Cephalexin HS Code Trade Classification — 29 Codes, $349.6M Trade

Q: How much Cephalexin is exported under HS code 30042012?

Under HS code 30042012, India exports $336.3M worth of Cephalexin, representing 96.2% of total Cephalexin trade. This involves 4,065 shipments from 185 Indian exporters to 423 buyers in 153 countries.

Q: Which countries import the most Cephalexin from India?

The top importing countries for Cephalexin from India are United States, Sri Lanka, Australia. The leading importer United States accounts for $287.1M in trade value. In total, Cephalexin is exported to buyers across multiple countries under 29 HS code classifications.

Q: Who are the top Cephalexin exporters from India?

The leading Cephalexin exporters from India include ALKEM LABORATORIES LIMITED ($232.5M), LUPIN LIMITED ($24.1M), LUPIN LIMITED ($11.5M). These suppliers export across multiple HS code classifications with a combined trade value of $349.6M.

Q: Which Cephalexin HS code has the highest unit price?

HS code 30044990 has the highest average unit price at $153.74 per unit for Cephalexin exports. This compares to the overall market average of $67265.20 per transaction. The most traded code HS 30042012 averages $6.16 per unit.

TransData Nexus

Cephalexin

India Pharmaceutical Trade Intelligence

$349.5M223 Suppliers104 CountriesHS 30042012

ExportsIndia → UNITED STATES82.2%India → SRI LANKA5.2%

ImportsUNITED STATES → India$146.5K CROATIA → India$17.9K

#1 Supplier: ALKEM LABORATORIES #1 Buyer: ASCEND LABORATORIES,

Cephalexin HS Codes (2026) — 29 Classifications, $349.6M Trade | TransData Nexus | TransData Nexus

Cephalexin HS Code Analysis (2026)

India exports Cephalexin under 29 distinct HS code classifications, representing a total trade value of $349.6M across 5,198 shipments. The dominant classification is HS 30042012 (Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail)), accounting for 96.2% of all Cephalexin trade at $336.3M. HS 30049099 (Other medicaments, put up in measured doses or for retail sale) follows at 2.4% ($8.4M). The top 5 HS codes together account for 99.9% of total Cephalexin trade from India. The average transaction value is $67265. Key importing markets include United States, Sri Lanka, Australia. Leading exporters include ALKEM LABORATORIES LIMITED and LUPIN LIMITED. Data sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) shipping bill records.

Source:

Cephalexin HS Code Analysis — 29 classifications, $349.6M trade value, top HS codes breakdown and distribution — Cephalexin HS code analysis — 29 classifications · $349.6M trade value · 5,198 shipmentsTransData Nexus · Indian Customs Data

Top Cephalexin HS Code Classifications

Ranked by trade value from Indian Customs (DGFT) data

Rank	HS Code	Trade Value	Share	Transactions	Avg Price	Suppliers	Countries
#1	30042012	$336.3M	96.2%	4,065	$6.16	185	153
#2	30049099	$8.4M	2.4%

HS 30042012

Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail) · 96.2% of Cephalexin trade

$336.3M

Trade Value

96.2%

Market Share

4,065

Transactions

$6.16

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 185Buyers: 423Countries: 153

Common Product Descriptions:

SANCEPH 250 CAP-CEPHALEXIN CAPSUES USP 2

PHEXIN 250MG (CEPHALEXIN) SIZE-10 CAPS/P

CEPHADEX 500MG (CEPHALEXIN) SIZE-10 CAPS

HS 30049099

Other medicaments, put up in measured doses or for retail sale · 2.4% of Cephalexin trade

$8.4M

Trade Value

2.4%

Market Share

721

Transactions

$7.30

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 122Buyers: 150Countries: 75

Common Product Descriptions:

CEPHADEX 500 MG- CEPHALEXIN-BATCH NO C3

ELEX 500 MG(CEPHALEXIN) (CEPHALEXIN) (10

CEPHADEX 500 MG CAPSCEPHALEXIN

HS 30042019

Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail) · 1.0% of Cephalexin trade

$3.6M

Trade Value

1.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$9.87

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 14Buyers: 19Countries: 17

Common Product Descriptions:

Cephalexin Capsules USP 500mg (CEFALAQUE

SCOLEXIN 125MG/5ML 100ML BT. CEPHALEXIN

CEPHALEXINE FOR ORAL SUSPENSION 125MG/5

HS 30042012

Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail) · 0.2% of Cephalexin trade

$735.5K

Trade Value

0.2%

Market Share

Transactions

$17.25

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 8Buyers: 10Countries: 6

Common Product Descriptions:

HARMLESS PHARMACEUTICAL MEDICINES FINISHED FORMULA...

