Product classification
HS code for Fully refined paraffin wax: 2712.20
Paraffin wax, containing by weight less than 0.75% of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured.
Classification of fully refined paraffin wax under HS 2712.20
Fully refined paraffin wax is classified under HS code 2712.20 based on its chemical composition and oil content. Chapter 27 covers mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation. Heading 2712 includes petroleum jelly, paraffin wax, micro-crystalline petroleum wax, and other mineral waxes. Subheading 2712.20 is specifically for paraffin wax containing less than 0.75% oil by weight. This low oil content is the defining characteristic of \"fully refined\" wax, distinguishing it from \"slack wax\" or \"scale wax.\" The classification is often verified through laboratory analysis using standardized testing methods (such as ASTM D721) to ensure the oil percentage meets the legal threshold defined in the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. This product is typically white, odorless, and used in applications requiring high purity, such as food packaging, cosmetics, and high-quality candle making.
- Covers
- Fully refined paraffin wax slabs
- Fully refined paraffin wax granules
- Low-oil content paraffin wax (<0.75%)
- Food-grade paraffin wax
- Candle-grade fully refined wax
- Also under 2712.20
- Sasolwax 6403
- ExxonMobil Paraffin Wax 125/130
- Shell Paraffin Wax 130
- Koster Keunen 128 Paraffin Wax
Codes often confused with 2712.20
Common mistake. HS code 2712.90 is a common misclassification for fully refined wax. This \"other\" category is intended for waxes with an oil content of 0.75% or higher, such as slack wax or scale wax. Importers may also mistakenly look at heading 3404, which covers artificial or prepared waxes. However, if the wax is obtained from petroleum or mineral sources and not chemically modified into a synthetic wax, Chapter 27 remains the correct location. Another error involves micro-crystalline wax, which has a different crystalline structure and is classified under 2712.10 or 2712.90 depending on its specific properties.
Top exporters and importers of HS 271220 (the code used for fully refined paraffin wax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 271220 (the code used for fully refined paraffin wax) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 14% 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 271220, not only fully refined paraffin wax.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $735M 47% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $142M 9.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $134M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $243M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $153M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Poland $152M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 fully refined paraffin wax
Brazil classifies fully refined paraffin wax under NCM 2712.20.00: HS 2712.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fully refined paraffin wax
What is the HS code for Fully refined paraffin wax?
The HS code for Fully refined paraffin wax is 271220 (Paraffin wax; containing by weight less than 0.75% of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured). The HS code for paraffin wax containing less than 0.75% oil by weight is 2712.20.
How do I classify Fully refined paraffin wax for customs?
Fully refined paraffin wax is classified under HS code 271220 — Paraffin wax; containing by weight less than 0.75% of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is colored paraffin wax classified here?
Yes, the HS code 2712.20 includes paraffin wax whether or not it is colored, provided it meets the oil content threshold and other chemical requirements.
Which countries are the top exporters of fully refined paraffin wax (HS 271220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 271220 (the code used for fully refined paraffin wax) in UN Comtrade data were China ($735M, 47% of world exports), Malaysia ($142M) and Germany ($134M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of fully refined paraffin wax (HS 271220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 271220 (the code used for fully refined paraffin wax) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($243M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($153M) and Poland ($152M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Fully refined paraffin wax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 271220 for Fully refined paraffin 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 fully refined paraffin wax in Brazil?
In Brazil, fully refined paraffin wax (HS 271220) is classified under NCM 2712.20.00.