Product classification
HS code for Automotive polish: 3405.30
Polishes, creams and similar preparations, for coachwork, other than metal polishes, excluding waxes of heading no. 3404.
Classification of automotive polish under HS 3405.30
The classification of automotive polish under HS code 3405.30 is governed by the specific formulation and intended application of the product. Chapter 34 of the Harmonized System encompasses soap, organic surface-active agents, and various polishing or scouring preparations. Within this chapter, heading 3405 is dedicated to polishes and creams for footwear, furniture, floors, coachwork, glass, or metal. Subheading 3405.30 specifically isolates preparations for coachwork, which refers to the exterior bodywork of motor vehicles. These products are typically designed to provide a protective layer, enhance gloss, or remove minor abrasions from the vehicle's paintwork. Unlike simple waxes, these preparations often contain abrasive agents, solvents, and silicones tailored for automotive finishes. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 3405.30 explicitly mentions coachwork, it takes precedence over more general cleaning or chemical headings.
- Covers
- Liquid car waxes containing polishing agents
- Rubbing and polishing compounds for automotive paint
- Paint sealants designed for vehicle exteriors
- Carnauba-based car polishes
- Scratch removers for automotive clear coats
- Also under 3405.30
- Meguiar's Ultimate Polish
- Chemical Guys VSS Scratch & Swirl Remover
- Mothers CMX Ceramic Spray Coating
- Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating
- Griot's Garage Best of Show Wax
Codes often confused with 3405.30
Common mistake. Automotive polishes are frequently misclassified under HS code 3404, which covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes. However, 3404 is reserved for products that consist of waxes without the addition of solvents or abrasive substances. If a product contains abrasives or is emulsified in a solvent for the purpose of polishing coachwork, it must be moved to 3405.30. Another common error is using 3405.90, which is a residual category for other polishes; this should only be used if the polish is intended for metal parts (like chrome) rather than the coachwork itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340530 (the code used for automotive polish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340530 (the code used for automotive polish) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.1% 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 340530, not only automotive polish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $115M 23% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $92M 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $63M 13% of world exports
World total: $504M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $31M 7.1% of world imports
- 2 France $21M 4.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $19M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $434M 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 automotive polish
Brazil classifies automotive polish under NCM 3405.30.00: HS 3405.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about automotive polish
What is the HS code for Automotive polish?
The HS code for Automotive polish is 340530 (Polishes, creams and similar preparations; for coachwork, other than metal polishes, excluding waxes of heading no. 3404). The primary HS code for automotive polish intended for vehicle coachwork is 3405.30.
How do I classify Automotive polish for customs?
Automotive polish is classified under HS code 340530 — Polishes, creams and similar preparations; for coachwork, other than metal polishes, excluding waxes of heading no. 3404. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include ceramic coatings?
Generally, no. Ceramic coatings based on silicon dioxide (SiO2) are often classified under 3824 or 3208 depending on their chemical composition and how they form a film on the surface.
Which countries are the top exporters of automotive polish (HS 340530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340530 (the code used for automotive polish) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($115M, 23% of world exports), the Netherlands ($92M) and the United States ($63M). World exports came to about $504M, 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 automotive polish (HS 340530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340530 (the code used for automotive polish) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($31M, 7.1% of world imports), France ($21M) and the Netherlands ($19M). World imports came to about $434M, 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 Automotive polish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340530 for Automotive polish 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 automotive polish in Brazil?
In Brazil, automotive polish (HS 340530) is classified under NCM 3405.30.00.