HS Code 121150

Ephedra Plants for Pharmaceutical or Perfumery Use

HS code 121150 covers Ephedra plants used in pharmacy or perfumery, appearing as fresh, dried, or powdered material, and often subject to strict medical control

6-digit Section IILCL

HS Code 121150 — Ephedra Plants for Pharmaceutical or Perfumery Use

This code covers the Ephedra plant, including its stems and leaves, used for extracting alkaloids like ephedrine or for traditional medicinal purposes. It applies to fresh, dried, crushed, or powdered forms primarily destined for the pharmaceutical, perfumery, or pesticide industries.

What's included

  • Dried Ephedra sinica stems
  • Powdered Ma Huang
  • Fresh Ephedra shrubs for extraction
  • Crushed Ephedra for herbicidal use

What's excluded

  • Pure ephedrine alkaloids → use 293941 (Isolated chemical compounds are classified as organic chemicals rather than plant parts.)

Common examples

  • Dried Ma Huang stems for TCM
  • Ephedra herb powder for laboratory extraction
  • Fresh Ephedra equisetina foliage

Frequently asked questions

Is Ephedra subject to international drug controls?

Yes, many countries regulate Ephedra heavily due to its alkaloid content used in precursors for stimulants. Always check local pharmaceutical regulations before shipping.

Trade & shipping notes

  • Typical duty range: 0% - 6.5%
  • Documentation: Phytosanitary certificates are mandatory for all plant materials to prevent pest transmission.
  • Typical shipping mode: LCL
  • Top exporters: China, India, Pakistan
  • Top importers: United States, Germany, Japan

Key takeaway

Ephedra is a highly regulated medicinal plant required for precursor extraction, necessitating both phytosanitary and pharmaceutical compliance.

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