PHARMACEUTICALS PRODUCTS FORMULATION CEPHALEXIN CA...

CEPHADEX 500MG -CEPHALEXIN - BATCH NO -C3163031

HS 30049085

Other medicaments of mixed or unmixed products (retail) · 0.1% of Cephalexin trade

$383.4K

Trade Value

0.1%

Market Share

174

Transactions

$1.19

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 12Buyers: 25Countries: 38

Common Product Descriptions:

CEPHALEXIN MONOHYDRATE 500 TABLET. EACH

CEPHALEXIN MONOHYDRATE 250 TABLET. EACH

CEPHAVET DRY SYRUP-CEPHALEXIN

HS 30049087

Other medicaments of mixed or unmixed products (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$141.4K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$0.71

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 1Buyers: 1Countries: 1

Common Product Descriptions:

CEPHAKER (CEPHALEXIN FOR ORAL SUSPENSIONUSP 125MG/...

CEPHAKER (CEPHALEXIN FOR ORAL SUSPENSIONUSP 250MG/...

HS 30049029

Other analgesics and antipyretics, put up for retail sale · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$118.0K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$6.05

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 1Buyers: 1Countries: 1

Common Product Descriptions:

PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS / HARMLESS MEDICINES F...

HS 30042011

Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$18.8K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$0.06

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 1Buyers: 1Countries: 1

Common Product Descriptions:

CEPHALEXIN TABS USP CEPHALEXIN MONOHYDRATE USP EQ ...

HS 30041090

Other medicaments containing penicillins or streptomycins (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$9.9K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$1.63

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 10Buyers: 12Countries: 10

Common Product Descriptions:

Cephalexin Long Acting Tablets 750mg (PH

Cephalexin Capsules IP 500MG

Cephalexin Capsules IP 250MG

#10

HS 30049079

Other CNS acting medicaments (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$6.8K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$0.33

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 2Buyers: 2Countries: 2

Common Product Descriptions:

Pharmaceutical Products CEPHALEXIN CAPS

ASPER INVOICE NO: ZPPL/XP/2425/002 DATE:04/06/2024...

#11

HS 30049061

Antihistamines and anti-allergy preparations (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$6.2K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$12.53

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 3Buyers: 3Countries: 3

Common Product Descriptions:

CEPHADEX 250MG DT TAB (CEPHALEXIN) (BATC

Cephalexin 250 mg

#12

HS 30044990

Other medicaments containing alkaloids or derivatives (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$3.7K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$153.74

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 1Buyers: 1Countries: 1

Common Product Descriptions:

CEPHALEXIN POWDER FOR ORAL SUSPENSION 250MG/5ML, B...

KEFLEX (CEPHALEXIN MONOHYDRATE) TABLETS 500 MG, BA...

#13

HS 30042099

Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$3.2K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$3.42

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 2Buyers: 9Countries: 2

Common Product Descriptions:

CEPHADEX 500MG CIPLA CEPHALEXIN CEPHA

CEPHADEX 250MG CIPLA CEPHALEXIN CEPHA

Cephadex 250mg Cipla CephalexinCeph

#14

HS 30034900

Other medicaments containing alkaloids (not retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$2.5K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$16.68

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 1Buyers: 1Countries: 1

Common Product Descriptions:

PHARMACEUTICAL MEDICINE FOR HUMAN USE- CEPHALEXIN ...

#15

HS 30042034

Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$2.1K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$100.05

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 2Buyers: 1Countries: 2

Common Product Descriptions:

LIXEN PELATAB 300 MG 7 TAB CEPHALEXIN

#16

HS 30041030

Penicillin V and its salts, put up for retail sale · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$1.5K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$1.53

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 5Buyers: 7Countries: 6

Common Product Descriptions:

ELDOXINE 500MG CAP Cephalexin 500 MG

ELDOXINE 500MG CAP-CEPHALEXIN 500MG CAP

CONTAIN MEDICINES HARMLESS PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS...

