Product classification

HS code for Formate esters: 2915.13

Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, esters of formic acid.

Classification of formate esters under HS 2915.13

Formate esters are classified under HS code 2915.13 because they are chemical derivatives of formic acid where the acidic hydrogen is replaced by an alkyl, aryl, or other organic group. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, specifically under Heading 2915 for saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives. As esters, these compounds are distinct from the parent acid and its salts, requiring a specific subheading. The Harmonized System groups these substances based on their chemical structure as part of the acyclic series. These esters are primarily used in the fragrance and flavor industries, as well as solvents in specialized chemical synthesis. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6, following the specific nomenclature for esters of formic acid provided in the legal text of the subheading.

Covers
  • Methyl formate (used as a blowing agent and solvent)
  • Ethyl formate (used as a flavoring agent and fumigant)
  • Butyl formate
  • Isobutyl formate
  • Geranyl formate (used in perfumery)
  • Amyl formate
Also under 2915.13
  • Sigma-Aldrich Methyl Formate
  • TCI Ethyl Formate
  • Alfa Aesar Propyl Formate
  • BASF Butyl Formate

Codes often confused with 2915.13

Common mistake. Formate esters are frequently misclassified under HS code 2915.11, which is reserved strictly for formic acid in its acid form. They are also sometimes confused with formate salts under HS code 2915.12. While salts are ionic compounds, esters are covalent organic compounds, and the HS nomenclature maintains a strict distinction between these two chemical categories. Additionally, if an ester is part of a retail-packed fragrance or flavor mixture, it might be incorrectly classified under Chapter 33, though the pure chemical remains in 2915.13.

2915.11Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; formic acid2915.12Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; salts of formic acids

Top exporters and importers of HS 291513 (the code used for formate esters), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291513 (the code used for formate esters) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 291513, not only formate esters.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $6.0M
  2. 2 India $3.9M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $3.3M

World total: $29M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $8.4M
  2. 2 India $5.6M
  3. 3 Brazil $2.4M

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 formate esters

Brazil splits HS 2915.13 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

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 formate esters

What is the HS code for Formate esters?

The HS code for Formate esters is 291513 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of formic acid).

How do I classify Formate esters for customs?

Formate esters is classified under HS code 291513 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of formic acid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for methyl formate?

The HS code for methyl formate is 2915.13, as it is a primary ester of formic acid.

Are formate esters classified differently if used as pesticides?

If the ester is formulated and packaged for retail sale as a disinfectant or pesticide, it may move to heading 3808; however, the bulk chemical substance is always 2915.13.

Which countries are the top exporters of formate esters (HS 291513)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291513 (the code used for formate esters) 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 formate esters (HS 291513)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291513 (the code used for formate esters) 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.

Is the HS code for Formate esters the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291513 for Formate esters 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 formate esters in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291513 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for formate esters depends on the product's details: 2915.13.10 (Geranyl formate), 2915.13.90 (Other esters of formic acid).