Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride USP
Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is the USP-grade salt of pseudoephedrine, an ephedra alkaloid stereoisomer synthesized for OTC cold medications. Classified under HTS 2939.49.0300 as an ephedra alkaloid derivative salt per chapter notes allowing synthetic reproductions. Used as a nasal decongestant in products like Sudafed.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | +100.0% | 100% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | +100.0% | 100% |
| 🇨🇦Canada | Free | +100.0% | 100% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | +15.0% | 15% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | +15.0% | 15% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If when put up in measured doses as consumer cold medicine
Medicaments in dosage form for retail sale shift to Chapter 30 per chapter exclusion notes.
If classified primarily by amino alcohol function rather than alkaloid structure
Alternative oxygen-function heading may apply if alkaloid nature not principal characteristic.
If as sugar esters of the alkaloid for modified release formulations
Sugar derivatives of alkaloids fall under specific heading 2940 per chapter note (c).
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• File with US Customs under 'precursor chemical' protocols including end-user statements due to methamphetamine precursor status
• Include pharmacopeial certificate (USP/EP) verifying meets monograph standards for pharmaceutical classification
• Avoid bulk packaging over 100kg to prevent scrutiny under chemical weapons convention precursor lists
Related Products under HTS 2939.49.03.00
Ephedrine Hydrochloride
Ephedrine hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of ephedrine, a natural alkaloid derived from Ephedra plants, reproduced by synthesis for pharmaceutical use. It falls under HTS 2939.49.0300 as a derivative salt of ephedra alkaloids, used primarily in bronchodilators and nasal decongestants. This classification covers synthetic reproductions meeting chapter 29 criteria for separate chemically defined organic compounds.
Ephedrine Sulfate Powder
Ephedrine sulfate is the sulfuric acid salt of ephedrine alkaloid, synthesized for injectable pharmaceutical applications and asthma treatment. It qualifies under HTS 2939.49.0300 as an ephedra alkaloid salt per chapter classification rules for organic salts. The pure chemical form distinguishes it from formulated drugs.
Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride
Phenylpropanolamine HCl is a synthetic ephedrine derivative salt used historically as an appetite suppressant and decongestant. Falls under HTS 2939.49.0300 as an 'other' ephedra alkaloid derivative per the heading's scope for synthetic reproductions. Now restricted but still imported for specific pharmaceutical uses.
Methylephedrine
Methylephedrine is an N-methylated ether derivative of ephedrine, synthesized as a bronchodilator in some Asian markets. Classified in HTS 2939.49.0300 covering ethers and other derivatives of ephedra alkaloids. The modification maintains its classification within the specific ephedra subheading.