#17

HS 30049099

Other medicaments of mixed or unmixed products (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$1.1K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$2.43

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 6Buyers: 7Countries: 4

Common Product Descriptions:

CEPHLEX 500 - CEPHALEXIN 500MG - BATCH NO - SBC-23...

LIXEN PELATAB 300 MG 7 TAB CEPHALEXIN

CEPHADEX DT 250MG 10 TAB CEPHALEXIN DISPERSIBLE

#18

HS 30049021

Analgesics, antipyretics — aspirin preparations (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$1.0K

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$0.41

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 1Buyers: 1Countries: 1

Common Product Descriptions:

CEPHALEXIN BOLUS

#19

HS 30042033

Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$737

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$1.44

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 3Buyers: 5Countries: 3

Common Product Descriptions:

CEPHADEX 500MG CAP (CEPHALEXIN 500MG)

CEPHADEX 500 (CEPHALEXIN) CAPSULES

CAPSULE CIPRIN 250mg(CEPHALEXIN)B.NO-C1080-A.MFG D...

#20

HS 30042099

Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail) · 0.0% of Cephalexin trade

$529

Trade Value

0.0%

Market Share

Transactions

$5.30

Avg Unit Price

Suppliers: 2Buyers: 2Countries: 2

Common Product Descriptions:

PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT (MEDICINE) : PACK OF 100...

Cephadex 250mg (Cipla, Cephalexin),(Cephadex)

Where Cephalexin is Exported — Geographic HS Code Analysis

Import destinations for Cephalexin from India, by trade value

India exports Cephalexin to 10+ countries under 29 HS code classifications. The largest import destination is United States ($287.1M), followed by Sri Lanka ($18.1M) and Australia ($8.4M). These markets collectively account for the majority of India's Cephalexin pharmaceutical exports.

Rank	Country	Trade Value	Market Share
#1	United States	$287.1M	82.1%
#2	Sri Lanka	$18.1M	5.2%
#3	Australia	$8.4M	2.4%
#4	Ecuador	$5.8M	1.7%
#5	Tanzania	$4.9M	1.4%
#6	Canada	$3.4M	1.0%
#7	Congo Dr	$3.3M	1.0%
#8	Ethiopia	$3.3M	0.9%
#9	Peru	$2.3M	0.7%
#10	Kenya	$1.5M	0.4%

Pharmaceutical buyers in these markets import Cephalexin primarily under HS code 30042012 (Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail)). Import duties, regulatory requirements, and product registration vary by destination country. Contact TransData Nexus for country-specific import intelligence.

Understanding Cephalexin HS Codes

The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers to classify traded products. Developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), it is used by over 200 countries for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and regulatory compliance. Each HS code is a 6-digit number (extended to 8 digits in India's Customs Tariff Schedule) that precisely identifies a product category.

How Cephalexin HS Codes Work

Cephalexin falls under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products) of the Harmonized System. The 29 codes used for Cephalexin exports span multiple headings:

Heading 3003 — Medicaments not put up in measured doses or for retail sale (bulk APIs, intermediates)
Heading 3004 — Medicaments put up in measured doses or for retail sale (finished formulations)
Heading 3005 — Wadding, gauze, bandages for medical use
Heading 3006 — Pharmaceutical goods (sutures, reagents, dental cements)

The most significant distinction for Cephalexin is between HS 3003 (bulk/unmeasured) and HS 3004 (retail-ready). HS 3004 codes account for the majority of Cephalexin trade (including the dominant code 30042012 at 96.2%). The 8-digit Indian Customs Tariff code further specifies the therapeutic class — for example, HS 30042012 refers to "Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail)".

Regulatory & Compliance — Cephalexin Export Classification

Correct HS code classification is critical for Cephalexin exports from India. Misclassification can result in customs delays, incorrect duty assessment, and regulatory penalties. Key compliance considerations for pharmaceutical stakeholders:

Import Duty Classification

Cephalexin import duties vary significantly by HS code and destination country. HS 3004 (finished formulations) typically attracts different duty rates than HS 3003 (bulk APIs). Many developing countries offer preferential rates for essential medicines including Cephalexin.

