Product classification

HS code for Polyethylene glycol wax: 3404.20

Waxes, artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol).

Classification of polyethylene glycol wax under HS 3404.20

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) wax is classified under HS code 3404.20 because it meets the specific criteria for artificial waxes as defined in the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. While many polymers fall under Chapter 39, Chapter 34, heading 3404, specifically addresses artificial and prepared waxes. For a substance to be classified as a wax under this heading, it must generally have a waxy consistency, a melting point exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, and be produced by a chemical process. Polyethylene glycols with high molecular weights (typically 1,000 and above) transition from liquid or paste forms into solid, waxy states. Because 3404.20 specifically names poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol), it takes precedence over more general polymer headings. The classification is determined by the physical characteristics of the product at room temperature and its chemical identity as a polyether that exhibits wax-like properties such as being translucent, brittle, and having a fine-grained structure.

Covers
  • PEG 4000 solid flakes
  • PEG 6000 powder and blocks
  • PEG 8000 waxy solids
  • Poly(oxyethylene) in solid wax form
  • High molecular weight PEG used as pharmaceutical excipients
Also under 3404.20
  • Dow Carbowax
  • BASF Pluracol
  • Croda Crodacol
  • Clariant Genapol
  • Sasol Sasolwax

Codes often confused with 3404.20

Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 3907.20, which covers other polyethers in primary forms. If the polyethylene glycol is in a liquid or paste form (usually molecular weights below 1,000), it must be classified under 3907.20 rather than 3404.20. Additionally, some importers mistakenly look at 3824.99 for chemical mixtures, but since PEG is a chemically defined polymer that meets wax criteria, 3404.20 is the legally correct specific heading.

3824.99Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; n.e.c. heading 3824

Top exporters and importers of HS 340420 (the code used for polyethylene glycol wax), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340420 (the code used for polyethylene glycol 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 polyethylene glycol wax.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $157M
  2. 2 South Korea $132M
  3. 3 China $117M

World total: $559M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Türkiye $166M
  2. 2 India $85M
  3. 3 Italy $52M

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 polyethylene glycol wax

Brazil splits HS 3404.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about polyethylene glycol wax

What is the HS code for Polyethylene glycol wax?

The HS code for Polyethylene glycol wax is 340420 (Waxes; artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol)). The HS code for polyethylene glycol wax is 3404.20, provided it is in a solid, waxy form.

How do I classify Polyethylene glycol wax for customs?

Polyethylene glycol wax is classified under HS code 340420 — Waxes; artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How does molecular weight affect the HS code for PEG?

Molecular weight determines the physical state; lower molecular weights are liquids classified in 3907.20, while higher molecular weights that are solid waxes are classified in 3404.20.

Which countries are the top exporters of polyethylene glycol wax (HS 340420)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340420 (the code used for polyethylene glycol 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 polyethylene glycol wax (HS 340420)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 340420 (the code used for polyethylene glycol 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 Polyethylene glycol wax the same in all countries?

The base HS code 340420 for Polyethylene glycol 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 polyethylene glycol wax in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 340420 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for polyethylene glycol wax depends on the product's details: 3404.20.10 (Polyethylene glycol artificial waxes), 3404.20.20 (Polyethylene glycol prepared waxes).