HS 294150 Erythromycin and its derivatives; salts thereof
Quick Answer: Erythromycin and its derivatives; salts thereof imported under HS 294150 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate, though a 25% rate is also listed for US imports. This HS code specifically covers erythromycin, a widely used antibiotic, along with its various chemical modifications and salt forms. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the specific derivative or salt being imported is crucial, as it may influence the final classification and applicable duty. According to CustomTariffs data, while many major markets offer duty-free entry, vigilance is required for potential alternative rates in the US.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2941500000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2941500000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2941500000 | 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 294150 cover?
This subheading covers Erythromycin and its derivatives, as well as their salts. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is part of Heading 2941, which pertains to antibiotics. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this includes erythromycin base, various salts such as erythromycin stearate and erythromycin ethylsuccinate, and other chemical modifications of erythromycin that retain its antibiotic properties. The scope is precise, focusing on this specific macrolide antibiotic and its related compounds.
What falls outside HS 294150?
The following products are excluded from HS 294150: other antibiotics not derived from erythromycin, such as penicillin or tetracycline, which are classified under different subheadings within Heading 2941. Additionally, finished pharmaceutical preparations containing erythromycin, such as tablets or injectable solutions, are typically classified under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products), provided they are ready for therapeutic or prophylactic use. Mixtures of erythromycin with other active pharmaceutical ingredients would also fall under Chapter 30, not this subheading for the pure substance.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 294150?
A common error is misclassifying finished pharmaceutical dosage forms as erythromycin and its derivatives. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a product is a formulated medicine, it should be classified in Chapter 30. Another mistake is classifying erythromycin salts or derivatives that have been significantly chemically altered to the point where they no longer retain the primary antibiotic characteristics of erythromycin, potentially leading to classification in other chemical headings.
How should importers classify products under HS 294150?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 294150 involves a thorough examination of the product's chemical composition and intended use. 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 cross-reference with the WCO HS Explanatory Notes. It is crucial to determine if the product is the pure erythromycin, a salt thereof, or a derivative. If it is a finished pharmaceutical product, it should be classified under Chapter 30, not Heading 2941.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 294150?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of Erythromycin Stearate, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 2941.50.0000. The calculation is: $5,000 (declared value) × 0.03 (duty rate) = $150.00 (duty amount). For goods entered by weight, the duty would be calculated based on the specific weight and the per-kilogram duty rate if applicable.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 294150?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 294150, 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. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) also allows for preferential duty rates, often Free, for eligible goods from designated 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 requirements of the importing jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 294150 (Erythromycin and its derivatives; salts thereof) into the United States?
For imports into the United States, HS code 294150 is generally subject to a duty rate of Free under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. However, it is crucial for importers and customs brokers to verify the specific rate based on the country of origin, as preferential agreements or specific trade programs could influence the final duty assessment. Always consult the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the most current and accurate duty information.
How is the import duty for Erythromycin calculated if a duty were applicable?
While Erythromycin and its derivatives (HS 294150) are typically duty-free into the US, if a duty were applicable, it would likely be calculated on an ad valorem basis (a percentage of the declared value of the goods) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity). For example, if a hypothetical duty rate of 5% ad valorem applied to a shipment valued at $10,000, the duty would be $10,000 * 0.05 = $500. If a specific duty of $2 per kilogram applied to a shipment of 1,000 kg, the duty would be 1,000 kg * $2/kg = $2,000. Always refer to the official tariff schedule for the correct calculation method and rate.
What documentation is typically required when importing Erythromycin and its derivatives (HS 294150) into the EU?
When importing Erythromycin and its derivatives (HS 294150) into the European Union, importers and customs brokers must provide an invoice, a packing list, and a Bill of Lading or Air Waybill. Depending on the specific use and origin, a Certificate of Origin may be required. Furthermore, as this is a pharmaceutical substance, compliance with relevant EU regulations concerning medicinal products, potentially including import authorizations or notifications to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or national competent authorities, is essential. Consult the EU TARIC database for detailed import requirements and potential licensing needs.
Are there common trade agreements that offer preferential duty rates for HS code 294150?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 294150. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing nation may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates. For example, imports into the UK from countries with preferential trade agreements might benefit from lower tariffs than the standard UK Global Tariff. Importers and customs brokers must obtain a valid proof of origin to claim preferential treatment. Always check the specific provisions of applicable FTAs and the respective country's tariff database (e.g., UK Trade Tariff, USITC HTS) to confirm eligibility and required documentation.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 294150, and what distinguishes 'derivatives' and 'salts'?
HS code 294150 covers Erythromycin, which is an antibiotic, and its 'derivatives' and 'salts'. Derivatives refer to compounds chemically modified from the original Erythromycin molecule to alter its properties, such as solubility or spectrum of activity. Salts are formed when Erythromycin (which can act as a base) reacts with an acid, creating an ionic compound. Classification hinges on the chemical identity of the imported substance. Importers and customs brokers should refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System and chemical specifications provided by the manufacturer to ensure accurate classification. If a substance is a chemically modified form or a salt of Erythromycin, it falls under this heading, provided it meets the criteria for classification in Chapter 29 of the HS.