Do wax melts classify the same as candles?

Wax melts (wickless scented wax pieces) typically classify under 3404.90 (artificial waxes) or 3307.49 (room deodorizers), not 3406.00. No wick = not a candle under customs classification. This can actually save you money since the antidumping order targets 3406.

Are soy candles exempt from antidumping?

Yes, if they contain no petroleum wax. The AD order specifically covers petroleum-based wax candles. Pure soy, coconut, or beeswax candles are excluded. Blends containing any petroleum wax may be covered.

Candles HS Code — Classification and Import Duty Guide

Candles are one of the simplest products to classify — HS 3406.00 covers almost all of them. But simple classification hides a trap: antidumping duties on Chinese-origin petroleum wax candles can add 54% to 108% on top of the base rate. This single factor drives most candle sourcing decisions.

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The HS code

HS 3406.00 — candles, tapers, and the like. This covers paraffin candles, soy candles, beeswax candles, taper candles, pillar candles, tealights, jar candles, and scented candles. The material and form don't change the HS-6 code.

At HTS-10 level, the US splits by wax type: petroleum-based wax candles get different treatment from non-petroleum (soy, palm, beeswax) due to antidumping orders.

Duty rates by country

Base rates are low across the board. The real cost is in antidumping.

US: 0% to 4.6% base rate depending on HTS-10 subheading.
EU: 0% ad valorem. But EU has its own antidumping measures on Chinese candles.
UK: 0% post-Brexit rate for most candles.
Canada: 6.5% MFN rate.

The antidumping trap — China petroleum wax candles

The US has maintained antidumping duties on petroleum-based wax candles from China since 1986. Current rates range from 54.21% to 108.30% depending on the manufacturer. This is one of the oldest active AD orders in US trade.

This means a $3 FOB candle from China that uses paraffin wax could cost $1.62–$3.25 in antidumping duty alone, on top of the base tariff and Section 301.

Workarounds: use non-petroleum wax (soy, coconut, palm) — these are excluded from the AD order. Or source from Vietnam, India, or domestic suppliers. Many Amazon candle sellers switched to soy for this exact reason.

Compliance notes

CPSC requires candles to meet ASTM F2417 (fire safety standard). Wicks must not contain lead. Candles must pass fire-safety testing before US sale.

California Proposition 65 warnings may be required for paraffin candles (soot emissions). Many Amazon sellers add the warning to all candles to avoid liability.

Frequently asked questions

Do wax melts classify the same as candles?: Wax melts (wickless scented wax pieces) typically classify under 3404.90 (artificial waxes) or 3307.49 (room deodorizers), not 3406.00. No wick = not a candle under customs classification. This can actually save you money since the antidumping order targets 3406.
Are soy candles exempt from antidumping?: Yes, if they contain no petroleum wax. The AD order specifically covers petroleum-based wax candles. Pure soy, coconut, or beeswax candles are excluded. Blends containing any petroleum wax may be covered.

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