Product classification
HS code for Formaldehyde: 2912.11
Aldehydes, acyclic, without other oxygen function, methanal (formaldehyde).
Classification of formaldehyde under HS 2912.11
Formaldehyde, also known as methanal, is classified under HS code 2912.11. This code is situated within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Heading 2912 is dedicated to aldehydes, whether or not with other oxygen functions, and cyclic polymers of aldehydes. Subheading 2912.11 specifically identifies methanal as the simplest acyclic aldehyde. In its pure form, formaldehyde is a gas, but it is most commonly traded as an aqueous solution (formalin), often with a small amount of methanol added as a stabilizer to prevent polymerization. Under the rules of Chapter 29, these solutions remain classified under 2912.11 provided they do not constitute a preparation covered more specifically elsewhere. Formaldehyde is a critical precursor in the production of resins, plastics, and various chemical intermediates, making its precise classification vital for regulatory and safety compliance during international transit. It is important to distinguish 2912.11 from 2912.60 (paraformaldehyde), which is a solid polymer of formaldehyde. Additionally, if formaldehyde is mixed with other substances to create a finished disinfectant or pesticide, it may be classified under heading 3808. The purity and concentration of the formaldehyde solution are key factors in determining if it stays in Chapter 29. Importers must ensure that the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number 50-00-0 is clearly associated with the product to facilitate customs clearance and safety data sheet (SDS) verification.
- Covers
- Methanal (pure formaldehyde)
- Formalin (aqueous formaldehyde solutions)
- Formaldehyde stabilized with methanol
- Gaseous formaldehyde
- Formaldehyde solutions for laboratory use
- Also under 2912.11
- BASF Formaldehyde
- Celanese Formaldehyde
- Georgia-Pacific Formaldehyde
Codes often confused with 2912.11
Common mistake. Formaldehyde is often confused with 2912.60, which is the code for paraformaldehyde (the solid polymer). It is also sometimes misclassified under 3808.94 if it is packaged and sold specifically as a disinfectant preparation rather than a raw chemical intermediate. 2912.12 (ethanal) is another common error for similar aldehydes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291211 (the code used for formaldehyde), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291211 (the code used for formaldehyde) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 291211, not only formaldehyde.
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 formaldehyde
Brazil classifies formaldehyde under NCM 2912.11.00: HS 2912.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about formaldehyde
What is the HS code for Formaldehyde?
The HS code for Formaldehyde is 291211 (Aldehydes; acyclic, without other oxygen function, methanal (formaldehyde)). The HS code for formaldehyde (methanal) is 2912.11.
How do I classify Formaldehyde for customs?
Formaldehyde is classified under HS code 291211 — Aldehydes; acyclic, without other oxygen function, methanal (formaldehyde). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is formalin classified under the same HS code as formaldehyde?
Yes, aqueous solutions of formaldehyde, commonly known as formalin, are classified under 2912.11 as long as they are not mixed into complex preparations.
Which countries are the top exporters of formaldehyde (HS 291211)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291211 (the code used for formaldehyde) 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 formaldehyde (HS 291211)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291211 (the code used for formaldehyde) 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.
Is the HS code for Formaldehyde the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291211 for Formaldehyde is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for formaldehyde in Brazil?
In Brazil, formaldehyde (HS 291211) is classified under NCM 2912.11.00.