HS 152110 Vegetable waxes

Quick Answer: Vegetable waxes imported under HS 152110 enter the UK and EU duty-free, and the US duty-free under the MFN rate. This classification covers waxes derived from plants, such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and Japan wax. These are typically used in polishes, cosmetics, and food coatings. Importers should verify specific subheadings for precise duty application, as variations may exist. According to CustomTariffs data, the general tariff treatment across these major markets is preferential.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1521100000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1521100000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
15211000 Free — —
1521100040 — — ["kg"]
1521100020 — — ["kg"]
1521100060 — — ["kg"]

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 152110 cover?

This subheading covers vegetable waxes, whether or not refined or purified, excluding chemically modified vegetable waxes. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes substances such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and ouricury wax. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that these are naturally occurring waxes derived from plants, used in a variety of applications including polishes, cosmetics, and food coatings.

What falls outside HS 152110?

The following products are excluded from HS 152110: chemically modified vegetable waxes, which are classified under other headings depending on the modification. Also excluded are mineral waxes (Chapter 27), animal waxes (Heading 1521), and petroleum waxes. For instance, beeswax, a common animal wax, is classified under HS 152190, and paraffin wax, a mineral wax, falls under HS 2712.10. It is crucial to distinguish between natural vegetable waxes and their chemically altered counterparts or waxes from other sources.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 152110?

A common error is the misclassification of refined or purified vegetable waxes. While Heading 1521 covers these, importers may mistakenly classify them under finished products where they are a component, or under chemically modified waxes if the processing is not fully understood. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is paramount. Incorrectly identifying the source or the extent of processing can lead to misclassification.

How should importers classify products under HS 152110?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 152110 involves a thorough examination of the product's origin and composition. Importers and customs brokers must ascertain if the wax is derived from a vegetable source and if it has undergone chemical modification. Reviewing technical data sheets, supplier declarations, and consulting official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is essential. If doubt persists, seeking a binding ruling from customs authorities is advisable.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 152110?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of carnauba wax, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the customs value ($500 USD × 0.035 = $17.50), plus a specific duty of $0.175 per kilogram ($0.175/kg × 100 kg = $17.50), totaling $35.00. This is calculated using the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 152110.00.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 152110?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 152110, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) can offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries, such as Brazil or Indonesia. To claim these preferences, a valid origin declaration or certificate, such as a USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, is typically required.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 151521 HS 150210 HS 151620 HS 151010 HS 151530 HS 151610

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 152110 (Vegetable waxes)?

The import duty rates for HS code 152110, "Vegetable waxes", vary by country. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is Free. Similarly, the United Kingdom's Trade Tariff lists a duty rate of Free for this classification. The EU's TARIC database also shows a duty rate of Free for most vegetable waxes under this code. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment.

How is HS code 152110 (Vegetable waxes) classified? What are the key criteria?

HS code 152110 covers "Vegetable waxes, whether or not mixed or refined". Classification hinges on the material being of vegetable origin and possessing waxy characteristics. This includes substances like carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and other plant-derived waxes. Exclusions typically include mineral waxes, petroleum waxes, or waxes derived from animal sources, which are classified under different HS headings. The WCO's Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on distinguishing between different types of waxes.

What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 152110 (Vegetable waxes)?

Standard import documentation for HS 152110 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and the specific origin of the vegetable wax, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or technical data sheets to substantiate the classification if requested by customs authorities.

How is the duty calculated for HS code 152110 if a duty were applicable? Provide a numerical example.

While many countries offer duty-free entry for HS code 152110, let's assume a hypothetical scenario where a country applies a 5% ad valorem duty. If an importer brings in 1,000 kilograms of carnauba wax valued at $8,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: Duty = Value × Duty Rate. In this example: Duty = $8,000 USD × 5% = $400 USD. This is an ad valorem duty, meaning it's calculated based on the value of the goods. If a specific duty (e.g., per kilogram) were applied, the calculation would be Rate per Unit × Quantity.

Which major trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for imports under HS code 152110 (Vegetable waxes)?

Many trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 152110. For instance, imports into the United States from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), such as Canada and Mexico under the USMCA, would typically continue to receive Free entry. Similarly, imports into the European Union from countries with an Association Agreement or an FTA with the EU may benefit from reduced or Free duties. Importers should always verify the specific origin of their vegetable wax and consult the relevant trade agreement annexes and the importing country's tariff database (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC) to confirm eligibility for preferential treatment.