HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2912.60 – Paraformaldehyde
HS code 2912.60 is the 6-digit subheading for paraformaldehyde. It is used for solid formaldehyde, formaldehyde polymer, disinfectant raw material, resin precursor and adhesive component.
What HS 2912.60 covers
Paraformaldehyde is a solid polymer of formaldehyde, typically appearing as a white crystalline powder. It is a highly versatile chemical traded globally as a convenient and stable source of formaldehyde, particularly when an anhydrous form is required or when handling gaseous formaldehyde is impractical. Major importers include manufacturers of resins, adhesives, plastics, disinfectants, and agricultural chemicals, as well as pharmaceutical companies. Exporters are typically large chemical producers with access to formaldehyde production. Key trade considerations include its purity, particle size, and stability, as it can depolymerize back into formaldehyde gas. Due to formaldehyde's toxicity, strict handling, storage, and regulatory compliance are paramount in its international trade. Its demand is closely linked to the construction, automotive, and agricultural sectors, where formaldehyde-based products are widely used.
- Covers
- Solid formaldehyde
- Formaldehyde polymer
- Disinfectant raw material
- Resin precursor
- Adhesive component
- Pesticide intermediate
- Pharmaceutical excipient
- Examples
- BASF Paraformaldehyde
- Celanese Paraformaldehyde
- Sigma-Aldrich Paraformaldehyde
- Merck KGaA Paraformaldehyde
Codes often confused with 2912.60
Common mistake. This code is often confused with formaldehyde solution (291211) if the solid polymeric form is not clearly distinguished. It could also be mistaken for other formaldehyde-based resins (Chapter 39) if its role as a precursor rather than a finished resin is not understood.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291260, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291260 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 11% 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 China $53M 41% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$26M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $17M 13% of world exports
World total: $130M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $19M 11% of world imports
- 2 India $16M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Japan $14M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $175M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 2912.60
Brazil does not split HS 2912.60: its NCM code is 2912.60.00.
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 2912.60
What is HS code 291260?
HS code 291260 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paraformaldehyde. Paraformaldehyde is a solid polymer of formaldehyde, typically appearing as a white crystalline powder. It is a highly versatile chemical traded globally as a convenient and stable source of formaldehyde, particularly when an anhydrous form is required or when handling gaseous formaldehyde is impractical. Major importers include manufacturers of resins, adhesives, plastics, disinfectants, and agricultural chemicals, as well as pharmaceutical companies. Exporters are typically large chemical producers with access to formaldehyde production. Key trade considerations include its purity, particle size, and stability, as it can depolymerize back into formaldehyde gas. Due to formaldehyde's toxicity, strict handling, storage, and regulatory compliance are paramount in its international trade. Its demand is closely linked to the construction, automotive, and agricultural sectors, where formaldehyde-based products are widely used.
What products fall under HS code 291260?
Solid formaldehyde, Formaldehyde polymer, Disinfectant raw material, Resin precursor, Adhesive component, Pesticide intermediate, Pharmaceutical excipient
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291260?
This code is often confused with formaldehyde solution (291211) if the solid polymeric form is not clearly distinguished. It could also be mistaken for other formaldehyde-based resins (Chapter 39) if its role as a precursor rather than a finished resin is not understood.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291260?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291260 in UN Comtrade data were China ($53M, 41% of world exports), Taiwan (about $26M) and Germany ($17M). World exports came to about $130M, 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 291260?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291260 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($19M, 11% of world imports), India ($16M) and Japan ($14M). World imports came to about $175M, 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 291260 structured?
HS code 291260 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 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291260?
In Brazil, HS code 291260 is NCM 2912.60.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.