Product classification
HS code for Candles: 3406.00
Candles, tapers and the like.
Classification of candles under HS 3406.00
Candles, tapers, and similar articles are classified under HS code 3406.00. This code is situated within Chapter 34, which encompasses soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, and artificial or prepared waxes. Heading 3406 is a specific, single-level heading that covers all types of candles regardless of their shape, size, or the material they are made from. Most candles are manufactured from paraffin wax, beeswax, stearin, or vegetable waxes (like soy or palm wax). The classification includes scented and unscented varieties, as well as candles intended for decorative or functional use. The essential characteristic of a candle is a solid fuel source with an embedded wick that is ignited to produce light or fragrance. Even if a candle is highly decorative or shaped like a figurine, it remains under 3406.00 because its primary identity is that of a candle. This heading also includes tapers, which are thin candles, and night-lights fitted with a wick.
- Covers
- Scented and aromatherapy candles
- Tea lights and votive candles
- Pillar candles and taper candles
- Birthday cake candles
- Beeswax and soy wax candles
- Also under 3406.00
- Yankee Candle
- Bath & Body Works Candles
- Diptyque Candles
- IKEA Candles
- Jo Malone London Candles
Codes often confused with 3406.00
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 9505.10, which covers articles for Christmas festivities. While candles are often used during Christmas, the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 95 specifically exclude candles from the category of festive articles, directing them back to 3406.00. Another potential error is HS code 3307.41, which covers "agarbatti" and other odoriferous preparations which operate by burning. However, 3307.41 is intended for incense, whereas 3406.00 is specifically for products with a wick and a wax-like fuel body.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340600 (the code used for candles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340600 (the code used for candles) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 340600, not only candles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $928M 19% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$841M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Poland $794M 16% of world exports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.2B 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $553M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $378M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $4.6B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 candles
Brazil classifies candles under NCM 3406.00.00: HS 3406.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about candles
What is the HS code for Candles?
The HS code for Candles is 340600 (Candles, tapers and the like).
How do I classify Candles for customs?
Candles is classified under HS code 340600 — Candles, tapers and the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for scented candles?
Scented candles are classified under HS code 3406.00, the same as unscented candles.
Are LED candles classified under this code?
No, LED candles are electronic light fittings and are typically classified under 9405.42 (electric luminaires) rather than 3406.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of candles (HS 340600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340600 (the code used for candles) in UN Comtrade data were China ($928M, 19% of world exports), Vietnam (about $841M) and Poland ($794M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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 candles (HS 340600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340600 (the code used for candles) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 26% of world imports), Germany ($553M) and the United Kingdom ($378M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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 Candles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340600 for Candles 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 candles in Brazil?
In Brazil, candles (HS 340600) is classified under NCM 3406.00.00.