HS 291513 Esters of formic acid
Quick Answer: HS Code 2915.13 covers "Esters of formic acid," which are organic chemical compounds derived from formic acid. Common examples include methyl formate and ethyl formate, widely used as solvents, fumigants, and in the production of other chemicals and pharmaceuticals. For imports into the UK, the general duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies a general duty rate of 5.50% ad valorem. In the US, the general duty rate is 5.5% ad valorem, though many products under this code may qualify for duty-free entry under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A, AU, CL, KR, SG). Importers should verify specific product classifications and origin to leverage preferential tariffs. Customs brokers must ensure precise chemical identification to avoid misclassification and potential penalties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915130010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2915130000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2915130090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915130000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2915130010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2915130090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 291513 | — | — | — |
| 2915131000 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2915135000 | 3.7% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2915.13?
Imports of Esters of formic acid may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 291513 cover?
This subheading covers esters of formic acid, which are organic chemical compounds derived from formic acid (HCOOH) where the hydrogen atom of the carboxyl group is replaced by an organic radical. Specifically, HS 2915.13 encompasses various formates, such as methyl formate, ethyl formate, and propyl formate, among others, provided they are chemically defined and fall under the scope of Chapter 29 as separate organic compounds. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2915 confirm that esters of formic acid are classified here, aligning with definitions found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system.
What falls outside HS 291513?
The following products are excluded from HS 291513: salts of formic acid (e.g., sodium formate), which are classified under HS 2915.12. Additionally, mixtures of two or more esters of formic acid, or mixtures of esters of formic acid with other substances, are generally excluded from this specific subheading unless they meet the criteria for classification as a single chemically defined compound. For instance, perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations containing esters of formic acid as ingredients are classified in Chapter 33, and medicaments containing these esters are classified in Chapter 30, due to their specific end-use formulations.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291513?
A common error is misclassifying mixtures containing esters of formic acid as chemically defined single compounds under HS 291513. Importers sometimes overlook General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b), which dictates that mixtures are classified according to the material or component that gives them their essential character, or GRI 3(c) for goods not classifiable under 3(a) or 3(b). Another frequent mistake involves confusing salts of formic acid (e.g., calcium formate) with esters, leading to incorrect classification under HS 291513 instead of HS 291512. Furthermore, products that are not chemically defined separate organic compounds, such as certain industrial preparations, should not be classified here.
How should importers classify products under HS 291513?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291513 involves first confirming that the product is a chemically defined ester of formic acid, not a salt or a mixture. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed chemical analysis or a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the manufacturer, clearly stating the chemical name, CAS number, and purity. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating that the product meets the "chemically defined" requirement of Chapter 29. Furthermore, cross-referencing with the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, the USITC HTS, and the EU TARIC is essential to ensure alignment with international classification standards and to avoid misclassification.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2915.13 ('Esters of formic acid') in major markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS code 2915.13 vary by importing country. For instance, the general MFN duty rate in the United States is 3.5% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. Similarly, the UK Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a 5.5% ad valorem MFN rate. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most current and accurate rates, as these are subject to change.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free access or reduced rates for 'Esters of formic acid' (HS 2915.13) when importing into the United States?
For imports into the United States under HS 2915.13, several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preferential programs offer duty-free access or reduced rates. For example, goods originating from countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) are generally eligible for duty-free treatment under their respective FTAs, provided all rules of origin are met. Additionally, programs like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) or the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) may offer preferential treatment for eligible developing countries. Importers must ensure they have the necessary certificates of origin (e.g., Form A, FTA Certificate of Origin) to claim these benefits.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Esters of formic acid' under HS 2915.13, and what common pitfalls should importers avoid?
HS code 2915.13 specifically covers 'Esters of formic acid.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical structure, confirming the presence of an ester functional group derived from formic acid. This includes compounds such as methyl formate, ethyl formate, and propyl formate. Importers must ensure that the product is indeed an ester of formic acid and not, for example, a salt of formic acid (which would fall under 2915.12) or an ester of another carboxylic acid (which would be classified elsewhere in Chapter 29). A common pitfall is misclassifying mixtures; if the ester is part of a mixture, the classification may depend on the predominant component or essential character, as per General Interpretive Rule 3. Accurate chemical analysis and product specifications are crucial for correct classification.
Are there any specific documentation requirements or regulatory considerations for importing 'Esters of formic acid' (HS 2915.13)?
Beyond standard customs documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading/air waybills, importers of 'Esters of formic acid' (HS 2915.13) may face additional regulatory requirements depending on the specific ester and its intended use. For instance, some esters might be subject to chemical control regulations (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU) requiring pre-market notification or registration. If the ester is used in food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics, it may require compliance with specific health and safety regulations from agencies like the FDA (US) or EFSA (EU), including safety data sheets (SDS) and certificates of analysis (CoA). Importers should verify all national and international chemical control regulations and end-use restrictions applicable to their specific product.