Product classification
HS code for PEG wax: 3404.20
Waxes, artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol).
Classification of PEG wax under HS 3404.20
The classification of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) wax under HS code 3404.20 is based on its chemical nature as an artificial wax. Heading 3404 covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes, which are chemically produced substances of a waxy character. Subheading 3404.20 specifically addresses those waxes composed of poly(oxyethylene), commonly known as polyethylene glycol. The physical state of the PEG is the primary determinant for this classification; it must exhibit waxy characteristics at room temperature, such as a certain hardness, a greasy feel, and a relatively high molecular weight (typically above 1,000). Lower molecular weight PEGs that are liquid at room temperature are generally excluded from Chapter 34 and are instead classified under Chapter 39 (specifically 3907.20) as polyethers in primary forms. This distinction is vital for customs purposes, as artificial waxes are treated differently than raw plastic resins or chemical intermediates. The classification also requires that the product not contain soap or surface-active agents in proportions that would characterize it as a detergent or a prepared lubricant, which would move it to heading 3401 or 3403. PEG waxes are widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and textile industries as binders, bases for ointments, and lubricants, but their HS classification remains strictly tied to their chemical structure as poly(oxyethylene) and their physical waxy state.
- Covers
- Solid Polyethylene Glycol 4000
- PEG 6000 flakes or powder
- Macrogol 4000 (pharmaceutical grade wax)
- Synthetic polyoxyethylene waxes
- Prepared PEG-based dental waxes
- Also under 3404.20
- Dow Carbowax
- BASF Pluracol
- Croda Crodacol
- Clariant Genapol
- Sasol Sasolwax
Codes often confused with 3404.20
Common mistake. PEG wax is often misclassified under 3907.20, which is for other polyethers in primary forms. This usually happens when the importer does not account for the "waxy" nature defined in Chapter 34. It may also be confused with 3824.99 (chemical mixtures) if it is blended with other non-wax additives. 3404.90 is also sometimes used incorrectly for PEG waxes that should specifically be in 3404.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340420 (the code used for PEG wax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340420 (the code used for PEG wax) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 22% 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 340420, not only PEG wax.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $157M 28% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $132M 24% of world exports
- 3 China $117M 21% of world exports
World total: $559M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $166M 22% of world imports
- 2 India $85M 11% of world imports
- 3 Italy $52M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $753M 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 PEG wax
Brazil splits HS 3404.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3404.20.10Polyethylene glycol artificial waxes
- 3404.20.20Polyethylene glycol prepared waxes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PEG wax
What is the HS code for PEG wax?
The HS code for PEG wax is 340420 (Waxes; artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol)). The specific HS code for artificial waxes of poly(oxyethylene) is 3404.20.
How do I classify PEG wax for customs?
PEG wax is classified under HS code 340420 — Waxes; artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is liquid PEG 400 classified here?
No, liquid PEG 400 does not have a waxy character at room temperature and is classified under HS code 3907.20 as a polyether in primary form.
Which countries are the top exporters of PEG wax (HS 340420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340420 (the code used for PEG wax) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($157M, 28% of world exports), South Korea ($132M) and China ($117M). World exports came to about $559M, 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 PEG wax (HS 340420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340420 (the code used for PEG wax) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($166M, 22% of world imports), India ($85M) and Italy ($52M). World imports came to about $753M, 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 PEG wax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340420 for PEG 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 PEG wax in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 340420 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for PEG wax depends on the product's details: 3404.20.10 (Polyethylene glycol artificial waxes), 3404.20.20 (Polyethylene glycol prepared waxes).