HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2912.11 – Aldehydes; acyclic, without other oxygen function, methanal (formaldehyde)
HS code 2912.11 is the 6-digit subheading for aldehydes, acyclic, without other oxygen function, methanal (formaldehyde). It is used for formalin, urea-formaldehyde resin, phenol-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin and polyoxymethylene.
What HS 2912.11 covers
This HS code specifically covers methanal, commonly known as formaldehyde, a foundational organic chemical primarily traded as an aqueous solution called formalin. It is an indispensable building block for a vast array of resins, including urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde, and melamine-formaldehyde, which are crucial for wood products (plywood, particleboard), textiles, and plastics. Major chemical producers like BASF, Celanese, and Georgia-Pacific are significant exporters. Importers are typically manufacturers in the construction, furniture, and automotive industries. Due to its hazardous nature and regulatory scrutiny, international trade in formaldehyde requires strict compliance with safety and environmental standards, making it a high-volume, carefully managed commodity.
- Covers
- Formalin
- Urea-formaldehyde resin
- Phenol-formaldehyde resin
- Melamine-formaldehyde resin
- Polyoxymethylene
- Hexamethylenetetramine
- Examples
- BASF Formaldehyde
- Celanese Formaldehyde
- Georgia-Pacific Formaldehyde
Codes often confused with 2912.11
Common mistake. Often confused with its polymers like paraformaldehyde (2912.60) or even other aldehydes (2912.19), but this code specifically covers the monomeric form, usually in solution.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291211, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291211 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $43M 22% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $34M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $22M 11% of world exports
World total: $194M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $41M 20% of world imports
- 2 Poland $19M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Italy $15M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $206M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2912.11
Brazil does not split HS 2912.11: its NCM code is 2912.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2912.11
What is HS code 291211?
HS code 291211 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aldehydes; acyclic, without other oxygen function, methanal (formaldehyde). This HS code specifically covers methanal, commonly known as formaldehyde, a foundational organic chemical primarily traded as an aqueous solution called formalin. It is an indispensable building block for a vast array of resins, including urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde, and melamine-formaldehyde, which are crucial for wood products (plywood, particleboard), textiles, and plastics. Major chemical producers like BASF, Celanese, and Georgia-Pacific are significant exporters. Importers are typically manufacturers in the construction, furniture, and automotive industries. Due to its hazardous nature and regulatory scrutiny, international trade in formaldehyde requires strict compliance with safety and environmental standards, making it a high-volume, carefully managed commodity.
What products fall under HS code 291211?
Formalin, urea-formaldehyde resin, phenol-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, polyoxymethylene, hexamethylenetetramine
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291211?
Often confused with its polymers like paraformaldehyde (2912.60) or even other aldehydes (2912.19), but this code specifically covers the monomeric form, usually in solution.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291211?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291211 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($43M, 22% of world exports), Belgium ($34M) and Germany ($22M). World exports came to about $194M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 291211?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291211 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($41M, 20% of world imports), Poland ($19M) and Italy ($15M). World imports came to about $206M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 291211 structured?
HS code 291211 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291211?
In Brazil, HS code 291211 is NCM 2912.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.