Antibiotics; erythromycin and its derivatives; salts thereof

HS code 294150 covers a crucial segment of the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the production of antibiotics, specifically erythromycin and its derivatives, as well as their salts. These compounds play a vital role in modern medicine, providing effective treatments for a wide range of bacterial infections. The global demand for these antibiotics continues to grow, driven by the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and the need for reliable, high-quality pharmaceutical products.

The production of antibiotics under HS code 294150 typically involves a multi-step fermentation process. This process begins with the cultivation of specific strains of microorganisms, such as Streptomyces bacteria, which are capable of producing the desired antibiotic compounds. The fermentation process is carefully controlled to optimize the yield and purity of the target molecules. Following fermentation, the antibiotics are extracted, purified, and formulated into various dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, or injectable solutions.

The key inputs required for the production of antibiotics under HS code 294150 include the raw materials necessary for the fermentation process, such as growth media, nutrients, and specific microbial strains. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized equipment and machinery for the various stages of production, including fermentation tanks, centrifuges, and purification systems. Skilled personnel, such as microbiologists, chemists, and process engineers, are also essential for the efficient and safe operation of these production facilities.

The primary output of HS code 294150 is the production of antibiotics, including erythromycin and its derivatives, as well as their salts. These antibiotics are then used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the manufacture of various drug products. The outputs from this industry are often consumed by other HS codes, such as 300410 Medicaments containing penicillins or derivatives thereof, with a penicillanic acid structure, or streptomycins or their derivatives, 300420 Medicaments containing other antibiotics, and 300450 Other medicaments containing vitamins or other products of heading 2936, which incorporate these antibiotics into their final drug formulations.