Product classification

HS code for Synthetic wax: 3404.90

Waxes, artificial and prepared, other than of polyethylene glycol.

Classification of synthetic wax under HS 3404.90

Synthetic wax is classified under HS code 3404.90 according to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6. Chapter 34, Note 5 of the Harmonized System defines artificial and prepared waxes. For a product to be classified here, it must consist of organic compounds of a waxy character, whether or not water-soluble, and must be obtained by a chemical process. These products must have a droplet point above 40 degrees Celsius and a specific gravity that allows them to be distinguished from non-waxy substances. HS code 3404.90 specifically captures "other" synthetic waxes that do not fall under the polyethylene glycol category (3404.20). This classification is determined by the chemical synthesis of the material, distinguishing it from mineral waxes which are products of petroleum refining. The classification relies on the fact that these waxes are chemically produced or modified to exhibit specific physical properties such as hardness, gloss, and melting point, which are essential for industrial applications in coatings, polishes, and lubricants. The note also specifies that products consisting of mixtures of different waxes or waxes with a basis of animal or vegetable fats are included here if they have been chemically modified.

Covers
  • Chemically modified lignite waxes
  • Fischer-Tropsch waxes obtained by synthesis
  • Polypropylene waxes (non-polyethylene glycol)
  • Waxes obtained by the partial hydrogenation of fats
  • Blended prepared waxes with a synthetic base
Also under 3404.90
  • Sasolwax
  • Evonik Vestowax
  • Honeywell A-C Wax
  • BASF Luwax
  • Clariant Licowax

Codes often confused with 3404.90

Common mistake. Synthetic waxes are frequently misclassified under HS code 2712.20 or 2712.90. These codes refer to petroleum-based mineral waxes like paraffin or microcrystalline wax. The distinction lies in the origin: 2712 covers products obtained from the distillation of crude oil, whereas 3404 covers products obtained through chemical synthesis or modification. Another common error is using 3404.20, which is strictly reserved for waxes composed of polyethylene glycol. If the synthetic wax is a mixture containing a significant amount of non-waxy material, it might be incorrectly placed in Chapter 38.

3404.20Waxes; artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol)2712.20Paraffin wax; containing by weight less than 0.75% of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured2712.90Paraffin wax; containing by weight 0.75% or more of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured27.12Petroleum jelly; paraffin wax, micro-crystalline petroleum wax, slack wax, ozokerite, lignite wax, peat wax, other mineral waxes, similar products obtained by synthesis, other processes; coloured or not34.04Waxes; artificial, prepared

Top exporters and importers of HS 340490 (the code used for synthetic wax), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340490 (the code used for synthetic wax) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% 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 340490, not only synthetic wax.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $584M
  2. 2 United States $479M
  3. 3 China $325M

World total: $3.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $529M
  2. 2 United States $273M
  3. 3 Germany $235M

World total: $3.4B 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 synthetic wax

Brazil splits HS 3404.90 into 8 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 synthetic wax

What is the HS code for Synthetic wax?

The HS code for Synthetic wax is 340490 (Waxes; artificial and prepared, other than of polyethylene glycol). The primary HS code for synthetic wax, other than polyethylene glycol, is 3404.90. This code is used globally for artificial waxes produced through chemical synthesis.

How do I classify Synthetic wax for customs?

Synthetic wax is classified under HS code 340490 — Waxes; artificial and prepared, other than of polyethylene glycol. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I distinguish between mineral wax and synthetic wax for customs?

The distinction is based on the manufacturing process. Mineral waxes (Chapter 27) are refined from petroleum, while synthetic waxes (Chapter 34) are created through chemical reactions like polymerization or the Fischer-Tropsch process.

Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic wax (HS 340490)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340490 (the code used for synthetic wax) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($584M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($479M) and China ($325M). World exports came to about $3.2B, 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 synthetic wax (HS 340490)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 340490 (the code used for synthetic wax) in UN Comtrade data were China ($529M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($273M) and Germany ($235M). World imports came to about $3.4B, 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 Synthetic wax the same in all countries?

The base HS code 340490 for Synthetic 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 synthetic wax in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 340490 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for synthetic wax depends on the product's details: 3404.90.11 (Emulsifiable polyethylene waxes), 3404.90.12 (Other polyethylene artificial waxes), 3404.90.13 (Polypropylene glycol artificial waxes), 3404.90.14 (C12-C16 alkyl ketene dimer wax, in granules), 3404.90.19 (Other artificial waxes), 3404.90.21 (Anhydrous eucerin (petrolatum, lanolin alcohols)), and more.