Product classification
HS code for Semi-refined 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 semi-refined paraffin wax under HS 2712.90
Semi-refined paraffin wax is classified under HS code 2712.90. This classification is based on the product's composition and the refining process it has undergone. Paraffin wax is a mineral wax derived from petroleum. According to the Harmonized System, heading 2712 covers petroleum jelly, paraffin wax, micro-crystalline petroleum wax, and other mineral waxes. The distinction between subheadings often depends on the oil content. Subheading 2712.20 is reserved for paraffin wax containing less than 0.75% oil by weight (fully refined). Semi-refined paraffin wax, which typically contains between 0.75% and 2% oil (or more, such as slack wax), falls under the residual category of 2712.90. This code is used for mineral waxes obtained by synthesis or other processes, whether or not colored, that do not meet the strict purity standards of fully refined paraffin.
- Covers
- Semi-refined paraffin wax with oil content > 0.75%
- Slack wax (crude paraffin)
- Scale wax
- Colored semi-refined paraffin wax
- Petroleum-derived waxes used for industrial candle making
- 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 common misclassification is with HS code 2712.20, which is for fully refined paraffin wax. The difference is purely technical, based on the oil content percentage; any wax with 0.75% oil or more must be classified under 2712.90. Another common error is classifying these products under HS code 3404, which covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes. However, if the wax is a mineral wax obtained from petroleum and has not been chemically modified or mixed with other waxes to create a 'prepared' product, it must remain in Chapter 27.
Top exporters and importers of HS 271290 (the code used for semi-refined paraffin wax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 271290 (the code used for semi-refined 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 semi-refined 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 semi-refined paraffin wax
Brazil classifies semi-refined 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 semi-refined paraffin wax
What is the HS code for Semi-refined paraffin wax?
The HS code for Semi-refined 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). The HS code for semi-refined paraffin wax containing 0.75% or more oil by weight is 2712.90.
How do I classify Semi-refined paraffin wax for customs?
Semi-refined 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 semi-refined wax different from fully refined wax in the HS system?
The primary difference is the oil content; fully refined wax (2712.20) has less than 0.75% oil, while semi-refined wax (2712.90) has a higher oil concentration.
Which countries are the top exporters of semi-refined paraffin wax (HS 271290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 271290 (the code used for semi-refined 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 semi-refined paraffin wax (HS 271290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 271290 (the code used for semi-refined 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 Semi-refined paraffin wax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 271290 for Semi-refined 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 semi-refined paraffin wax in Brazil?
In Brazil, semi-refined paraffin wax (HS 271290) is classified under NCM 2712.90.00.