DGFT & Indian Customs Requirements

Indian exporters must declare the correct 8-digit ITC-HS code on shipping bills filed with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Cephalexin exports require Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approval and must comply with Drug & Cosmetics Act regulations.

WHO Prequalification

For international procurement (UNICEF, Global Fund), Cephalexin products must meet WHO Prequalification standards. WHO PQ status affects which HS codes are eligible for preferential procurement pricing and duty exemptions in recipient countries.

Country-Specific Registration

Each destination country requires product registration before import. Key markets like United States and Sri Lanka have specific pharmaceutical regulatory bodies that must approve the product before customs clearance.

Related Antibiotics — Products Sharing Similar HS Codes

Other products in the Antibiotics therapeutic category that may share HS code classifications with Cephalexin

amoxicillin ciprofloxacin azithromycin

Tariff Schedule — Top Markets

TransData Nexus Cephalexin HS code trade compliance intelligence

1Tariff Schedule — Top Markets

Cephalexin, classified under HS code 30042012, is subject to varying tariff rates across different countries. Below is an overview of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates, preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with India (if applicable), and any exemptions for essential medicines in the top importing countries:

United States: The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) indicates that the MFN tariff rate for products under HS code 30042012 is 0%. There is no specific FTA between the U.S. and India affecting this product. Essential medicines may be subject to exemptions, but cephalexin is already duty-free under the MFN rate.

Sri Lanka: According to Sri Lanka Customs, the MFN tariff rate for HS code 30042012 is 0%. Sri Lanka and India have the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), which allows preferential access for certain products; however, cephalexin is already duty-free under the MFN rate. Essential medicines are generally exempt from import duties, reinforcing the 0% rate for cephalexin.

Australia: The Australian Border Force lists the MFN tariff rate for HS code 30042012 as 0%. The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) may provide preferential rates for various products, but cephalexin is already duty-free under the MFN rate. Essential medicines are typically exempt from import duties, confirming the 0% rate for cephalexin.

Classification Disputes & Misclassification Risks

TransData Nexus Cephalexin HS code trade compliance intelligence

1Classification Disputes & Misclassification Risks

Cephalexin is predominantly classified under HS code 30042012, which pertains to medicaments containing cephalosporins and their derivatives, put up in measured doses or forms for retail sale. However, classification disputes may arise when determining whether cephalexin should be classified under HS code 3003 or 3004.

HS Code 3003: This code covers medicaments consisting of two or more constituents mixed together for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not put up in measured doses or forms for retail sale.

HS Code 3004: This code includes medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or forms for retail sale.

The primary distinction lies in the packaging and presentation of the product. Cephalexin intended for retail sale in measured doses (e.g., capsules, tablets) should be classified under HS code 3004. Conversely, bulk cephalexin not packaged for retail sale may fall under HS code 3003.

Common misclassification errors include:

Classifying retail-packaged cephalexin under HS code 3003, leading to incorrect duty assessments.

Pharmacopoeia & Quality Standards

TransData Nexus Cephalexin HS code trade compliance intelligence

1Pharmacopoeia & Quality Standards

Cephalexin is recognized in several major pharmacopoeias, including the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). These monographs provide comprehensive quality standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of cephalexin products.

Purity/Assay Requirements: The USP monograph specifies that cephalexin should have a potency of not less than 950 µg/mg and not more than 1030 µg/mg, calculated on the anhydrous basis. Similar assay requirements are outlined in the BP, EP, and IP, ensuring consistent potency across different regions.

Dissolution Testing: Dissolution tests are critical for assessing the release profile of cephalexin from its dosage form. The USP provides specific dissolution test methods for cephalexin capsules and tablets, which are harmonized with the BP and EP to ensure consistent performance.

Stability Testing per ICH Zones: Stability testing guidelines established by the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) categorize regions into different climatic zones (I-IV) to ensure product stability under various environmental conditions. Cephalexin formulations must undergo stability testing appropriate to the climatic zone of the intended market to ensure shelf-life and efficacy.

