States from eligible countries may qualify for duty-free treatment under programs like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), or specific Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) such as USMCA, CAFTA-DR, or others. Similarly, the EU's TARIC database shows preferential rates for imports from various partner countries under their respective trade agreements. Importers should verify if their product meets the Rules of Origin criteria for any applicable trade agreement to claim preferential treatment, which often requires a Certificate of Origin or similar documentation.
What are the key classification criteria for ensuring Cathine (INN) and its salts are correctly assigned to HS 2939.43?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2939.43 is the chemical identity of the substance. This subheading specifically covers 'Cathine (INN) and its salts.' 'INN' stands for International Nonproprietary Name, which is a unique name assigned by the World Health Organization (WHO) to pharmaceutical substances. Therefore, for a product to be classified under 2939.43, it must chemically be Cathine (also known as (+)-norpseudoephedrine) or a salt derived from it. Classification relies on the chemical structure and common nomenclature. Importers should have a Certificate of Analysis or a detailed chemical description from the manufacturer to confirm the exact chemical identity and purity, ensuring it matches the scope of 'Cathine (INN) and its salts' as defined by the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing Cathine (INN) and its salts under HS 2939.43, beyond standard customs forms?
Beyond standard customs entry forms (e.g., CBP Form 7501 in the US), importing Cathine (INN) and its salts under HS 2939.43 often requires specific documentation due to its nature as a pharmaceutical substance and potential controlled substance precursor. Essential documents may include: a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) detailing chemical identity, purity, and batch information; a Safety Data Sheet (SDS); and potentially a manufacturer's declaration. Depending on the importing country's regulations, permits or licenses from health authorities (e.g., FDA in the US, EMA in the EU) or drug enforcement agencies may be necessary, especially if Cathine is considered a controlled substance or precursor in that jurisdiction. Importers should proactively check with relevant national regulatory bodies and customs authorities prior to shipment.