Product classification
HS code for Carnauba wax: 1521.10
Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), whether or not refined or coloured.
Classification of carnauba wax under HS 1521.10
Carnauba wax is classified under HS code 1521.10. This code is part of Chapter 15, which covers animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products, including prepared edible fats and animal or vegetable waxes. Specifically, heading 1521 is reserved for vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), beeswax, other insect waxes, and spermaceti, whether or not refined or colored. Carnauba wax, derived from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm native to Brazil, is a classic example of a vegetable wax. The classification applies to the wax in its raw state, as well as when it has been refined, bleached, or colored, provided it has not been chemically modified or mixed with other waxes to form a "prepared wax." Its high melting point and hardness make it a distinct commodity in international trade, used in everything from food coatings to automotive polishes. Under GRI 1, the classification is determined by the literal text of the heading. Since carnauba is a vegetable wax and not a fat or oil (triglyceride), it cannot be placed in 1515. Furthermore, as long as it remains a pure wax without additives like paraffin or synthetic resins, it stays within 1521.10 rather than moving to the industrial wax categories of Chapter 34. The chemical composition, consisting primarily of esters of fatty acids and fatty alcohols, distinguishes it from mineral waxes.
- Covers
- Raw carnauba wax lumps
- Refined carnauba wax flakes
- Powdered carnauba wax
- Bleached or colored carnauba wax
- T1, T3, and T4 grades of carnauba wax
- Also under 1521.10
Burt's Bees lip balm, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products, Vegan food coatings, Eco-friendly candles
Codes often confused with 1521.10
Common mistake. Carnauba wax is often misclassified under 3404.90, which covers artificial or prepared waxes. If the carnauba wax is mixed with other substances (like solvents or other waxes) to create a polish, it moves to 3404 or 3405. It is also sometimes confused with 1515.90 (other fixed vegetable fats), but waxes are chemically distinct from fats.
Top exporters and importers of HS 152110 (the code used for carnauba wax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 152110 (the code used for carnauba wax) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 152110, not only carnauba wax.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $143M 59% of world exports
- 2 Germany $26M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $20M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $241M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $45M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $45M 17% of world imports
- 3 China $30M 11% of world imports
World total: $269M 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 carnauba wax
Brazil classifies carnauba wax under NCM 1521.10.00: HS 1521.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carnauba wax
What is the HS code for Carnauba wax?
The HS code for Carnauba wax is 152110 (Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides); whether or not refined or coloured). The specific HS code for carnauba wax, a vegetable wax, is 1521.10.
How do I classify Carnauba wax for customs?
Carnauba wax is classified under HS code 152110 — Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides); whether or not refined or coloured. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is refined carnauba wax classified differently?
No, refining, bleaching, or coloring does not change the classification; it remains 1521.10 as long as it is not mixed with other materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of carnauba wax (HS 152110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 152110 (the code used for carnauba wax) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($143M, 59% of world exports), Germany ($26M) and the United States ($20M). World exports came to about $241M, 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 carnauba wax (HS 152110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 152110 (the code used for carnauba wax) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($45M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($45M) and China ($30M). World imports came to about $269M, 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 Carnauba wax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 152110 for Carnauba 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 carnauba wax in Brazil?
In Brazil, carnauba wax (HS 152110) is classified under NCM 1521.10.00.