HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2915.13 – Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of formic acid
HS code 2915.13 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, esters of formic acid. It is used for methyl formate, ethyl formate, propyl formate, butyl formate and isoamyl formate.
What HS 2915.13 covers
This HS code specifically covers esters derived from formic acid, such as methyl formate, ethyl formate, and propyl formate. These compounds are primarily used as solvents in various industrial applications, including in the production of lacquers, cellulose acetate, and certain plastics. They also find use as fumigants, insecticides, and as flavoring agents in the food industry due to their characteristic fruity odors. Methyl formate, for example, is a key intermediate in the synthesis of formamide and other chemicals. Major importers are typically countries with significant chemical manufacturing, food processing, or agricultural sectors, such as China, the USA, and European Union members. Exporters often include nations with strong chemical industries, like China, Germany, and the USA. Key aspects of trading these esters involve their flammability, requiring careful handling and storage, and their purity specifications, which are critical for their intended applications. The market is influenced by demand for specialty solvents and intermediates.
- Covers
- Methyl formate
- Ethyl formate
- Propyl formate
- Butyl formate
- Isoamyl formate
- Benzyl formate
- Isopropyl formate
- Examples
- Sigma-Aldrich Methyl Formate
- TCI Ethyl Formate
- Alfa Aesar Propyl Formate
- BASF Butyl Formate
Codes often confused with 2915.13
Common mistake. This code is for esters of formic acid. Formic acid itself is 291511, and its salts are 291512. Confusion arises if the specific chemical form (acid, salt, or ester) is not accurately identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291513, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291513 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 China $6.0M 21% of world exports
- 2 India $3.9M 14% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $3.3M 11% of world exports
World total: $29M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.4M 20% of world imports
- 2 India $5.6M 13% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $2.4M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $43M 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 codes for 2915.13 2
Brazil splits HS 2915.13 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about HS 2915.13
What is HS code 291513?
HS code 291513 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of formic acid. This HS code specifically covers esters derived from formic acid, such as methyl formate, ethyl formate, and propyl formate. These compounds are primarily used as solvents in various industrial applications, including in the production of lacquers, cellulose acetate, and certain plastics. They also find use as fumigants, insecticides, and as flavoring agents in the food industry due to their characteristic fruity odors. Methyl formate, for example, is a key intermediate in the synthesis of formamide and other chemicals. Major importers are typically countries with significant chemical manufacturing, food processing, or agricultural sectors, such as China, the USA, and European Union members. Exporters often include nations with strong chemical industries, like China, Germany, and the USA. Key aspects of trading these esters involve their flammability, requiring careful handling and storage, and their purity specifications, which are critical for their intended applications. The market is influenced by demand for specialty solvents and intermediates.
What products fall under HS code 291513?
Methyl formate, Ethyl formate, Propyl formate, Butyl formate, Isoamyl formate, Benzyl formate, Isopropyl formate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291513?
This code is for esters of formic acid. Formic acid itself is 291511, and its salts are 291512. Confusion arises if the specific chemical form (acid, salt, or ester) is not accurately identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291513?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291513 in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.0M, 21% of world exports), India ($3.9M) and the United Kingdom ($3.3M). World exports came to about $29M, 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 291513?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291513 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.4M, 20% of world imports), India ($5.6M) and Brazil ($2.4M). World imports came to about $43M, 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 291513 structured?
HS code 291513 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (13) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291513?
Brazil splits HS code 291513 into 2 NCM codes: 2915.13.10 (Geranyl formate), 2915.13.90 (Other esters of formic acid). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.