Adherence to these pharmacopoeial standards and quality requirements is essential for regulatory compliance and to ensure the therapeutic effectiveness of cephalexin products in global markets.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cephalexin HS Codes

Common questions about Cephalexin trade classification, answered with data from Indian Customs records.

What is the HS code for Cephalexin exports from India?

The most commonly used HS code for Cephalexin exports from India is 30042012 (Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail)), which accounts for 96.2% of all Cephalexin trade valued at $336.3M. In total, India exports Cephalexin under 29 distinct HS code classifications.

How many HS codes are used for Cephalexin trade?

Cephalexin is exported from India under 29 different HS code classifications, covering a total trade value of $349.6M across 5,198 shipments. The top 5 HS codes account for 99.9% of total trade.

What is HS code 30042012?

HS code 30042012 refers to "Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail)" under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products) of the Harmonized System. For Cephalexin, this code covers $336.3M in trade value with 4,065 transactions, 185 suppliers, and 423 buyers across 153 countries. The average unit price under this code is $6.16.

What is the difference between HS 30042012 and 30049099 for Cephalexin?

HS 30042012 (Medicaments containing antibiotics (retail)) accounts for 96.2% of Cephalexin trade ($336.3M) with an average unit price of $6.16, while HS 30049099 (Other medicaments, put up in measured doses or for retail sale) covers 2.4% ($8.4M) at $7.30 per unit. HS 30042012 involves 185 suppliers and 423 buyers, compared to 122 suppliers and 150 buyers for HS 30049099.

Official References & Regulatory Resources

HS code classifications follow the WCO Harmonized System. Verify tariff rates with your national customs authority.

Research Methodology & Data Transparency

Suresh Sormare

Verified Author

Pharmaceutical Export-Import Analyst & Trade Intelligence Expert

Suresh Sormare is a pharmaceutical export-import analyst with deep expertise in Indian Customs (DGFT) data, HS code classification, and global pharmaceutical supply chains. His analysis covers 10M+ shipment records across 150+ countries and is used by manufacturers, procurement agencies, and trade consultants worldwide. Suresh specializes in identifying verified suppliers and buyers from customs records, mapping bilateral pharmaceutical trade corridors, analyzing tariff structures and regulatory frameworks across 170+ destination markets, and benchmarking competitive positioning for finished pharmaceutical formulations. His methodology combines granular customs transaction data with regulatory intelligence from FDA, EMA, WHO, CDSCO, and 40+ national drug authorities to deliver actionable trade insights for the pharmaceutical formulations sector.

linkedin.com/in/sureshsormare

Primary Data Source

All trade data is sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) official shipping bill records — the authoritative government database for India's pharmaceutical trade. Each verified record contains exporter name, consignee (buyer) name, detailed product description, quantity, declared FOB value (USD), port of loading, destination country, and shipment date.

Cephalexin

Cephalexin

Top Cephalexin HS Code Classifications

All Cephalexin HS Code Classifications

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Where Cephalexin is Exported — Geographic HS Code Analysis

Understanding Cephalexin HS Codes

How Cephalexin HS Codes Work

Regulatory & Compliance — Cephalexin Export Classification

Import Duty Classification

DGFT & Indian Customs Requirements

WHO Prequalification

Country-Specific Registration

Related Antibiotics — Products Sharing Similar HS Codes

Tariff Schedule — Top Markets

1Tariff Schedule — Top Markets

Classification Disputes & Misclassification Risks

1Classification Disputes & Misclassification Risks

Pharmacopoeia & Quality Standards

1Pharmacopoeia & Quality Standards

Frequently Asked Questions — Cephalexin HS Codes

What is the HS code for Cephalexin exports from India?

How many HS codes are used for Cephalexin trade?

What is HS code 30042012?

What is the difference between HS 30042012 and 30049099 for Cephalexin?

Official References & Regulatory Resources

Research Methodology & Data Transparency

Suresh Sormare

Primary Data Source

How much Cephalexin is exported under HS code 30042012?

Which countries import the most Cephalexin from India?

Who are the top Cephalexin exporters from India?

Which Cephalexin HS code has the highest unit price?

Analysis Methodology