HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2712.20 – Paraffin wax; containing by weight less than 0.75% of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured
HS code 2712.20 is the 6-digit subheading for paraffin wax, containing by weight less than 0.75% of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured. It is used for food-grade paraffin wax, cosmetic-grade paraffin wax, pharmaceutical-grade paraffin wax, candle wax (low oil) and wax coatings for cheese.
What HS 2712.20 covers
This code covers highly refined paraffin wax, characterized by its low oil content (less than 0.75% by weight). This type of wax is a crucial commodity in international trade, valued for its purity and stability. Major importers include countries with robust manufacturing sectors in candles, food packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, as the low oil content makes it suitable for applications requiring high quality and minimal impurities. Exporters are typically petroleum-producing nations or countries with advanced refining capabilities. Key things to know include its widespread use as a base material for various industrial applications, from creating protective coatings for fruits and cheeses to serving as a primary ingredient in high-quality candles and medical products. Its trade is influenced by crude oil prices, global demand from consumer goods industries, and regulatory standards for food contact materials. The market for low-oil paraffin wax is competitive, with buyers often seeking specific melting points and penetration values.
- Covers
- Food-grade paraffin wax
- Cosmetic-grade paraffin wax
- Pharmaceutical-grade paraffin wax
- Candle wax (low oil)
- Wax coatings for cheese
- Fruit coating wax
- Hot melt adhesives (wax component)
- Dental wax
- Examples
- Sasolwax 6403
- ExxonMobil Paraffin Wax 125/130
- Shell Paraffin Wax 130
- Koster Keunen 128 Paraffin Wax
Codes often confused with 2712.20
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 271290 (paraffin wax with 0.75% or more oil) due to the subtle difference in oil content, which significantly impacts its application and value. It might also be confused with other waxes like microcrystalline wax (271210) if the distinction in chemical structure isn't clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 271220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 271220 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 14% 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 China $735M 47% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $142M 9.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $134M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $243M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $153M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Poland $152M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 2712.20
Brazil does not split HS 2712.20: its NCM code is 2712.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 27.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2712.20
What is HS code 271220?
HS code 271220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paraffin wax; containing by weight less than 0.75% of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured. This code covers highly refined paraffin wax, characterized by its low oil content (less than 0.75% by weight). This type of wax is a crucial commodity in international trade, valued for its purity and stability. Major importers include countries with robust manufacturing sectors in candles, food packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, as the low oil content makes it suitable for applications requiring high quality and minimal impurities. Exporters are typically petroleum-producing nations or countries with advanced refining capabilities. Key things to know include its widespread use as a base material for various industrial applications, from creating protective coatings for fruits and cheeses to serving as a primary ingredient in high-quality candles and medical products. Its trade is influenced by crude oil prices, global demand from consumer goods industries, and regulatory standards for food contact materials. The market for low-oil paraffin wax is competitive, with buyers often seeking specific melting points and penetration values.
What products fall under HS code 271220?
Food-grade paraffin wax, Cosmetic-grade paraffin wax, Pharmaceutical-grade paraffin wax, Candle wax (low oil), Wax coatings for cheese, Fruit coating wax, Hot melt adhesives (wax component), Dental wax
What are common misclassifications for HS code 271220?
This code is often confused with 271290 (paraffin wax with 0.75% or more oil) due to the subtle difference in oil content, which significantly impacts its application and value. It might also be confused with other waxes like microcrystalline wax (271210) if the distinction in chemical structure isn't clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 271220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 271220 in UN Comtrade data were China ($735M, 47% of world exports), Malaysia ($142M) and Germany ($134M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 271220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 271220 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($243M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($153M) and Poland ($152M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 271220 structured?
HS code 271220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 271220?
In Brazil, HS code 271220 is NCM 2712.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.