HS Code:
Levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamfetamine racemate, and their salts fall under the category of controlled substances often associated with pharmaceutical and illicit drug markets. These compounds are primarily used in medical contexts for specific treatments (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or nasal decongestion in the case of levometamfetamine) but are also subject to strict international regulation due to their potential for abuse and addiction. Trade in these substances is heavily monitored under international agreements such as the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. The Harmonized System (HS) Code for this category is typically 293911, which covers alkaloids of opium and their derivatives, though specific classifications may vary by country for controlled substances.
Total Trade Volume
USD 50 million (estimated legal trade)
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade, International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Reports
USD 20 million
40% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 10 million
20% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 8 million
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 5 million
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 3 million
6% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5-10% (varies by country and specific substance classification)
Highest Rate
25% (imposed by certain countries with strict import controls)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or for medical purposes with proper licensing)
Increased regulation on precursor chemicals
Reduction in illicit trade routes but challenges for legitimate pharmaceutical supply chains
2021-2023
Rising demand for ADHD medications
Growth in legal trade of metamfetamine-based drugs under strict controls
2020-2022
Shift to alternative synthetic drugs
Decline in certain metamfetamine derivatives due to substitution with less regulated substances
2019-2023
The International Narcotics Control Board released updated guidelines tightening the monitoring of metamfetamine and its derivatives in international trade.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters and stricter documentation requirements.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced new measures to curb the illegal importation of metamfetamine precursors.
July 2022
Potential reduction in illicit trade but risk of supply shortages for legal medical uses.
The European Union adopted a unified policy for the trade of controlled substances, including metamfetamine derivatives, to streamline licensing.
January 2023
Facilitates intra-EU trade but imposes stricter controls on non-EU imports.