HS Code 15.21 – Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), beeswax, other insect waxes and spermaceti; whether or not refined or coloured

HS code 1521 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), beeswax, other insect waxes and spermaceti; whether or not refined or coloured. Heading 1521 encompasses a specific category of natural waxes crucial to various industries, namely vegetable waxes (excluding triglycerides), beeswax, other insect waxes, and spermaceti. This classification includes these waxes whether they are in their crude, refined, or coloured state, emphasizing their natural origin as the primary determinant. The key boundary here is the exclusion of triglycerides, which are fats and oils classified elsewhere in Chapter 15, preventing confusion with common vegetable oils. Instead, 1521 focuses on waxes characterized by their higher melting points and non-glyceride chemical structure. Sub-categories include well-known vegetable waxes like carnauba and candelilla, animal waxes such as beeswax and shellac wax, and spermaceti derived from cetaceans. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it dictates applicable tariffs, import/export regulations, and sanitary requirements. Misclassifying these raw materials can lead to delays, penalties, and incorrect duty payments. Historically, these waxes have been indispensable in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, polishes, candles, and food coatings, with trade routes often linking agricultural regions rich in these natural resources to industrial manufacturing hubs. This heading sits within Section III, 'Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils and their Cleavage Products; Prepared Edible Fats; Animal or Vegetable Waxes,' underscoring its role as a fundamental raw material derived from natural sources, distinct from processed fats and oils.

Carnauba wax, candelilla wax, crude beeswax, refined beeswax pellets, spermaceti wax, insect lac wax, shellac wax, sumac wax, jojoba wax (non-triglyceride type), rice bran wax, sunflower seed wax (non-triglyceride type), bayberry wax, myrtle wax, Chinese insect wax, Japanese wax, ozokerite (if natural), paraffin wax (if derived from natural wax), ceresin wax (if natural), montan wax (if natural source), sugar cane wax, palm wax, esparto wax, flax wax, cotton wax, wool wax (lanolin - if specifically wax not fat).

Common misclassifications arise when distinguishing these natural waxes from mineral waxes (e.g., paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax) which fall under Chapter 27 (Mineral Fuels, Mineral Oils and Products of their Distillation; Bituminous Substances; Mineral Waxes). The key is origin: 1521 is animal/vegetable, 27 is mineral. Another error is confusing raw waxes with prepared waxes or polishes of Chapter 34 (Soap, Organic Surface-Active Agents, Washing Preparations, Lubricating Preparations, Artificial Waxes, Prepared Waxes, Polishing or Scouring Preparations, Candles and Similar Articles, Modelling Pastes, 'Dental Waxes' and Dental Preparations with a Basis of Plaster). Heading 1521 covers the raw or semi-processed wax, not finished products like car polish or candles. Finally, some non-wax lipids might be mistakenly classified here; 1521 explicitly excludes triglycerides, which are typically classified elsewhere in Chapter 15.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1521 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($147M, 42% of world exports), China ($47M) and Germany ($42M). World exports came to about $351M, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1521 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($72M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($64M) and China ($32M). World imports came to about $393M, 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.

HS code 1521 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (21) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.