Product classification
HS code for Wax figures: 9602.00
Vegetable, mineral carving material and articles of these materials, moulded or carved articles of wax, stearin, natural gums, resins or modelling pastes, worked unhardened gelatin (not heading no. 3503).
Classification of wax figures under HS 9602.00
Wax figures are classified under HS code 9602.00, which encompasses worked vegetable or mineral carving material and articles made from these materials. This classification is determined by the primary material composition and the manufacturing process involved. Since wax figures are typically moulded or carved from paraffin, beeswax, or synthetic waxes, they fall squarely into the category of worked unhardened gelatin and moulded or carved articles of wax. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous manufactured articles, and 9602 specifically addresses materials like wax that have been worked into a specific shape or form that is not covered more specifically by another heading in the Nomenclature. These figures are often used for display in museums, exhibitions, or as decorative items, and their classification remains consistent regardless of whether they are life-sized representations or smaller ornamental pieces.
- Covers
- Life-size wax museum figures
- Anatomical wax models for educational use
- Decorative wax sculptures and busts
- Moulded wax figurines for display
- Worked paraffin wax shapes
- Also under 9602.00
- Meerschaum pipes from Turkey
- amber jewelry from the Baltic region
- soapstone carvings from India
- beeswax candles (decorative)
- resin-cast decorative items
Codes often confused with 9602.00
Common mistake. Wax figures are frequently misclassified under HS code 9503.00, which covers dolls and toys. However, 9503 is intended for items designed for the amusement of children. Professional wax figures intended for exhibition or decoration do not meet the criteria for toys. Another common error is using HS code 9703.00, which applies to original sculptures and statuary. While wax figures are artistic, they are often produced via moulds and are generally excluded from Chapter 97 unless they are considered unique works of art by a recognized artist. Additionally, wax candles are excluded from 9602.00 and must be classified under HS code 3406.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960200 (the code used for wax figures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960200 (the code used for wax figures) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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 960200, not only wax figures.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $257M 21% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $209M 17% of world exports
- 3 India $161M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $363M 30% of world imports
- 2 Germany $70M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 Spain $60M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 wax figures
Brazil splits HS 9602.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9602.00.10Digestible gelatin capsules
- 9602.00.20Artificial honeycombs
- 9602.00.90Other worked carving material and moulded items
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wax figures
What is the HS code for Wax figures?
The HS code for Wax figures is 960200 (Vegetable, mineral carving material and articles of these materials, moulded or carved articles of wax, stearin, natural gums, resins or modelling pastes, worked unhardened gelatin (not heading no. 3503)). The HS code for wax figures is 9602.00, covering moulded or carved articles of wax.
How do I classify Wax figures for customs?
Wax figures is classified under HS code 960200 — Vegetable, mineral carving material and articles of these materials, moulded or carved articles of wax, stearin, natural gums, resins or modelling pastes, worked unhardened gelatin (not heading no. 3503). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are wax candles classified under the same code as wax figures?
No, wax candles are specifically classified under HS code 3406.00, whereas wax figures fall under 9602.00 as worked carving material.
Which countries are the top exporters of wax figures (HS 960200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960200 (the code used for wax figures) in UN Comtrade data were China ($257M, 21% of world exports), Belgium ($209M) and India ($161M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 wax figures (HS 960200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960200 (the code used for wax figures) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($363M, 30% of world imports), Germany ($70M) and Spain ($60M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Wax figures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960200 for Wax figures 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 wax figures in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 960200 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for wax figures depends on the product's details: 9602.00.10 (Digestible gelatin capsules), 9602.00.20 (Artificial honeycombs), 9602.00.90 (Other worked carving material and moulded items).