Product classification
HS code for Formic acid: 2915.11
Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, formic acid.
Classification of formic acid under HS 2915.11
Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is classified under HS code 2915.11. As the simplest saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid, it is the lead compound in Heading 2915. The classification is determined by Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which covers organic chemicals. Formic acid is classified here whether it is in anhydrous form or in aqueous solutions of various concentrations, provided it remains a separate chemically defined compound. The HS nomenclature prioritizes the chemical structure of the molecule, and since formic acid contains only one carbon atom and a single carboxyl group, it fits the definition of a saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid perfectly. It is an essential industrial chemical used in the production of leather, textiles, and as a preservative in animal feed (silage).
- Covers
- Anhydrous formic acid
- Aqueous solutions of formic acid (e.g., 85% or 94% concentration)
- Technical grade formic acid
- Pharmaceutical grade formic acid
- Also under 2915.11
- BASF Formic Acid
- Perstorp Formic Acid
- Eastman Formic Acid
- Luxi Chemical Formic Acid
Codes often confused with 2915.11
Common mistake. Formic acid is often confused with its derivatives, such as formate salts (2915.12) or formate esters (2915.13). It is also sometimes misclassified under HS code 3808.94 (disinfectants) when it is sold specifically for its antimicrobial properties in retail packaging. However, for industrial bulk shipments, 2915.11 is the correct code regardless of the intended use, as per the hierarchy of the Harmonized System which favors specific chemical headings over general use headings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291511 (the code used for formic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291511 (the code used for formic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 13% 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 291511, not only formic acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $145M 64% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $45M 20% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $8.7M 3.8% of world exports
World total: $226M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $46M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $27M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Spain $21M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $357M 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 formic acid
Brazil classifies formic acid under NCM 2915.11.00: HS 2915.11 with 00 added.
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 formic acid
What is the HS code for Formic acid?
The HS code for Formic acid is 291511 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; formic acid).
How do I classify Formic acid for customs?
Formic acid is classified under HS code 291511 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; formic acid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for formic acid 85%?
The HS code for formic acid at 85% concentration is 2915.11.
Is formic acid classified as a hazardous material for shipping?
While HS codes are for tariff classification, formic acid is indeed a corrosive substance (UN 1779) and requires specific dangerous goods documentation in addition to its HS code.
Which countries are the top exporters of formic acid (HS 291511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291511 (the code used for formic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($145M, 64% of world exports), the Netherlands ($45M) and Belgium ($8.7M). World exports came to about $226M, 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 formic acid (HS 291511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291511 (the code used for formic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($46M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($27M) and Spain ($21M). World imports came to about $357M, 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 Formic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291511 for Formic acid 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 formic acid in Brazil?
In Brazil, formic acid (HS 291511) is classified under NCM 2915.11.00.