HS Code:
The category containing pseudoephedrine (INN) or its salts falls under HS Code 293942. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug commonly used as a nasal decongestant in over-the-counter medications for colds and allergies. Due to its potential use in the illicit production of methamphetamine, trade in pseudoephedrine and its salts is heavily regulated globally. This category includes raw pseudoephedrine, its salts, and sometimes finished pharmaceutical products containing the compound. Trade patterns are influenced by strict international controls, national regulations, and the pharmaceutical industry's demand for legitimate medical use.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $250 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and World Customs Organization Reports
$80 million USD
32% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$60 million USD
24% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$40 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$20 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries with strict drug precursor controls)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or for humanitarian pharmaceutical shipments)
Increased regulation of precursor chemicals
Stricter controls have reduced trade volumes in some regions while increasing demand for compliance and documentation, benefiting countries with robust regulatory frameworks like India and Germany.
2021-2022
Shift towards alternative decongestants
Pharmaceutical companies are exploring alternatives to pseudoephedrine due to regulatory challenges, potentially reducing long-term demand for this category.
2020-2022
Growth in legitimate pharmaceutical demand
Rising global healthcare needs, particularly in emerging markets, have sustained demand for pseudoephedrine-based medications despite regulatory hurdles.
2019-2022
The European Union updated its precursor chemical regulations, imposing stricter controls on the import and export of pseudoephedrine to prevent diversion to illicit markets.
January 2023
Trade to and from EU countries may face delays due to enhanced compliance requirements, potentially shifting supply chains to non-EU hubs like India.
The United States and Mexico signed an agreement to monitor and restrict the flow of pseudoephedrine across borders to combat methamphetamine production.
September 2022
Reduced trade volume in the North American region, with stricter scrutiny on shipments and potential rerouting through other regions.
India introduced a digital tracking system for precursor chemical exports, including pseudoephedrine, to ensure transparency and prevent misuse.
March 2022
Increased confidence in Indian exports, potentially boosting its market share as a reliable supplier of pseudoephedrine for legitimate use.