Product classification
HS code for Metal polish: 3405.90
Polishes, creams and similar preparations, n.e.c. in heading no. 3405, excluding waxes of heading no. 3404.
Classification of metal polish under HS 3405.90
Metal polishes are classified under HS code 3405.90. Chapter 34 covers soap, organic surface-active agents, and polishing or scouring preparations. Heading 3405 specifically includes polishes and creams for footwear, furniture, floors, coachwork, glass, or metal. Subheading 3405.90 is a residual category for "other" polishes that are not specifically for footwear, wood, or coachwork. Metal polishes are preparations designed to clean and brighten metal surfaces by removing oxidation and providing a protective coating. They often contain mild abrasives, solvents, and waxes. The classification depends on the product being a "preparation" intended for maintenance and shine. If the product were a simple abrasive powder without added cleaning or polishing agents, it might be classified in Chapter 25. However, formulated liquids, pastes, and creams for metal care are consistently placed in 3405.90. This ensures that specialized maintenance chemicals are grouped together based on their functional application in surface finishing and preservation of metal aesthetics in both domestic and industrial environments.
- Covers
- Chrome polishing creams
- Brass and copper cleaning liquids
- Silver polishing pastes
- Stainless steel buffing compounds
- Aluminum brighteners (formulated)
- Also under 3405.90
- Brasso Metal Polish
- Flitz Metal Polish
- Novus Plastic Polish
- Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish
- Cerama Bryte Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner
Codes often confused with 3405.90
Common mistake. Metal polishes are often misclassified under 3402, which is for general detergents and surface-active agents. They may also be confused with 3405.10 (footwear polishes) or 3405.30 (coachwork polishes). If the product is primarily a wax without abrasive or cleaning agents, it might fall under 3404.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340590 (the code used for metal polish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340590 (the code used for metal polish) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% 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 340590, not only metal polish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $405M 32% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$292M 23% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Japan $86M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $686M 39% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$126M 7.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $89M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 metal polish
Brazil classifies metal polish under NCM 3405.90.00: HS 3405.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal polish
What is the HS code for Metal polish?
The HS code for Metal polish is 340590 (Polishes, creams and similar preparations; n.e.c. in heading no. 3405, excluding waxes of heading no. 3404). The HS code for metal polishes, creams, and similar preparations is 3405.90.
How do I classify Metal polish for customs?
Metal polish is classified under HS code 340590 — Polishes, creams and similar preparations; n.e.c. in heading no. 3405, excluding waxes of heading no. 3404. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are industrial metal cleaners included here?
Only if they have polishing properties. Simple degreasers or industrial cleaners without polishing agents are usually classified under 3402.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal polish (HS 340590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340590 (the code used for metal polish) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($405M, 32% of world exports), Taiwan (about $292M) and Japan ($86M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 metal polish (HS 340590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340590 (the code used for metal polish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($686M, 39% of world imports), Taiwan (about $126M) and Germany ($89M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Metal polish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340590 for Metal polish 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 metal polish in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal polish (HS 340590) is classified under NCM 3405.90.00.