HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2712.90 – Paraffin wax; containing by weight 0.75% or more of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured
HS code 2712.90 is the 6-digit subheading for paraffin wax, containing by weight 0.75% or more of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured. It is used for industrial paraffin wax, match wax, general purpose candle wax, rubber processing wax and textile sizing wax.
What HS 2712.90 covers
This HS code encompasses paraffin wax with a higher oil content, specifically 0.75% or more by weight. This less refined form of paraffin wax is a significant commodity in global trade, primarily used in industrial applications where high purity is not the paramount concern. Countries with large industrial bases, particularly in sectors like rubber, textiles, and general manufacturing, are key importers. Exporters are typically major oil-producing and refining nations. The higher oil content makes it more economical for uses such as general-purpose candles, matches, polishes, and as a component in various industrial lubricants and protective coatings. Its trade dynamics are closely tied to crude oil prices and the demand from manufacturing industries worldwide. Understanding the specific oil content and melting point is crucial for buyers, as these properties dictate its suitability for different industrial processes.
- Covers
- Industrial paraffin wax
- Match wax
- General purpose candle wax
- Rubber processing wax
- Textile sizing wax
- Polish formulations wax
- Corrugated board wax
- Wax for rust prevention
- Examples
- Sasolwax 6203
- Sinopec Paraffin Wax 58/60
- Lukoil Paraffin Wax
- Repsol Paraffin Wax
Codes often confused with 2712.90
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 271220 (paraffin wax with less than 0.75% oil) due to the critical threshold of oil content, which differentiates its purity and end-use applications. It could also be mistaken for slack wax (271210) if the refining stage isn't clearly defined.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 271290, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 271290 in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 9.4% 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 Saudi Arabia $780M 31% of world exports
- 2 United States $209M 8.3% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $161M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $175M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $158M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Poland $144M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 2712.90
Brazil does not split HS 2712.90: its NCM code is 2712.90.00.
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 2712.90
What is HS code 271290?
HS code 271290 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paraffin wax; containing by weight 0.75% or more of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured. This HS code encompasses paraffin wax with a higher oil content, specifically 0.75% or more by weight. This less refined form of paraffin wax is a significant commodity in global trade, primarily used in industrial applications where high purity is not the paramount concern. Countries with large industrial bases, particularly in sectors like rubber, textiles, and general manufacturing, are key importers. Exporters are typically major oil-producing and refining nations. The higher oil content makes it more economical for uses such as general-purpose candles, matches, polishes, and as a component in various industrial lubricants and protective coatings. Its trade dynamics are closely tied to crude oil prices and the demand from manufacturing industries worldwide. Understanding the specific oil content and melting point is crucial for buyers, as these properties dictate its suitability for different industrial processes.
What products fall under HS code 271290?
Industrial paraffin wax, Match wax, General purpose candle wax, Rubber processing wax, Textile sizing wax, Polish formulations wax, Corrugated board wax, Wax for rust prevention
What are common misclassifications for HS code 271290?
This code is frequently confused with 271220 (paraffin wax with less than 0.75% oil) due to the critical threshold of oil content, which differentiates its purity and end-use applications. It could also be mistaken for slack wax (271210) if the refining stage isn't clearly defined.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 271290?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 271290 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($780M, 31% of world exports), the United States ($209M) and the Netherlands ($161M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 271290?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 271290 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($175M, 9.4% of world imports), Germany ($158M) and Poland ($144M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 271290 structured?
HS code 271290 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 271290?
In Brazil, HS code 271290 is NCM 2712.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.