Antibiotics; streptomycins and their derivatives; salts thereof

HS code 294120 covers the production and trade of antibiotics, specifically streptomycins and their derivatives, as well as their salts. Antibiotics are essential pharmaceutical products that play a crucial role in modern medicine, helping to treat and prevent bacterial infections. The streptomycin class of antibiotics is particularly important, as they are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that cause tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other serious illnesses. This industry is a vital component of the broader pharmaceutical sector, contributing to global health and wellness.

The production of antibiotics under HS code 294120 typically involves fermentation processes. Streptomycin and its derivatives are produced by cultivating specific strains of the Streptomyces bacteria in controlled environments. The bacteria are fed a carefully formulated growth medium, which they convert into the desired antibiotic compounds through their metabolic processes. After fermentation, the antibiotics are extracted, purified, and formulated into various pharmaceutical products, such as tablets, capsules, or injectable solutions.

The main inputs required for the production of antibiotics under HS code 294120 include the Streptomyces bacterial cultures, growth media (which may contain various organic and inorganic nutrients), and specialized fermentation equipment. Additionally, the industry relies on a range of chemical reagents and solvents for the extraction, purification, and formulation of the final antibiotic products. Skilled labor, including microbiologists, chemists, and pharmaceutical technicians, is also a critical input for this industry.

The primary outputs of the industry covered by HS code 294120 are various antibiotic products, including streptomycins and their derivatives. These antibiotics are then consumed by other industries, such as the 300410 Medicaments containing penicillins or derivatives thereof, with a penicillanic acid structure, or streptomycins or their derivatives and 300420 Medicaments containing other antibiotics industries, which incorporate them into finished pharmaceutical preparations for human and animal use.