Product classification
HS code for Beeswax: 1521.90
Waxes, other than vegetable, n.e.c. in heading no. 1521, whether or not refined or coloured.
Classification of beeswax under HS 1521.90
Beeswax is classified under HS code 152190, which covers "Waxes, other than vegetable, n.e.c. in heading no. 1521; whether or not refined or coloured." This classification is appropriate because beeswax is an animal-derived wax, specifically secreted by honey bees, thus falling under the "other than vegetable" category. The "n.e.c." (not elsewhere specified or included) clause within heading 1521 is crucial, as beeswax is not specifically listed in the more granular subheadings of 1521. The description also explicitly states "whether or not refined or coloured," indicating that the degree of processing, such as purification or bleaching, does not alter its fundamental classification under this code. This ensures consistent classification regardless of its state of refinement.
- Covers
- Crude beeswax
- Unrefined beeswax
- Refined beeswax
- Bleached beeswax
- Beeswax in blocks, pellets, or flakes
- Yellow beeswax
- White beeswax
- Also under 1521.90
- Carmex lip balm
- Honest Company products
- Furniture polish
- Pharmaceutical excipients
Codes often confused with 1521.90
Common mistake. Beeswax can be subject to misclassification, primarily when confused with other types of waxes. A common error is to classify it under HS 1521.10, which is reserved for "Vegetable waxes." Examples of vegetable waxes include carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and jojoba wax, which are derived from plants. Beeswax, being animal-derived, is distinct. Another potential misclassification involves mineral or synthetic waxes, such as paraffin wax or micro-crystalline petroleum wax, which fall under HS 2712. These are petroleum-based or synthetically produced, fundamentally different from natural beeswax. Additionally, if beeswax is still part of a honeycomb containing honey, the entire product might be classified under HS 0409 for "Natural honey," depending on the predominant character.
Top exporters and importers of HS 152190 (the code used for beeswax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 152190 (the code used for beeswax) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 152190, not only beeswax.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $35M 32% of world exports
- 2 Germany $16M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $8.3M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $110M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $26M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $19M 15% of world imports
- 3 France $7.4M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $123M 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 beeswax
Brazil splits HS 1521.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1521.90.11Raw beeswax
- 1521.90.19Other beeswax, not raw
- 1521.90.90Other insect waxes and spermaceti
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about beeswax
What is the HS code for Beeswax?
The HS code for Beeswax is 152190 (Waxes, other than vegetable, n.e.c. in heading no. 1521; whether or not refined or coloured). The HS code for beeswax is 152190. This code applies to waxes of animal origin, other than vegetable waxes, whether they are crude, refined, or colored.
How do I classify Beeswax for customs?
Beeswax is classified under HS code 152190 — Waxes, other than vegetable, n.e.c. in heading no. 1521; whether or not refined or coloured. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the refining process affect the HS classification of beeswax?
No, the refining process does not alter the HS classification of beeswax under 152190. The description explicitly includes "whether or not refined or coloured," indicating that both crude and processed forms of beeswax are covered by this code.
Which countries are the top exporters of beeswax (HS 152190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 152190 (the code used for beeswax) in UN Comtrade data were China ($35M, 32% of world exports), Germany ($16M) and the United States ($8.3M). World exports came to about $110M, 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 beeswax (HS 152190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 152190 (the code used for beeswax) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($26M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($19M) and France ($7.4M). World imports came to about $123M, 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 Beeswax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 152190 for Beeswax 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 beeswax in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 152190 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for beeswax depends on the product's details: 1521.90.11 (Raw beeswax), 1521.90.19 (Other beeswax, not raw), 1521.90.90 (Other insect waxes and spermaceti).