HS Code 34.07 – Modelling pastes, including those for children; dental wax, impression compounds, in sets or packings for retail sale or in plates and similar forms; dentistry preparations with plaster base

HS code 3407 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Modelling pastes, including those for children; dental wax, impression compounds, in sets or packings for retail sale or in plates and similar forms; dentistry preparations with plaster base. Heading 3407 covers a specialized range of products: "Modelling pastes, including those for children; dental wax, impression compounds, in sets or packings for retail sale or in plates and similar forms; dentistry preparations with plaster base." This heading is bifurcated into two primary categories: recreational/artistic modelling materials and specific dental products. The modelling pastes segment includes items like children's play-doh, plasticine, and artist's modelling clays, designed for shaping and sculpting. These are often sold in retail packs or sets. The dental segment is highly specific, encompassing waxes used for impressions, casting, or bite registration, as well as impression compounds and preparations for dentistry that are plaster-based (e.g., dental gypsum or plaster of Paris specifically formulated for dental use). The scope is clearly defined by the nature and intended use of the products, distinguishing them from general waxes (3404) or raw gypsum (2520). This precise classification is critical for trade compliance, as dental products may be subject to specific health and safety regulations, quality standards, and medical device certifications in various importing countries. For instance, dental waxes must meet stringent purity and performance criteria. The heading's inclusion in Chapter 34 underscores its connection to chemical and allied industries, highlighting the manufactured or prepared nature of these compounds.

Children's modelling clay, play-doh sets, artist's oil-based modelling clay, polymer clay for crafting, plasticine, dental impression wax, dental casting wax, dental bite registration wax, dental baseplate wax, dental wax for prosthetics, dental impression compounds, dental preparations with gypsum base, dental plaster, orthodontic wax, dental laboratory waxes, wax blocks for carving, temporary dental filling compounds (wax-based), dental articulating paper (wax-coated), dental wax-up materials, dental investment plasters, dental stone.

Misclassification often arises when distinguishing between raw materials, finished products, and related items. For instance, bulk, unformulated gypsum powder intended for general construction should be classified under 2520, not 3407, which is reserved for 'dentistry preparations with plaster base.' Similarly, pure waxes not specifically formulated or packaged as 'dental wax' or 'modelling paste' may fall under 3404 (Artificial waxes and prepared waxes). Purely plastic toys that resemble modelling items but are not deformable modelling pastes should be classified under 3926 (Other articles of plastics), not 3407, which requires the 'paste' characteristic.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3407 in UN Comtrade data were China ($474M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($215M) and Italy ($136M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 3407 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($288M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($86M) and the Netherlands ($65M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 3407 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 34 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (34) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.