HS Code 34.04 – Waxes; artificial, prepared

HS code 3404 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Waxes; artificial, prepared. Heading 3404 specifically covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes. This classification is crucial for distinguishing between naturally occurring waxes (like beeswax, carnauba wax, or paraffin wax, which fall under other headings) and those that are either synthetically produced or are blends/modifications of natural waxes. The term 'artificial waxes' refers to chemically synthesized waxes, such as polyethylene waxes or Fischer-Tropsch waxes. 'Prepared waxes' encompasses mixtures of two or more waxes, mixtures of waxes with fatty substances, resins, or other materials, or chemically modified natural waxes, provided they have the characteristics of wax. This heading is vital for industries ranging from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to plastics, coatings, and candle manufacturing, where specific wax properties are required that natural waxes alone cannot provide. For trade compliance, understanding the origin (synthetic vs. natural) and the degree of preparation or blending is essential to ensure correct classification. This heading neatly fits within Chapter 34, which groups various chemical preparations, by providing a specific category for non-natural or specially formulated wax products, highlighting their industrial significance and chemical complexity.

Polyethylene waxes, synthetic paraffin waxes, microcrystalline wax (prepared blends), oxidized polyethylene waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, carnauba wax blends, montan wax derivatives, candelilla wax blends, synthetic beeswax, wax emulsions (prepared), dental waxes (specific prepared types), casting waxes for jewelry, polymer waxes for coatings, wax preparations for textiles, wax preparations for leather, sealing waxes (prepared), synthetic ozokerite, synthetic ceresin, wax compounds for polishes, wax blends for candles, wax for fruit coatings, wax for paper impregnation, synthetic amide waxes, wax for PVC processing.

A frequent error is classifying natural waxes under 3404. Beeswax (1521), carnauba wax (1521), and paraffin wax (2712) are distinct unless they are 'prepared' or 'artificial.' Traders often confuse prepared wax blends with their individual components. The key is that 3404 applies to the *prepared* or *artificial* wax product, not the raw natural wax. Another mistake is classifying polishing preparations (3405) that *contain* wax under 3404; if the primary function is polishing, it belongs to 3405, even if wax is a main ingredient. The 'wax' must be the primary identity, not merely an ingredient in another preparation.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3404 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($740M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($509M) and China ($442M). World exports came to about $3.8B, 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 3404 in UN Comtrade data were China ($563M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($307M) and Germany ($262M). World imports came to about $4.1B, 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 3404 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 34 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (34) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.