Product classification
HS code for Japan wax: 1521.10
Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), whether or not refined or coloured.
Classification of japan wax under HS 1521.10
Japan wax is classified under HS code 1521.10. This code is situated within Chapter 15, which covers animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products, prepared edible fats, and animal or vegetable waxes. Japan wax, despite its name, is not a true wax but a vegetable fat (tallow) derived from the berries of the sumac tree (Rhus succedanea). However, for trade purposes and based on its physical properties—such as its high melting point and brittle consistency—it is traditionally and legally classified as a vegetable wax under heading 1521. This heading includes vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), whether or not refined or colored. The classification under 1521.10 specifically isolates vegetable waxes from insect-derived waxes like beeswax (1521.90). The product must be in its natural state or refined/colored to remain in this heading; if it is chemically modified or mixed with other waxes to create a prepared wax, it would move to Chapter 34. Accurate classification is essential for the cosmetics and food industries, where Japan wax is frequently used as a thickener or glazing agent.
- Covers
- Crude Japan wax
- Refined Japan wax (bleached)
- Colored Japan wax in blocks or cakes
- Sumac wax (vegetable tallow)
- Japan wax flakes for cosmetic use
- 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. Japan wax is often misclassified under 1515.90, which covers other fixed vegetable fats and oils. Because Japan wax is technically a triglyceride, it might seem to fit there, but the HS nomenclature specifically directs vegetable waxes to 1521. It is also frequently confused with 3404.90 (artificial or prepared waxes). If the Japan wax has been mixed with paraffin or other substances, it must be classified under 3404 rather than 1521.
Top exporters and importers of HS 152110 (the code used for japan wax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 152110 (the code used for japan 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 japan 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 japan wax
Brazil classifies japan 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 japan wax
What is the HS code for Japan wax?
The HS code for Japan wax is 152110 (Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides); whether or not refined or coloured). The HS code for Japan wax is 1521.10, which covers vegetable waxes.
How do I classify Japan wax for customs?
Japan 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 Japan wax considered an animal product?
No, Japan wax is a purely vegetable-derived product obtained from the berries of sumac plants, which is why it is classified under the vegetable wax subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of japan wax (HS 152110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 152110 (the code used for japan 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 japan wax (HS 152110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 152110 (the code used for japan 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 Japan wax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 152110 for Japan 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 japan wax in Brazil?
In Brazil, japan wax (HS 152110) is classified under NCM 1521.10.00.