Product classification
HS code for Insect wax: 1521.90
Waxes, other than vegetable, n.e.c. in heading no. 1521, whether or not refined or coloured.
Classification of insect wax under HS 1521.90
Insect wax is classified under HS code 1521.90. Chapter 15 covers animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products, including prepared edible fats and animal or vegetable waxes. Heading 1521 specifically identifies vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), beeswax, other insect waxes, and spermaceti, whether or not refined or colored. Subheading 1521.10 is reserved for vegetable waxes such as carnauba or candelilla. Therefore, all waxes produced by insects fall under the residual subheading 1521.90. This includes beeswax produced by honeybees and shellac wax produced by the lac insect. The classification applies to the wax in its raw state, as well as wax that has been rendered, bleached, or colored, provided it has not been chemically modified or mixed with other waxes to become a "prepared wax" of chapter 34. These waxes are valued for their use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial polishes.
- Covers
- Beeswax (yellow or white)
- Shellac wax
- Chinese insect wax (pe-la)
- Ghedda wax
- Refined or colored insect waxes
- Also under 1521.90
- Carmex lip balm
- Honest Company products
- Furniture polish
- Pharmaceutical excipients
Codes often confused with 1521.90
Common mistake. Insect waxes are often confused with vegetable waxes under 1521.10. They are also frequently misclassified under 3404, which covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes. If the insect wax has been mixed with paraffin or other waxes, it moves to 3404. Additionally, raw shellac (the resin) is classified under 1301.90, whereas the wax extracted from it belongs in 1521.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 152190 (the code used for insect wax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 152190 (the code used for insect wax) 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 insect wax.
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 insect wax
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 insect wax
What is the HS code for Insect wax?
The HS code for Insect wax is 152190 (Waxes, other than vegetable, n.e.c. in heading no. 1521; whether or not refined or coloured). The HS code for insect waxes, including beeswax and shellac wax, is 1521.90.
How do I classify Insect wax for customs?
Insect wax 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 this code include beeswax candles?
No, finished articles made from wax, such as candles, are classified under heading 3406.
Which countries are the top exporters of insect wax (HS 152190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 152190 (the code used for insect wax) 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 insect wax (HS 152190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 152190 (the code used for insect wax) 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 Insect wax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 152190 for Insect 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 insect wax in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 152190 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for insect wax 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).