Product classification
HS code for Modeling clay: 3407.00
Modelling pastes, preparations known as dental wax, put up in sets, in packings for retail sale or in plates, horseshoe shapes, sticks or similar forms, other preparations for use in dentistry.
Classification of modeling clay under HS 3407.00
Modeling clay and similar preparations are classified under HS code 3407.00. This heading is part of Chapter 34, which covers soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, and modeling pastes. HS code 3407.00 specifically includes modeling pastes, which are malleable substances used by artists, students, or children for creating models or figures. These products are typically composed of a mixture of oils, waxes, fillers (such as kaolin or calcium carbonate), and pigments. This heading also covers preparations known as "dental wax" or "dental impression compounds," which are used in dentistry to take molds of teeth. A key aspect of this classification is that it remains applicable even if the modeling clay is put up in sets or intended for children's play. The Harmonized System Explanatory Notes clarify that these preparations stay in 3407.00 regardless of their marketing as toys, provided they meet the chemical composition of a modeling paste.
- Covers
- Plasticine and similar brand-name modeling earths
- Children's modeling dough (e.g., flour-based modeling compounds)
- Polymer clays used for hobby modeling
- Dental impression waxes and compounds
- Also under 3407.00
- Kerr Dental Impression Wax
- GC Fuji IX GP EXTRA
- Dentsply Sirona Modelling Wax
- Ivoclar Vivadent Dental Wax
- Cavex Bite Registration Wax
Codes often confused with 3407.00
Common mistake. Modeling clay is often misclassified under HS code 9503.00, which covers toys. However, Note 1(ij) to Chapter 95 specifically excludes modeling pastes from the toy category, directing them back to 3407.00. Another error is using HS code 2507.00 for kaolin or other raw clays; while modeling clay contains these minerals, the addition of waxes and oils makes it a prepared paste of Chapter 34. Artists' colors in sets are also sometimes confused with this code but belong in 3213.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340700 (the code used for modeling clay), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340700 (the code used for modeling clay) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 340700, not only modeling clay.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $474M 38% of world exports
- 2 Germany $215M 17% of world exports
- 3 Italy $136M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $288M 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $86M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $65M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 modeling clay
Brazil splits HS 3407.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3407.00.10Modelling pastes
- 3407.00.20Dental waxes
- 3407.00.90Other dental preparations based on plaster
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about modeling clay
What is the HS code for Modeling clay?
The HS code for Modeling clay is 340700 (Modelling pastes; preparations known as dental wax, put up in sets, in packings for retail sale or in plates, horseshoe shapes, sticks or similar forms, other preparations for use in dentistry). The HS code for modeling clay, modeling pastes, and dental wax is 3407.00.
How do I classify Modeling clay for customs?
Modeling clay is classified under HS code 340700 — Modelling pastes; preparations known as dental wax, put up in sets, in packings for retail sale or in plates, horseshoe shapes, sticks or similar forms, other preparations for use in dentistry. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include air-dry clay?
Yes, most air-dry modeling compounds used for crafts or children's play are classified under 3407.00 as modeling pastes.
Which countries are the top exporters of modeling clay (HS 340700)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340700 (the code used for modeling clay) in UN Comtrade data were China ($474M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($215M) and Italy ($136M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 modeling clay (HS 340700)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340700 (the code used for modeling clay) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($288M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($86M) and the Netherlands ($65M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Modeling clay the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340700 for Modeling clay 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 modeling clay in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 340700 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for modeling clay depends on the product's details: 3407.00.10 (Modelling pastes), 3407.00.20 (Dental waxes), 3407.00.90 (Other dental preparations based on plaster).