Product classification

HS code for Paraformaldehyde: 2912.60

Paraformaldehyde.

Classification of paraformaldehyde under HS 2912.60

Paraformaldehyde is classified under HS code 2912.60 because it is a solid polymer of formaldehyde (methanal) with a low degree of polymerization, typically consisting of 8 to 100 units of formaldehyde. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, aldehydes and their cyclic polymers are classified under heading 2912. Although paraformaldehyde is technically a polymer, it is specifically excluded from Chapter 39 (Plastics) when it remains a chemically defined aldehyde or a simple polymer of formaldehyde used primarily as a source of formaldehyde gas or in chemical synthesis. The classification 2912.60 is reserved specifically for this substance, distinguishing it from other aldehydes like formaldehyde solutions (2912.11) or cyclic polymers like trioxane. The purity and the specific chemical structure as a linear polyoxymethylene glycols chain define its placement here. It is often used in the production of resins, but in its raw chemical form, it remains in Chapter 29. The substance is usually presented as a white crystalline powder with a characteristic pungent odor. Its classification is driven by its chemical identity as a solid form of methanal, which is the simplest aldehyde. Under GRI 1, the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes are paramount, and Note 1 to Chapter 29 allows for the inclusion of certain polymers like paraformaldehyde within the chemical chapter rather than the plastics chapter.

Covers
  • Solid formaldehyde powder
  • Granular paraformaldehyde
  • Polyoxymethylene (low molecular weight)
  • Technical grade paraformaldehyde flakes
Also under 2912.60
  • BASF Paraformaldehyde
  • Celanese Paraformaldehyde
  • Sigma-Aldrich Paraformaldehyde
  • Merck KGaA Paraformaldehyde

Codes often confused with 2912.60

Common mistake. Paraformaldehyde is frequently confused with HS code 3907.10, which covers polyacetals. While both are polymers of formaldehyde, 3907 is intended for high-molecular-weight plastics used in engineering. It is also sometimes misclassified under 2912.11, which is specifically for aqueous solutions of formaldehyde (formalin).

3907.10Polyacetals; in primary forms39.07Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters, in primary forms2912.11Aldehydes; acyclic, without other oxygen function, methanal (formaldehyde)

Top exporters and importers of HS 291260 (the code used for paraformaldehyde), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291260 (the code used for paraformaldehyde) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 11% 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 291260, not only paraformaldehyde.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $53M
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$26M
  3. 3 Germany $17M

World total: $130M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $19M
  2. 2 India $16M
  3. 3 Japan $14M

World total: $175M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 paraformaldehyde

Brazil classifies paraformaldehyde under NCM 2912.60.00: HS 2912.60 with 00 added.

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

Questions about paraformaldehyde

What is the HS code for Paraformaldehyde?

The HS code for Paraformaldehyde is 291260 (Paraformaldehyde). The HS code for Paraformaldehyde is 2912.60.

How do I classify Paraformaldehyde for customs?

Paraformaldehyde is classified under HS code 291260 — Paraformaldehyde. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is paraformaldehyde classified as a plastic in Chapter 39?

No, despite being a polymer, it is specifically assigned to Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) under heading 2912 because it is a solid form of the aldehyde formaldehyde.

Which countries are the top exporters of paraformaldehyde (HS 291260)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291260 (the code used for paraformaldehyde) in UN Comtrade data were China ($53M, 41% of world exports), Taiwan (about $26M) and Germany ($17M). World exports came to about $130M, 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 paraformaldehyde (HS 291260)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291260 (the code used for paraformaldehyde) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($19M, 11% of world imports), India ($16M) and Japan ($14M). World imports came to about $175M, 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 Paraformaldehyde the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291260 for Paraformaldehyde 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 paraformaldehyde in Brazil?

In Brazil, paraformaldehyde (HS 291260) is classified under NCM 2912.60.00.