Product classification

HS code for Shoe polish: 3405.10

Polishes, creams and similar preparations, for footwear or leather, excluding waxes of heading no. 3404.

Classification of shoe polish under HS 3405.10

Shoe polish is classified under HS code 3405.10. This classification is situated within Chapter 34, which encompasses soap, organic surface-active agents, and various polishing or scouring preparations. Heading 3405 is specifically reserved for polishes and creams for footwear, furniture, floors, coachwork, glass, or metal. Subheading 3405.10 is the narrowest classification for products intended for footwear or leather. The classification is determined by the chemical composition—usually a mixture of waxes, solvents, and pigments—and the intended use of the product. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, these preparations are designed to preserve, protect, or beautify the material. Even if the product has coloring properties, it remains in 3405.10 as long as its primary function is polishing or leather care, rather than acting as a simple dye or paint.

Covers
  • Wax-based shoe polishes
  • Liquid shoe creams and shines
  • Leather preservatives and conditioners
  • Waterproofing sprays for leather footwear
  • Self-shining shoe applicators
  • Color-restoring creams for leather shoes
Also under 3405.10
  • Kiwi Shoe Polish
  • Saphir Medaille d'Or Renovateur
  • Meltonian Shoe Cream
  • Fiebing's Leather Conditioner
  • Allen Edmonds Shoe Cream

Codes often confused with 3405.10

Common mistake. Shoe polish is frequently confused with leather dyes, which are classified under heading 3212 if they are prepared dyes in forms for retail sale. The distinction is that dyes penetrate the material to change its color permanently, while polishes (3405.10) provide a surface coating for shine and protection. Another common error is classifying these products as artificial waxes under 3404. However, Chapter 34 Note 3 clarifies that products consisting of waxes mixed with other substances (like solvents or pigments) for polishing purposes must be classified under 3405. Finally, simple cleaning preparations without polishing agents may fall under 3402.

32.12Pigments (metallic powders and flakes) dispersed in non-aqueous media in liquid or paste form, as used in manufacture of paints (including enamels); stamping foils, dyes etc in forms, packing for retail sale34.04Waxes; artificial, prepared34.05Polishes, creams, scouring pastes, powders and similar; in any form, (including articles impregnated, coated or covered with such), for furniture, footwear, floors, coachwork, glass or metal34.02Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401

Top exporters and importers of HS 340510 (the code used for shoe polish), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340510 (the code used for shoe polish) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.8% 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 340510, not only shoe polish.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $47M
  2. 2 Türkiye $35M
  3. 3 Germany $32M

World total: $314M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $22M
  2. 2 United States $14M
  3. 3 Netherlands $12M

World total: $288M 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 shoe polish

Brazil classifies shoe polish under NCM 3405.10.00: HS 3405.10 with 00 added.

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

Questions about shoe polish

What is the HS code for Shoe polish?

The HS code for Shoe polish is 340510 (Polishes, creams and similar preparations; for footwear or leather, excluding waxes of heading no. 3404). The correct HS code for shoe polish, creams, and similar preparations for footwear is 3405.10.

How do I classify Shoe polish for customs?

Shoe polish is classified under HS code 340510 — Polishes, creams and similar preparations; for footwear or leather, excluding waxes of heading no. 3404. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is suede cleaner classified under this code?

Yes, most suede cleaners and protectors are classified under 3405.10 as they are preparations for footwear or leather care.

Which countries are the top exporters of shoe polish (HS 340510)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340510 (the code used for shoe polish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($47M, 15% of world exports), Türkiye ($35M) and Germany ($32M). World exports came to about $314M, 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 shoe polish (HS 340510)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 340510 (the code used for shoe polish) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($22M, 7.8% of world imports), the United States ($14M) and the Netherlands ($12M). World imports came to about $288M, 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 Shoe polish the same in all countries?

The base HS code 340510 for Shoe polish 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 shoe polish in Brazil?

In Brazil, shoe polish (HS 340510) is classified under NCM 3405.10.00.