Product classification

HS code for Artificial wax: 3404.90

Waxes, artificial and prepared, other than of polyethylene glycol.

Classification of artificial wax under HS 3404.90

HS 340490 is designated for artificial and prepared waxes, with the explicit exclusion of those made of polyethylene glycol. This classification falls within Chapter 34, which covers a diverse range of products including soaps, organic surface-active agents, lubricating preparations, and various waxes. The term "artificial waxes" refers to synthetic waxes produced through chemical processes, while "prepared waxes" are blends or formulations of waxes (natural, mineral, or synthetic) designed for specific applications. The critical factor for classification under 340490 is the synthetic or formulated nature of the wax and the absence of polyethylene glycol as its primary component, distinguishing it from natural waxes and specific synthetic wax types.

Covers
  • Synthetic paraffin waxes (not of polyethylene glycol)
  • Fischer-Tropsch waxes (not containing polyethylene glycol)
  • Amide waxes for industrial use
  • Ester waxes (excluding those of polyethylene glycol)
  • Prepared blends of various waxes for polishing or coating
  • Other synthetic or formulated waxes for industrial applications.
Also under 3404.90
  • Sasolwax
  • Evonik Vestowax
  • Honeywell A-C Wax
  • BASF Luwax
  • Clariant Licowax

Codes often confused with 3404.90

Common mistake. Common misclassifications for artificial wax primarily revolve around its chemical composition and origin. HS 340420 specifically covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes made of polyethylene glycol. The presence or absence of polyethylene glycol is the definitive criterion for distinguishing between 340490 and 340420. Another area of confusion can be with HS 2712, which includes petroleum jelly, paraffin wax, micro-crystalline petroleum wax, and other mineral waxes. While some artificial waxes may have similar properties, 340490 generally refers to more complex synthetic formulations or prepared blends that are distinct from basic mineral waxes. Furthermore, natural waxes like beeswax or vegetable waxes are classified under HS 1521. Accurate classification requires a clear understanding of the wax's synthetic nature, its formulation, and the specific exclusion of polyethylene glycol.

3404.20Waxes; artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol)27.12Petroleum jelly; paraffin wax, micro-crystalline petroleum wax, slack wax, ozokerite, lignite wax, peat wax, other mineral waxes, similar products obtained by synthesis, other processes; coloured or not15.21Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), beeswax, other insect waxes and spermaceti; whether or not refined or coloured

Top exporters and importers of HS 340490 (the code used for artificial wax), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340490 (the code used for artificial wax) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 340490, not only artificial wax.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $584M
  2. 2 United States $479M
  3. 3 China $325M

World total: $3.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $529M
  2. 2 United States $273M
  3. 3 Germany $235M

World total: $3.4B 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 artificial wax

Brazil splits HS 3404.90 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about artificial wax

What is the HS code for Artificial wax?

The HS code for Artificial wax is 340490 (Waxes; artificial and prepared, other than of polyethylene glycol). The HS code for artificial and prepared waxes, other than those of polyethylene glycol, is 340490.

How do I classify Artificial wax for customs?

Artificial wax is classified under HS code 340490 — Waxes; artificial and prepared, other than of polyethylene glycol. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the primary distinction between HS 340490 and HS 340420?

The primary distinction lies in their chemical composition. HS 340420 is specifically for artificial and prepared waxes where polyethylene glycol is the main constituent. In contrast, HS 340490 covers all other artificial and prepared waxes, explicitly excluding those made of polyethylene glycol. Therefore, the presence or absence of polyethylene glycol as a defining component is the key factor in determining the correct classification between these two headings.

Which countries are the top exporters of artificial wax (HS 340490)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340490 (the code used for artificial wax) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($584M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($479M) and China ($325M). World exports came to about $3.2B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of artificial wax (HS 340490)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 340490 (the code used for artificial wax) in UN Comtrade data were China ($529M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($273M) and Germany ($235M). World imports came to about $3.4B, 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.

Is the HS code for Artificial wax the same in all countries?

The base HS code 340490 for Artificial wax is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for artificial wax in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 340490 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for artificial wax depends on the product's details: 3404.90.11 (Emulsifiable polyethylene waxes), 3404.90.12 (Other polyethylene artificial waxes), 3404.90.13 (Polypropylene glycol artificial waxes), 3404.90.14 (C12-C16 alkyl ketene dimer wax, in granules), 3404.90.19 (Other artificial waxes), 3404.90.21 (Anhydrous eucerin (petrolatum, lanolin alcohols)), and more.