HS 293963 Lysergic acid and its salts
Quick Answer: Lysergic acid and its salts imported under HS 293963 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate, with a potential 25% duty also applicable in the US. This HS code specifically covers lysergic acid, a chemical compound, and its various salt forms. Significant trade considerations include potential regulatory controls and licensing requirements due to the nature of lysergic acid derivatives. Importers and customs brokers must verify specific import permits and adhere to any controlled substance regulations in the destination country. According to CustomTariffs data, while duty rates are generally low in key markets, compliance with non-tariff barriers is paramount.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2939630000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2939630000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2939630000 | 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 293963 cover?
This subheading covers lysergic acid and its salts, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. Lysergic acid is a complex organic compound that serves as the precursor to many psychoactive compounds. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification is specific to the acid itself and any salts derived from it, excluding derivatives or related compounds not explicitly listed.
What falls outside HS 293963?
The following products are excluded from HS 293963: derivatives of lysergic acid such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), ergotamine, or ergometrine, which are classified under different subheadings within Heading 2939 or potentially under Chapter 30 if presented as pharmaceuticals. Additionally, ergot alkaloids in their natural state or crude extracts are not covered. The key distinction lies in whether the substance is the acid itself or its salts, rather than a more complex derivative.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 293963?
A common error is misclassifying derivatives or related compounds of lysergic acid under this subheading. For instance, substances like ergotamine tartrate, a common pharmaceutical, would not fall under 293963 but rather under a more specific pharmaceutical heading or subheading. Adherence to Section VI, Note 1(a) of the Harmonized System, which prioritizes specific pharmaceutical preparations over basic chemicals, is crucial, as is careful review of the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2939.
How should importers classify products under HS 293963?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 293963 involves a thorough chemical analysis to confirm the identity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and compare the chemical properties of the imported material against the precise wording of the subheading and its associated explanatory notes. Verification of the substance's chemical structure and its salt form is paramount.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 293963?
A shipment of 1 kilogram of lysergic acid dihydrochloride, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $250.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($5,000 USD × 0.05 = $250.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, effective as of the latest revision.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 293963?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 293963, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer duty-free entry for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also provide preferential rates, often Free, for eligible goods from developing countries such as India. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's requirements.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for Lysergic acid and its salts (HS 293963) into the United States?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Lysergic acid and its salts (HS 293963) into the United States is 0.00%. This means there is generally no tariff applied under normal trade relations. However, it is crucial to verify current rates as trade policies can change. For specific preferential rates under trade agreements, consult the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
How is the import duty for Lysergic acid and its salts (HS 293963) calculated if a tariff were applied?
While the MFN duty rate for HS 293963 is currently 0.00% in the US, if a duty were applied, it would typically be calculated on an ad valorem basis (a percentage of the item's value) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity). For example, if a hypothetical 5% ad valorem duty was in place and the declared value of Lysergic acid was $10,000, the duty would be $500 (5% of $10,000). If a specific duty of $10 per kilogram was applied and you imported 100 kg, the duty would be $1,000 ($10/kg * 100 kg). Always refer to the official tariff schedule for the applicable basis of duty calculation.
What documentation is typically required for importing Lysergic acid and its salts (HS 293963)?
Importing Lysergic acid and its salts (HS 293963) requires standard customs documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Due to the nature of this substance, additional documentation may be necessary, such as a permit or license from relevant government agencies (e.g., DEA in the United States) that regulate controlled substances or precursor chemicals. Importers must ensure compliance with all national and international regulations regarding precursor chemicals.
Does the classification of Lysergic acid and its salts under HS 293963 change based on its form (e.g., pure substance vs. salt)?
No, the HS code 293963 specifically covers 'Lysergic acid and its salts'. This means both the pure form of lysergic acid and any of its salts fall under this single classification. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes confirm that salts derived from the parent acid are classified together. Therefore, whether you are importing lysergic acid or a salt thereof, HS 293963 is the correct code.
Are there any preferential duty rates for Lysergic acid and its salts (HS 293963) under major trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals?
Preferential duty rates for HS 293963 depend entirely on the specific trade agreement and the countries involved. For instance, while the US MFN rate is 0.00%, it's essential to check if a particular trade agreement offers further benefits or has specific rules of origin that must be met. For imports into the EU, the TARIC database should be consulted for rates applicable under various EU trade agreements. Similarly, for UK imports, the UK Trade Tariff will detail rates under agreements the UK has ratified. Always verify the origin of the goods and the terms of the applicable trade agreement.