Product classification
HS code for Petroleum jelly: 2712.10
Petroleum jelly.
Classification of petroleum jelly under HS 2712.10
Petroleum jelly is classified under HS code 2712.10 because it is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from the distillation of petroleum. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 27, this heading covers mineral waxes and similar products. Petroleum jelly is specifically identified here due to its physical properties; it is a translucent, unctuous mass that is tasteless and odorless when refined. The classification is determined by its chemical origin as a mineral product and its state as a semi-solid hydrocarbon. It remains in this category as long as it is not mixed with other ingredients that would give it the character of a medicament or a cosmetic preparation put up for retail sale.
- Covers
- White petroleum jelly
- Yellow petroleum jelly
- Bulk technical grade petroleum jelly
- Refined petroleum jelly for industrial use
- Unscented petroleum jelly in bulk containers
- Also under 2712.10
- Vaseline (Unilever)
- Aquaphor (Beiersdorf)
- CeraVe (L'Oréal)
- generic store brands
- industrial lubricant suppliers
- pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Codes often confused with 2712.10
Common mistake. Petroleum jelly is frequently misclassified under HS code 3304.99, which covers beauty or make-up preparations. This occurs when the jelly is scented or packaged in small containers for retail sale as a skin protectant. Additionally, if the product contains added medicinal ingredients, it may be wrongly classified under HS code 3004.90 as a medicament. It is also sometimes confused with paraffin wax under HS code 2712.20, though the latter has a different crystalline structure and melting point.
Top exporters and importers of HS 271210 (the code used for petroleum jelly), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 271210 (the code used for petroleum jelly) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 14% 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 271210, not only petroleum jelly.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $115M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $73M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $71M 16% of world exports
World total: $438M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $59M 14% of world imports
- 2 Côte d'Ivoire $26M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Japan $22M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $432M 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 petroleum jelly
Brazil classifies petroleum jelly under NCM 2712.10.00: HS 2712.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about petroleum jelly
What is the HS code for Petroleum jelly?
The HS code for Petroleum jelly is 271210 (Petroleum jelly). The standard HS code for petroleum jelly is 2712.10, which falls under the category of mineral waxes and petroleum-derived hydrocarbons.
How do I classify Petroleum jelly for customs?
Petroleum jelly is classified under HS code 271210 — Petroleum jelly. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if it is used for medical purposes?
Yes, if the petroleum jelly is mixed with active pharmaceutical ingredients and packaged for retail sale as a treatment for specific skin conditions, it may move to Chapter 30 (3004.90).
Which countries are the top exporters of petroleum jelly (HS 271210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 271210 (the code used for petroleum jelly) in UN Comtrade data were India ($115M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($73M) and the United States ($71M). World exports came to about $438M, 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 petroleum jelly (HS 271210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 271210 (the code used for petroleum jelly) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($59M, 14% of world imports), Côte d'Ivoire ($26M) and Japan ($22M). World imports came to about $432M, 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 Petroleum jelly the same in all countries?
The base HS code 271210 for Petroleum jelly 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 petroleum jelly in Brazil?
In Brazil, petroleum jelly (HS 271210) is classified under NCM 2712.10.00.