Product classification

HS code for Formate salts: 2915.12

Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, salts of formic acids.

Classification of formate salts under HS 2915.12

Formate salts are classified under HS code 2915.12. These substances are ionic compounds formed by the neutralization of formic acid with a metallic or organic base. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 29 governs organic chemicals, and Heading 2915 specifically addresses saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids. The nomenclature provides a dedicated subheading (2915.12) for the salts of formic acid to distinguish them from the acid itself (2915.11) and its esters (2915.13). These salts are widely utilized in industrial applications, such as de-icing agents for runways, drilling fluids in the oil industry, and as buffering agents in the textile and leather sectors. The classification is based on the chemical identity of the formate anion combined with a cation, provided the compound is a separate chemically defined element or compound as per Note 1 to Chapter 29.

Covers
  • Sodium formate
  • Calcium formate
  • Potassium formate
  • Ammonium formate
  • Aluminum formate
  • Nickel formate
Also under 2915.12
  • Perstorp Calcium Formate
  • BASF Sodium Formate
  • Kemira Formate salts
  • Shandong Baoyuan Chemical Potassium Formate

Codes often confused with 2915.12

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2915.11 (formic acid) when the distinction between the acid and its salt form is not clearly identified in shipping documents. Another frequent error involves HS code 3820.00 (anti-freezing preparations). While sodium or potassium formate are used for de-icing, they must be classified in 2915.12 if they are pure, chemically defined salts. Only prepared mixtures containing these salts for specific anti-freezing use should be considered for Chapter 38.

2915.11Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; formic acid3820.00Anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids

Top exporters and importers of HS 291512 (the code used for formate salts), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291512 (the code used for formate salts) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 291512, not only formate salts.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $129M
  2. 2 Germany $41M
  3. 3 Norway $24M

World total: $262M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $42M
  2. 2 India $27M
  3. 3 Norway $25M

World total: $356M 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 salts

Brazil splits HS 2915.12 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 salts

What is the HS code for Formate salts?

The HS code for Formate salts is 291512 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; salts of formic acids).

How do I classify Formate salts for customs?

Formate salts is classified under HS code 291512 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; salts of formic acids. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for sodium formate?

Sodium formate is classified under HS code 2915.12.

Can formate salts be classified in Chapter 31 as fertilizers?

Generally, no. Even if used in agriculture, formate salts do not meet the criteria for Chapter 31 and remain in Chapter 29 as chemically defined organic compounds.

Which countries are the top exporters of formate salts (HS 291512)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291512 (the code used for formate salts) in UN Comtrade data were China ($129M, 49% of world exports), Germany ($41M) and Norway ($24M). World exports came to about $262M, 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 salts (HS 291512)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291512 (the code used for formate salts) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($42M, 12% of world imports), India ($27M) and Norway ($25M). World imports came to about $356M, 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 salts the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291512 for Formate salts 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 salts in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291512 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for formate salts depends on the product's details: 2915.12.10 (Sodium formate), 2915.12.90 (Other salts of formic acid).