HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1521.10 – Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides); whether or not refined or coloured
HS code 1521.10 is the 6-digit subheading for vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), whether or not refined or coloured. It is used for carnauba wax, candelilla wax, japan wax, ouricury wax and sugarcane wax.
What HS 1521.10 covers
This HS code covers vegetable waxes, which are natural, plant-derived substances used extensively across various industries, excluding triglycerides. These waxes are traded internationally in refined, unrefined, colored, or uncolored forms. Key applications include cosmetics (lip balms, lotions), food coatings (fruits, candies), pharmaceuticals, polishes, and eco-friendly candles. The global trade in vegetable waxes is driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and sustainable ingredients, particularly in the beauty and food sectors. Major importers are typically manufacturers in developed economies seeking high-quality, plant-based raw materials for their products. Exporters are often countries rich in specific plant resources, such as Brazil for Carnauba wax or Mexico for Candelilla wax. Sustainability certifications and ethical sourcing are becoming increasingly important factors in this trade segment, influencing purchasing decisions and supply chain transparency. The market is dynamic, with new plant sources and applications continually emerging.
- Covers
- Carnauba wax
- Candelilla wax
- Japan wax
- Ouricury wax
- Sugarcane wax
- Rice bran wax
- Jojoba wax
- Examples
Burt's Bees lip balm, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products, Vegan food coatings, Eco-friendly candles
Codes often confused with 1521.10
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 152190 (other waxes, including animal waxes) if the vegetable origin is not clearly specified, or with 3404 (artificial waxes) if highly modified or synthetic alternatives are used.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 152110, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 152110 in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $143M 59% of world exports
- 2 Germany $26M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $20M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $241M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $45M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $45M 17% of world imports
- 3 China $30M 11% of world imports
World total: $269M 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 1521.10
Brazil does not split HS 1521.10: its NCM code is 1521.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 15.21 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1521.10
What is HS code 152110?
HS code 152110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides); whether or not refined or coloured. This HS code covers vegetable waxes, which are natural, plant-derived substances used extensively across various industries, excluding triglycerides. These waxes are traded internationally in refined, unrefined, colored, or uncolored forms. Key applications include cosmetics (lip balms, lotions), food coatings (fruits, candies), pharmaceuticals, polishes, and eco-friendly candles. The global trade in vegetable waxes is driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and sustainable ingredients, particularly in the beauty and food sectors. Major importers are typically manufacturers in developed economies seeking high-quality, plant-based raw materials for their products. Exporters are often countries rich in specific plant resources, such as Brazil for Carnauba wax or Mexico for Candelilla wax. Sustainability certifications and ethical sourcing are becoming increasingly important factors in this trade segment, influencing purchasing decisions and supply chain transparency. The market is dynamic, with new plant sources and applications continually emerging.
What products fall under HS code 152110?
Carnauba wax, Candelilla wax, Japan wax, Ouricury wax, Sugarcane wax, Rice bran wax, Jojoba wax
What are common misclassifications for HS code 152110?
This code can be confused with 152190 (other waxes, including animal waxes) if the vegetable origin is not clearly specified, or with 3404 (artificial waxes) if highly modified or synthetic alternatives are used.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 152110?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 152110 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($143M, 59% of world exports), Germany ($26M) and the United States ($20M). World exports came to about $241M, 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 goods under HS code 152110?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 152110 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($45M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($45M) and China ($30M). World imports came to about $269M, 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.
How is HS code 152110 structured?
HS code 152110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (21) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 152110?
In Brazil, HS code 152110 is NCM 1521.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.