Paraformaldehyde (HS 291260) is a solid polymer of formaldehyde widely used as a chemical intermediate in resins, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, with China dominating global export volumes. It is classified as a flammable solid hazmat (UN2213) and carries dual-use concern due to its potential in illicit synthesis pathways, making export controls and certificate of origin scrutiny particularly relevant. Price dynamics are closely tied to methanol and natural gas costs, while demand remains largely inelastic given its role as a critical industrial intermediate.
HS Code 291260 covers Paraformaldehyde under the Harmonized System. It is used for customs declarations, import duty assessment, trade statistics, export documentation, and sourcing analysis.
Products classified under HS 291260 are used across Resins & Adhesives, Agriculture (Herbicides), Pharmaceuticals, Disinfectants, Plastic & Polymer Manufacturing. Demand is driven by Construction activity, Agricultural chemical demand, Pharmaceutical production growth, Wood panel manufacturing output.
Major exporting countries include Spain, China, Germany, Indonesia, United States based on recent international trade reporting.
Demand is linked to Construction activity, Agricultural chemical demand, Pharmaceutical production growth, Wood panel manufacturing output. Input costs are influenced by Formaldehyde.
Active US trade measures:
Verify final rates with HTSUS, TARIC, CBIC India, and a licensed customs broker.
US importers of Paraformaldehyde must classify at the HTS10 level. Additional measures such as Section 232, Section 301, ADD/CVD, or Chapter 99 provisions may apply depending on the exact classification and origin.
EU importers classify Paraformaldehyde at TARIC10 level. Preferential treatment may apply where rules of origin are satisfied under EU trade agreements. Intra-EU trade is duty-free.
India assesses Paraformaldehyde at the HS8 level under the CBIC Customs Tariff. The applicable duty framework is: BCD 7.50% + SWS 0.80% + IGST 18% = 27.86% effective gross rate. IGST is generally recoverable for registered B2B importers via GST filing.
Based on recent international trade data, the leading exporting countries for Paraformaldehyde are:
These corridors show where trade activity is concentrated. Buyers use this signal to identify supplier depth, established logistics lanes, and alternative sourcing markets.
| HS Code | 291260 |
| Product | Paraformaldehyde |
| Chapter | 29 — Industrial Chemical |
| Major exporting countries | Spain, China, Germany, Indonesia, United States |
| Primary industries | Resins & Adhesives, Agriculture (Herbicides), Pharmaceuticals, Disinfectants, Plastic & Polymer Manufacturing |
| Trade year | 2024 |
| US duty framework | HTS10 classification dependent |
| EU duty framework | 5.50% MFN |
| India BCD | 7.50% BCD |
Logitality sourcing intelligence for HS 291260 combines global trade corridors, tariff data, commodity cost signals, FX movement, and supplier-country analysis to compare origins by estimated landed cost.
Compare supplier countries for HS 291260 by full duty stack and landed cost.
Run sourcing intelligence →Read the detailed sourcing guide for HS 291260 Paraformaldehyde, including supplier-country analysis, trade-flow context, and procurement considerations.
HS Code 291260 Paraformaldehyde: Sourcing, Duties & Trade Intelligence Guide 2025 →
HS Code 291260 covers Paraformaldehyde and is used for customs declarations, trade statistics, import duty assessment, and sourcing analysis.
Duty varies by destination and classification. US: HTS10 classification dependent. EU: 5.50% MFN. India: 7.50% BCD.
Major exporting countries include Spain, China, Germany, Indonesia, United States, based on recent trade reporting.