Artificial waxes and prepared waxes
4 declarable lines
Heading 3404 covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes, meaning waxes made by chemical synthesis or blended from wax components rather than natural waxes as gathered. The heading splits first by whether the wax is poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol), then the residual "Other" group splits by bleached beeswax content and by chemically modified lignite base, with a final residual line for all other waxes. Every declarable line in this heading carries a general (MFN) rate of Free.
Products in this heading
- Polyethylene glycol wax used as a candle additive or plastics processing lubricant
- Bleached beeswax blocks and slabs for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use
- Montan wax esters made from chemically modified lignite
- Blended prepared candle wax sold in slab or pellet form
- Wax base for shoe, floor and furniture polish formulations
- Wax emulsion used as a textile finishing and softening agent
- Investment casting pattern wax
- Wax used as a mold release or rubber processing aid
How to choose the right subheading
- Whether the wax is poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol) based, which decides 3404.20.00.00
- Whether an other wax contains bleached beeswax, which decides 3404.90.10.00
- Whether an other wax is based on chemically modified lignite, which decides 3404.90.51.10
- Whether the product is a wax at all, as opposed to a polish, soap or lubricating preparation
- Whether the product is put up as a dental wax or dental impression preparation, which moves it out of this heading
Often confused with
- Finished candles and tapers
Candles are classified in their own heading even when made from 3404 wax.
- Heading 3401Soap in bars, cakes or molded shapes
Soap and surface-active washing products belong to 3401.
- Heading 3405Floor, furniture and glass polishes and creams
Heading 3405 covers polishes and similar preparations and excludes waxes of 3404.
- Heading 3407Dental wax put up in sets or retail packings
Dental wax and dental impression preparations are named in 3407.
- Heading 3403Lubricating preparations based on wax or grease
Preparations of a kind used as lubricants are classified in 3403.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for polyethylene glycol wax?
Poly(oxyethylene) or polyethylene glycol waxes are classified under 3404.20.00.00. The general (MFN) rate for that line is Free.
What is the duty on bleached beeswax?
Waxes containing bleached beeswax fall under 3404.90.10.00. The general (MFN) rate is Free.
How do I classify a wax made from chemically modified lignite?
Waxes of chemically modified lignite are classified under 3404.90.51.10, and the general (MFN) rate is Free. Any other prepared wax not covered by the earlier lines falls under 3404.90.51.50, also at a general (MFN) rate of Free.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.