Product classification
HS code for Slack 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 slack wax under HS 2712.90
Slack wax is classified under HS code 2712.90. This product is a crude mineral wax obtained during the dewaxing of lubricating oil base stocks. It is characterized by a relatively high oil content, typically ranging from 5% to 30%, though the HS definition requires it to contain at least 0.75% oil by weight to be distinguished from fully refined paraffin wax. Chapter 27 covers mineral fuels and oils, and heading 2712 specifically addresses petroleum jelly and mineral waxes. Since slack wax is an intermediate product and not a fully refined paraffin wax (which falls under 2712.20), it is categorized under the "other" subheading 2712.90. Its classification depends on its mineral origin and its physical state as a solid or semi-solid wax at room temperature. It serves as the primary feedstock for the production of refined paraffin wax and is also used in the manufacturing of particle board, matches, and rust preventatives. The classification is determined by the refining stage and the specific oil-to-wax ratio present in the substance.
- Covers
- Light slack wax
- Heavy slack wax
- Crude paraffin wax with oil content above 0.75%
- Unrefined petroleum wax
- Slack wax used for candle feedstock
- 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 frequent misclassification for slack wax is HS code 2712.20, which is reserved for paraffin wax containing less than 0.75% oil by weight. If the refining process has removed the majority of the oil, the product moves from 2712.90 to 2712.20. Another error involves HS code 3404.90, which covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes. Slack wax is a natural mineral product obtained through physical separation (refining) and does not contain the chemical modifications required to be classified as an artificial wax. Additionally, vegetable-based waxes should be classified in Chapter 15, not Chapter 27.
Top exporters and importers of HS 271290 (the code used for slack wax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 271290 (the code used for slack 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 slack 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 slack wax
Brazil classifies slack 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 slack wax
What is the HS code for Slack wax?
The HS code for Slack 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). Slack wax is classified under HS code 2712.90, as it is a mineral wax with an oil content of 0.75% or more.
How do I classify Slack wax for customs?
Slack 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.
Is slack wax considered a refined petroleum product?
It is considered a semi-refined or crude byproduct of the petroleum refining process, specifically from the production of lube base oils.
Which countries are the top exporters of slack wax (HS 271290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 271290 (the code used for slack 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 slack wax (HS 271290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 271290 (the code used for slack 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 Slack wax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 271290 for Slack 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 slack wax in Brazil?
In Brazil, slack wax (HS 271290) is classified under NCM 2712.90.00.