Product classification
HS code for Paraffin wax: 2712.90
Paraffin wax, containing by weight 0.75% or more of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured.
Classification of paraffin wax under HS 2712.90
Paraffin wax with an oil content of 0.75% or more by weight is classified under HS code 2712.90. This code falls within Chapter 27, which covers mineral fuels and products of their distillation. The classification depends strictly on the chemical composition and the refining process. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining, and the "slack wax" or "scale wax" varieties that retain a higher percentage of mineral oil are categorized under this "other" subheading of 2712. This distinguishes them from fully refined paraffin wax, which has a lower oil content. The oil content is determined by standardized laboratory testing (such as ASTM D721). This classification is important because the oil content affects the melting point, hardness, and suitability of the wax for various industrial applications, such as candle making, coating, or as a lubricant base.
- Covers
- Slack wax (unrefined paraffin)
- Scale wax (semi-refined paraffin)
- Paraffin wax with >0.75% oil content
- Colored or tinted paraffin wax
- Petroleum wax blends with high oil content
- Also under 2712.90
- Sasolwax 6203
- Sinopec Paraffin Wax 58/60
- Lukoil Paraffin Wax
- Repsol Paraffin Wax
Codes often confused with 2712.90
Common mistake. The most frequent error is classifying this under 2712.20, which is reserved for paraffin wax containing less than 0.75% oil (fully refined). Another misclassification is 3404.90, which covers artificial or prepared waxes; however, if the wax is a direct mineral product of petroleum, it must remain in Chapter 27.
Top exporters and importers of HS 271290 (the code used for paraffin wax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 271290 (the code used for paraffin wax) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 9.4% 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 271290, not only paraffin wax.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $780M 31% of world exports
- 2 United States $209M 8.3% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $161M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $175M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $158M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Poland $144M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 paraffin wax
Brazil classifies paraffin wax under NCM 2712.90.00: HS 2712.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paraffin wax
What is the HS code for Paraffin wax?
The HS code for Paraffin wax is 271290 (Paraffin wax; containing by weight 0.75% or more of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured). Paraffin wax with 0.75% or more oil is classified under 2712.90. If it has less than 0.75% oil, it is 2712.20.
How do I classify Paraffin wax for customs?
Paraffin wax is classified under HS code 271290 — Paraffin wax; containing by weight 0.75% or more of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the oil content in paraffin wax measured?
Oil content is typically measured by weight percentage using solvent extraction methods defined by international standards like ASTM.
Which countries are the top exporters of paraffin wax (HS 271290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 271290 (the code used for paraffin wax) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($780M, 31% of world exports), the United States ($209M) and the Netherlands ($161M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 paraffin wax (HS 271290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 271290 (the code used for paraffin wax) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($175M, 9.4% of world imports), Germany ($158M) and Poland ($144M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 Paraffin wax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 271290 for 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 paraffin wax in Brazil?
In Brazil, paraffin wax (HS 271290) is classified under NCM 2712.90.00.