Product classification
HS code for Spermaceti: 1521.90
Waxes, other than vegetable, n.e.c. in heading no. 1521, whether or not refined or coloured.
Classification of spermaceti under HS 1521.90
Spermaceti is a waxy substance primarily obtained from the head cavities of the sperm whale, though it can also be found in other cetaceans. Under the Harmonized System, this product is classified within Chapter 15, which covers animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Specifically, heading 1521 is reserved for vegetable waxes, beeswax, other insect waxes, and spermaceti, whether or not refined or colored. Since spermaceti is an animal-derived wax that does not fall under the category of insect waxes, it is categorized under the residual subheading 1521.90. The classification is determined by the physical properties of the substance—being a solid wax at room temperature rather than a liquid oil—and its biological origin. Even though the commercial trade of natural spermaceti is heavily regulated or banned in many jurisdictions due to international conservation laws, the HS code remains the global standard for identifying this specific material in customs documentation. The classification applies to the substance in its crude form as well as when it has been refined or pressed to remove liquid oils.
- Covers
- Crude spermaceti extracted from marine mammals
- Refined or bleached spermaceti wax
- Pressed spermaceti in cakes or blocks
- Colored or tinted spermaceti for industrial use
- Also under 1521.90
- Carmex lip balm
- Honest Company products
- Furniture polish
- Pharmaceutical excipients
Codes often confused with 1521.90
Common mistake. Spermaceti is frequently confused with marine mammal oils classified under heading 1504. While both originate from the same source, heading 1504 is for fats and oils, whereas 1521 is specifically for waxes. Additionally, synthetic spermaceti, which is often composed of cetyl esters, may be misclassified here but should technically be evaluated under heading 3404 if it meets the criteria for artificial waxes. Confusion also occurs with heading 1516 for hydrogenated animal fats, but spermaceti is a naturally occurring wax, not a chemically modified fat.
Top exporters and importers of HS 152190 (the code used for spermaceti), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 152190 (the code used for spermaceti) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 152190, not only spermaceti.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $35M 32% of world exports
- 2 Germany $16M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $8.3M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $110M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $26M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $19M 15% of world imports
- 3 France $7.4M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $123M 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 spermaceti
Brazil splits HS 1521.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1521.90.11Raw beeswax
- 1521.90.19Other beeswax, not raw
- 1521.90.90Other insect waxes and spermaceti
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about spermaceti
What is the HS code for Spermaceti?
The HS code for Spermaceti is 152190 (Waxes, other than vegetable, n.e.c. in heading no. 1521; whether or not refined or coloured). The HS code for spermaceti is 1521.90, which covers waxes of animal origin other than insect waxes.
How do I classify Spermaceti for customs?
Spermaceti is classified under HS code 152190 — Waxes, other than vegetable, n.e.c. in heading no. 1521; whether or not refined or coloured. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is spermaceti classified as a fish oil?
No, spermaceti is classified as a wax under heading 1521, whereas fish and marine mammal oils are classified under heading 1504.
Which countries are the top exporters of spermaceti (HS 152190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 152190 (the code used for spermaceti) in UN Comtrade data were China ($35M, 32% of world exports), Germany ($16M) and the United States ($8.3M). World exports came to about $110M, 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 spermaceti (HS 152190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 152190 (the code used for spermaceti) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($26M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($19M) and France ($7.4M). World imports came to about $123M, 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 Spermaceti the same in all countries?
The base HS code 152190 for Spermaceti 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 spermaceti in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 152190 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for spermaceti depends on the product's details: 1521.90.11 (Raw beeswax), 1521.90.19 (Other beeswax, not raw), 1521.90.90 (Other insect waxes and spermaceti).