HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3404.20 – Waxes; artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol)
HS code 3404.20 is the 6-digit subheading for waxes, artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol). It is used for polyethylene glycol 4000, PEG 6000 wax, carbowax Sentry, macrogol and polyethylene glycol stearate.
What HS 3404.20 covers
This code covers artificial and prepared waxes consisting of poly(oxyethylene), commonly known as polyethylene glycol (PEG) waxes. These synthetic waxes are highly versatile, finding extensive use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, and various industrial applications. PEG waxes are valued for their water solubility, low toxicity, and ability to act as binders, emulsifiers, humectants, and thickeners. International trade involves chemical manufacturers supplying pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic formulators, and industrial producers worldwide. Importers often seek specific molecular weights of PEG waxes to achieve desired product properties, while exporters benefit from large-scale chemical synthesis capabilities. Key considerations include purity, molecular weight distribution, and compliance with industry-specific regulations (e.g., pharmacopoeia standards).
- Covers
- Polyethylene glycol 4000
- PEG 6000 wax
- Carbowax Sentry
- Macrogol
- Polyethylene glycol stearate
- PEG-based emulsifiers
- Examples
- Dow Carbowax
- BASF Pluracol
- Croda Crodacol
- Clariant Genapol
- Sasol Sasolwax
Codes often confused with 3404.20
Common mistake. These waxes can be confused with other artificial waxes (340490) or even natural waxes (Chapter 15) due to their waxy appearance, but their specific chemical composition as poly(oxyethylene) is the defining characteristic.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 340420, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 340420 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 22% 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 Germany $157M 28% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $132M 24% of world exports
- 3 China $117M 21% of world exports
World total: $559M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $166M 22% of world imports
- 2 India $85M 11% of world imports
- 3 Italy $52M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $753M 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 codes for 3404.20 2
Brazil splits HS 3404.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3404.20.10 Polyethylene glycol artificial waxesCeras artificiais
- 3404.20.20 Polyethylene glycol prepared waxesCeras preparadas
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 34.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3404.20
What is HS code 340420?
HS code 340420 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Waxes; artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol). This code covers artificial and prepared waxes consisting of poly(oxyethylene), commonly known as polyethylene glycol (PEG) waxes. These synthetic waxes are highly versatile, finding extensive use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, and various industrial applications. PEG waxes are valued for their water solubility, low toxicity, and ability to act as binders, emulsifiers, humectants, and thickeners. International trade involves chemical manufacturers supplying pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic formulators, and industrial producers worldwide. Importers often seek specific molecular weights of PEG waxes to achieve desired product properties, while exporters benefit from large-scale chemical synthesis capabilities. Key considerations include purity, molecular weight distribution, and compliance with industry-specific regulations (e.g., pharmacopoeia standards).
What products fall under HS code 340420?
Polyethylene glycol 4000, PEG 6000 wax, Carbowax Sentry, Macrogol, Polyethylene glycol stearate, PEG-based emulsifiers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 340420?
These waxes can be confused with other artificial waxes (340490) or even natural waxes (Chapter 15) due to their waxy appearance, but their specific chemical composition as poly(oxyethylene) is the defining characteristic.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 340420?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 340420 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($157M, 28% of world exports), South Korea ($132M) and China ($117M). World exports came to about $559M, 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 340420?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 340420 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($166M, 22% of world imports), India ($85M) and Italy ($52M). World imports came to about $753M, 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 340420 structured?
HS code 340420 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (34) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) 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 340420?
Brazil splits HS code 340420 into 2 NCM codes: 3404.20.10 (Polyethylene glycol artificial waxes), 3404.20.20 (Polyethylene glycol prepared waxes). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.