Product classification

HS code for Decorative candles: 3406.00

Candles, tapers and the like.

Classification of decorative candles under HS 3406.00

Decorative candles are classified under HS code 3406.00. This heading is comprehensive, covering candles, tapers, and similar articles regardless of their composition, shape, or intended use. Whether a candle is made from paraffin wax, beeswax, soy wax, or stearin, it remains within this classification. The primary function of the item—providing light or fragrance through the combustion of a wick—is the defining characteristic. Decorative elements such as embedded dried flowers, multi-colored layers, or unique sculptural shapes do not change the fundamental classification, provided the item retains the character of a candle. This heading also includes tea lights and votives. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the terms of heading 3406 specifically name candles. Even if marketed for aromatherapy or as home decor, the physical properties of the wax and wick dictate the use of this code over others. The HS system does not distinguish between functional lighting candles and those intended solely for aesthetic display, as long as they are combustible articles with a wick.

Covers
  • Scented soy wax candles
  • Pillar and taper candles
  • Tea lights and votives
  • Birthday and novelty shaped candles
  • Gel-based decorative 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 a candle may have a holiday theme, the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 95 generally exclude candles, directing them back to 3406.00. Another error involves LED candles, which are often incorrectly placed here; however, LED candles lack a combustible wick and wax fuel source, meaning they must be classified under 9405.40 as electric lamps or lighting fittings. Additionally, wax melts without wicks are classified under 3307.49 as room deodorizers.

9505.10Christmas festivity articles3307.49Perfumes and deodorizers; perfuming or deodorizing preparations for rooms, (excluding those which operate by burning)

Top exporters and importers of HS 340600 (the code used for decorative candles), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340600 (the code used for decorative 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 decorative candles.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $928M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$841M
  3. 3 Poland $794M

World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.2B
  2. 2 Germany $553M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $378M

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 decorative candles

Brazil classifies decorative 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 decorative candles

What is the HS code for Decorative candles?

The HS code for Decorative candles is 340600 (Candles, tapers and the like). The HS code for decorative candles is 3406.00, which covers candles, tapers, and the like.

How do I classify Decorative candles for customs?

Decorative candles is classified under HS code 340600 — Candles, tapers and the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are battery-operated candles classified under 3406.00?

No, battery-operated or LED candles are classified under HS code 9405.40 because they are electrical lighting devices rather than combustible wax articles.

Which countries are the top exporters of decorative candles (HS 340600)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340600 (the code used for decorative 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 decorative candles (HS 340600)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 340600 (the code used for decorative 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 Decorative candles the same in all countries?

The base HS code 340600 for Decorative 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 decorative candles in Brazil?

In Brazil, decorative candles (HS 340600) is classified under NCM 3406.00.00.