Carnauba Wax Flakes
Carnauba wax flakes are derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, a natural vegetable wax consisting primarily of esters and alcohols, not triglycerides. This product is refined and commonly used in polishes, cosmetics, and food coatings. It falls under HTS 1521.10.00 as a pure vegetable wax, distinct from triglyceride-based oils.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If containing triglycerides from vegetable oils
Heading 1518 covers vegetable fats/oils including triglycerides; pure waxes without triglycerides stay in 1521.
If imported pre-mixed in finished lipstick or polish
Beauty preparations containing wax as an ingredient classify as finished cosmetics in Chapter 33, not raw waxes.
If chemically modified or mixed with other substances
Other waxes (e.g., modified vegetable types) fall under 1521.90; pure vegetable waxes without additives remain in 1521.10.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify purity certificates to confirm non-triglyceride composition, as triglyceride waxes classify under Chapter 15 headings like 1518
• Provide documentation on botanical origin (e.g
• Copernicia cerifera) and refining process to avoid misclassification as animal waxes
• Label as 'refined' or 'crude' per invoice; common pitfall is incorrect declaration leading to reclassification under 1521.90
Related Products under HTS 1521.10.00
Candellila Wax Pellets
Candelilla wax is extracted from the leaves of the candelilla shrub (Euphorbia cerifera), a hard vegetable wax used in candles, chewing gum, and pharmaceuticals. It is not triglyceride-based and fits HTS 1521.10.00 for vegetable waxes, whether refined or colored.
Bayberry Wax (Myrica Wax)
Bayberry wax, extracted from bayberry fruit berries, is a fragrant vegetable wax used in premium candles. HTS 1521.10.00 covers this triglyceride-free wax, whether crude or refined.
Esparto Wax
Esparto wax from esparto grass is a rare vegetable wax used in specialty coatings. Fits HTS 1521.10.00 as non-triglyceride.
Vegetable Wax Blend Pellets (Carnauba-Candelilla)
Blended pellets of carnauba and candelilla waxes for industrial use, still pure vegetable waxes under HTS 1521.10.00.
Refined Palm Leaf Wax
Refined wax from palm leaves, used in chocolates. HTS 1521.10.00.
Crude Carnauba Wax
Unrefined carnauba wax from palm leaves. Still 1521.10.00.