U.S. imports of Ephedra (HS 121150) totaled $12K in August 2026, imported from 4 countries.
Ephedra imports of $12K in August 2026 ran 30% below the year-to-date monthly average of $17K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataEphedra — the plant genus whose alkaloids (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine) are regulated precursors to stimulants and decongestants — is classified under a single 10-digit line (1211500000) and faces heightened regulatory scrutiny at US ports of entry. China is the primary supplier, with Egypt, India, and Pakistan also among the source countries. FDA banned ephedrine alkaloid-containing dietary supplements in 2004, so commercial imports are generally limited to pharmaceutical-grade raw material destined for licensed manufacturers; importers must be prepared to demonstrate the intended lawful end use. DEA scheduling of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as List I chemicals means that importers of ephedra plant material may also face DEA registration and reporting requirements depending on alkaloid content and intended processing.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
3 import shipments a month
No. FDA's 2004 final rule prohibits the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. Ephedra imports are therefore generally restricted to pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing uses by appropriately licensed entities. Importers should obtain FDA and, where applicable, DEA guidance before attempting entry.
Unlike the broader 'plants and parts for medicaments' basket of heading 1211.90, ephedra has its own dedicated HS6 subheading (121150) and a single US tariff line (1211500000), reflecting its distinct regulatory profile as a controlled-alkaloid source plant. This specificity means there is no ambiguity about which line applies, but the regulatory compliance burden — spanning FDA and potentially DEA — is substantially higher than for most other botanical imports.
Subheading 3 of 6 in heading 1211
Subheading 121150 · $12K of $42.4M
ImportsExports
Imports
$12KYoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $263K of Ephedra.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026 · exports 0 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 121150 — Ephedra, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1211500000 | Ephedra | $12K | 37.50% | 100.00% | $4K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1211500000 | Ephedra | $6K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · August 2026
origin
China and Mexico together supply 100% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 37.50% of imports for consumption.