HS 294130 Tetracyclines and their derivatives; salts thereof
Quick Answer: Tetracyclines and their derivatives; salts thereof, classified under HS code 294130, enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at a Free rate under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. This classification covers a group of broad-spectrum antibiotic compounds, including oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, and demeclocycline, along with their chemically modified forms and salts. Importers should be aware that while MFN rates are generally duty-free in the US, specific trade agreements or other tariff provisions could apply. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the generally favorable duty treatment for these pharmaceutical ingredients across major markets.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2941300000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2941300000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2941300000 | Free | — | ["g"] |
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 294130 cover?
This subheading covers tetracyclines and their derivatives, as well as their salts. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes compounds like oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, and tetracycline itself, along with any chemically modified forms or salts thereof that retain the core tetracycline structure. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database align with this definition, ensuring consistent classification of these broad-spectrum antibiotics and related substances.
What falls outside HS 294130?
The following products are excluded from HS 294130: compounds that are structurally similar but not derived from tetracyclines, or those that have undergone significant chemical modification rendering them distinct. For instance, synthetic antibiotics not based on the tetracycline nucleus, such as penicillins or cephalosporins, are classified under different headings. Similarly, veterinary preparations containing tetracyclines as an ingredient but formulated for specific animal use, and not as pure chemical substances, may fall under different headings depending on their primary function and composition.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 294130?
A common error is misclassifying derivatives or salts of tetracyclines when their chemical structure deviates significantly from the parent compound or when they are presented as finished pharmaceutical products. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may incorrectly assign products to this subheading if they do not verify the precise chemical identity and the extent of any derivatization or salt formation.
How should importers classify products under HS 294130?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 294130 involves a thorough examination of the product's chemical composition and its relationship to the tetracycline family. Importers and customs brokers must consult the product's Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to confirm it is indeed a tetracycline, a derivative, or a salt thereof. Cross-referencing with official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 294130?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of Oxytetracycline hydrochloride, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $500.00. This is calculated using the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem (10% × $5,000 USD = $500.00). This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically for subheading 2941.30.0000, which covers tetracyclines and their derivatives; salts thereof.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 294130?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 294130, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 294130 (Tetracyclines and their derivatives)?
Import duty rates for HS code 294130 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also often 0.00% for many originating countries, but specific rates can apply depending on the origin and any applicable trade agreements. The UK Trade Tariff also lists 0.00% for most origins. However, other countries may impose higher duties, such as 25% in some instances, especially if no preferential trade agreement is in place. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How is the import duty for Tetracyclines (HS 294130) calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duties are typically calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value of the goods) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination. For HS code 294130, ad valorem rates are common. For instance, if a country imposes a 5% ad valorem duty and you import tetracyclines valued at $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $10,000 = $500. If a specific duty applies, such as $2 per kilogram, and you import 500 kg, the duty would be 500 kg * $2/kg = $1,000. Always verify the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) in the importing country's tariff schedule.
What documentation is typically required when importing Tetracyclines and their derivatives under HS code 294130?
When importing goods classified under HS code 294130, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific nature of the tetracycline derivative, you may need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates. For pharmaceutical products or substances intended for human or animal use, import licenses, health certificates, or permits from relevant regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA in the US, EMA in the EU) are often mandatory. Consult the importing country's customs authority for a comprehensive list.
Do common trade agreements, like USMCA or EU trade deals, offer preferential duty rates for HS code 294130?
Yes, common trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 294130. For example, goods originating from countries that are part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may benefit from reduced or zero duty rates if they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, the European Union has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with partner countries that often provide for preferential tariff treatment, potentially reducing duties to 0.00% for tetracyclines and their derivatives. To claim these benefits, importers must provide a valid certificate of origin and ensure the goods meet the specific rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement.
What are the key criteria for classifying a product as a 'Tetracycline or its derivative' under HS code 294130?
HS code 294130 covers tetracyclines, which are a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and their chemically modified derivatives, as well as their salts. Classification hinges on the chemical structure. Tetracyclines are characterized by a four-ring fused hydrocarbon structure. Derivatives include compounds that have undergone chemical reactions altering the basic tetracycline molecule, such as esterification, amidation, or halogenation, while retaining the core tetracycline structure. Salts are formed by reacting the tetracycline base with an acid or base. Importers should refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System (WCO) and the specific tariff rulings of the importing country's customs authority to confirm classification, especially for complex or novel derivatives.