Ibuprofen paracetamol HS Code Analysis (2026)

The primary HS code utilized for "Ibuprofen-paracetamol" in our trade data is 30049099, accounting for 71.4% of the trade value. This code pertains to "Other medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale."

Ghana: According to the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff rate for HS code 30049099 is 0%. Ghana and India are both members of the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP), which may offer preferential rates; however, specific details should be confirmed with the Ghana Revenue Authority. Essential medicines, including ibuprofen and paracetamol combinations, are typically exempt from import duties to ensure affordability and accessibility.

Angola: The Angolan Customs Authority indicates an MFN tariff rate of 2% for HS code 30049099. Angola and India are both members of the GSTP, potentially providing preferential rates; specific details should be verified with the Angolan Customs Authority. Essential medicines are often exempt from import duties in Angola to promote public health.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): The DRC's Directorate General of Customs and Excise lists an MFN tariff rate of 5% for HS code 30049099. As a GSTP member, the DRC may offer preferential rates to India; confirmation should be sought from the DRC customs authority. Essential medicines are generally exempt from import duties to support healthcare access.

Mozambique: The Mozambique Revenue Authority applies an MFN tariff rate of 0% for HS code 30049099. Mozambique and India are both GSTP members, which may provide preferential rates; specific details should be confirmed with the Mozambique Revenue Authority. Essential medicines are typically exempt from import duties to ensure public health needs are met.

Kenya: The Kenya Revenue Authority states an MFN tariff rate of 0% for HS code 30049099. Kenya and India are both GSTP members, potentially offering preferential rates; verification with the Kenya Revenue Authority is recommended. Essential medicines are usually exempt from import duties to facilitate healthcare access.

Australia: The Australian Border Force applies an MFN tariff rate of 0% for HS code 30049099. Australia and India have a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) known as the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (AI-CECA), which may offer preferential rates; specific details should be confirmed with the Australian Border Force. Essential medicines are generally exempt from import duties to support public health initiatives.

Uganda: The Uganda Revenue Authority lists an MFN tariff rate of 0% for HS code 30049099. Uganda and India are both GSTP members, potentially providing preferential rates; confirmation with the Uganda Revenue Authority is advisable. Essential medicines are typically exempt from import duties to promote healthcare accessibility.

Somalia: The Somali Customs Authority indicates an MFN tariff rate of 0% for HS code 30049099. Somalia and India are both GSTP members, which may offer preferential rates; specific details should be verified with the Somali Customs Authority. Essential medicines are often exempt from import duties to ensure public health needs are addressed.

In our trade data, "Ibuprofen-paracetamol" has been classified under seven different HS codes, with 71.4% of the trade value attributed to HS code 30049099. This variability underscores the importance of accurate classification to avoid disputes and penalties.

HS 3003 vs. HS 3004 Classification:

• HS 3003: This heading covers "Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 30.02, 30.05, or 30.06) consisting of two or more constituents which have been mixed together for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale."

• HS 3004: This heading includes "Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 30.02, 30.05, or 30.06) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale."

The key distinction lies in the packaging and dosing:

• HS 3003 applies to bulk medicaments not in measured doses or retail packaging.

• HS 3004 applies to medicaments in measured doses or retail packaging.

Common misclassification errors include:

• Classifying retail-packaged or measured-dose medicaments under HS 3003 instead of HS 3004.

• Misidentifying the active ingredients, leading to incorrect subheading classification.

Such misclassifications can result in customs penalties, including fines and delays in shipment clearance. The World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasizes the importance of accurate classification to facilitate international trade and compliance.

"Ibuprofen-paracetamol" combinations are recognized in various pharmacopoeias, each specifying quality standards to ensure safety and efficacy.

United States Pharmacopeia (USP): The USP includes monographs for both ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen), detailing purity, assay requirements, and dissolution testing.

British Pharmacopoeia (BP): The BP provides monographs for ibuprofen and paracetamol, specifying quality standards, including assay and dissolution tests.

European Pharmacopoeia (EP): The EP includes monographs for ibuprofen and paracetamol, outlining purity criteria, assay methods, and dissolution testing.

Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP): The IP contains monographs for ibuprofen and paracetamol, specifying quality parameters, including assay and dissolution tests.

Quality Standards:

• Purity/Assay Requirements: Each pharmacopoeia specifies acceptable purity levels and assay methods to ensure the correct dosage and absence of contaminants.

• Dissolution Testing: Dissolution tests are conducted to ensure the medicament releases the active ingredients appropriately, affecting bioavailability.

• Stability Testing: Stability testing is performed according to the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, considering different climatic zones to ensure the product maintains its quality over its shelf life.

Adherence to these pharmacopoeial standards is crucial for regulatory approval and market acceptance across different regions.