HS Code 27.12 – Petroleum jelly; paraffin wax, micro-crystalline petroleum wax, slack wax, ozokerite, lignite wax, peat wax, other mineral waxes, similar products obtained by synthesis, other processes; coloured or not

HS code 2712 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Petroleum jelly; paraffin wax, micro-crystalline petroleum wax, slack wax, ozokerite, lignite wax, peat wax, other mineral waxes, similar products obtained by synthesis, other processes; coloured or not. Heading 2712 encompasses a crucial range of mineral waxes and petroleum jelly, pivotal for various industrial applications worldwide. This classification includes petroleum jelly (petrolatum); paraffin wax, micro-crystalline petroleum wax, slack wax, ozokerite, lignite wax, peat wax, other mineral waxes, and similar products obtained by synthesis or other processes, whether coloured or not. The scope is broad, covering both refined and semi-refined forms of these waxes and jellies derived primarily from petroleum or other mineral sources. It's important to note that this heading covers the raw or semi-finished products. If these substances are compounded with other materials to form specific preparations (e.g., cosmetics in Chapter 33, polishes in Chapter 34), they would be classified elsewhere. Key sub-categories include high-purity pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly, food-grade micro-crystalline wax used in packaging, and various grades of paraffin wax for candles or industrial coatings. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it dictates import duties, regulatory requirements (such as food contact safety or pharmaceutical standards), and accurate trade statistics for industries like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, packaging, and textiles. Historically, these products have been fundamental industrial raw materials, with global demand reflecting manufacturing output and consumer product trends. Being part of Chapter 27, which deals with mineral fuels and products of their distillation, these waxes and jellies represent the refined, higher-value downstream products derived from crude oil and other mineral resources.

Petroleum jelly, white paraffin wax, yellow micro-crystalline wax, fully refined paraffin wax, semi-refined paraffin wax, slack wax, crude ozokerite, refined ozokerite, lignite wax (montan wax), peat wax, synthetic mineral waxes, petroleum ceresin wax, petroleum hard wax, petrolatum, cosmetic grade petroleum jelly, pharmaceutical grade paraffin wax, food grade micro-crystalline wax, candle making paraffin, textile finishing wax, rust preventative waxes, cable filling compounds (wax-based), dental wax base, insulating wax, polishing waxes (raw form), chewing gum base wax.

Common misclassifications for products under HS 2712 often arise from confusion with finished goods or compounded preparations. If petroleum jelly is pre-packaged and marketed as a cosmetic product, such as a lip balm or skin moisturizer for retail sale, it should generally be classified under Chapter 33 (e.g., 3304 for beauty or make-up preparations). Similarly, if paraffin wax is mixed with other substances to form polishing preparations, such as car wax or floor polish, it would fall under Chapter 34 (e.g., 3404 for artificial waxes or 3405 for polishes). Traders sometimes mistakenly classify highly specialized synthetic waxes or blends for specific industrial applications under 2712; however, this heading is primarily for pure or nearly pure mineral waxes and their direct synthetic equivalents, not complex chemical mixtures of Chapter 38.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2712 in UN Comtrade data were China ($887M, 20% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($794M) and the United States ($355M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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 2712 in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($309M, 7.7% of world imports), Germany ($307M) and Mexico ($295M). World imports came to about $4.0B, 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 2712 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (12) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.