Classification
Product TypeByproduct
Product FormSolid wax (blocks/pastilles/pellets)
Industry PositionApiculture Byproduct / Natural Wax
Market
Beeswax in India is a beehive byproduct from domestic apiculture, used as an industrial input (e.g., candles, cosmetics/pharma) and, for food-grade applications, as a glazing agent (INS 901). Trade data for HS 152190 (beeswax, other insect waxes and spermaceti) indicate India was a net importer in 2023, importing about USD 2.77 million (2,257,860 kg) and exporting about USD 1.40 million (275,580 kg). Exports in 2023 under this HS6 category went mainly to the United States, Iran, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, while imports were sourced largely from Malaysia and Indonesia. Market access and buyer acceptance are strongly influenced by purity/authenticity controls (notably paraffin/stearin adulteration risk) and by meeting food-additive specifications where relevant.
Market RoleNet importer (HS 152190 category) with domestic apiculture-linked supply
Domestic RoleIndustrial ingredient market for candles/crafts and cosmetics/pharma; food-grade use as glazing agent where permitted/specification-compliant
Specification
Primary VarietyYellow beeswax (unbleached; typically from cappings/comb wax)
Secondary Variety- White/bleached beeswax (cera alba)
Physical Attributes- Purity and colour are key buyer-facing quality attributes; overheating during processing can darken wax and reduce value.
- Sold as solid material (e.g., blocks, cakes, pastilles/pellets) for storage and trade.
Grades- Food-grade beeswax aligned to INS 901 specifications (buyer/specification-driven)
- Cosmetic/pharmaceutical grade (buyer/specification-driven)
Packaging- Clean moulded blocks/cakes for storage and bulk trade
- Pastilles/pellets for handling and downstream processing
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Apiary/comb & cappings collection → rendering/melting → filtration/settling → (optional) refining/bleaching → moulding into blocks/pellets → storage → domestic distribution or export
Temperature- Process control to avoid overheating is important because excessive heat can darken wax and reduce value.
Shelf Life- Beeswax is shelf-stable when rendered clean and stored away from heat and contamination; physical deformation can occur if exposed to high temperatures.
Risks
Product Integrity HighAdulteration of beeswax with paraffin and/or stearin/stearic acid (and related contaminant concerns) is a critical risk that can trigger buyer non-conformance, import rejection, or downstream safety concerns for apiculture and food-related uses.Use validated authenticity testing for paraffin/stearin; require batch CoA and supplier audits; align food-grade specifications to recognized references (e.g., JECFA/Codex INS 901) and segregate cappings-derived streams from recycled/dark wax.
Regulatory Compliance MediumWhen marketed for food-use (e.g., glazing agent), beeswax must meet applicable additive permissions, GMP conditions, and purity/specification expectations; misalignment between intended use and documentation can create enforcement or customer-approval risk.Confirm intended end-use (food vs cosmetic/pharma) early, document INS 901 status when relevant, and maintain current FSSAI-compliant labeling/specification files for the applicable product category.
Documentation Gap MediumHS6 152190 is a grouped category (beeswax + other insect waxes + spermaceti); misclassification or vague descriptions can increase customs queries, delays, or incorrect duty/treatment outcomes.Use precise product descriptions (beeswax; refined/bleached; form) and apply the appropriate national tariff line (e.g., India ITC(HS) 15219010) with consistent supporting documentation.
Supply Risk MediumCategory-level trade data show India is a net importer in HS 152190, which can increase exposure to international supply/price fluctuations for certain quality grades.Diversify import sources and qualify multiple domestic suppliers; maintain buffer stocks for critical manufacturing inputs.
Sustainability- Pollinator health and pesticide exposure in agricultural landscapes can influence residue profiles and quality expectations for beeswax-derived products.
- Preferential sourcing from wax cappings (often considered higher purity) can help reduce quality risks versus heavily recycled/dark wax streams.
FAQ
What HS code is commonly used for beeswax trade reporting for India?Trade statistics commonly reference HS 152190 (a grouped category covering beeswax, other insect waxes and spermaceti). In India’s ITC(HS) import classification, beeswax is commonly listed at 15219010 (beeswax whether or not coloured).
Is beeswax recognized for food-use applications in standards relevant to India?Yes. Codex GSFA lists beeswax as INS 901 with provisions (often at GMP) for specific food categories, and FSSAI’s compendium for health supplements/nutraceuticals includes INS 901 (beeswax) with maximum permitted level at GMP for that regulated context.
What is the most critical compliance risk for beeswax supply chains serving export or regulated end-uses?Product integrity is the key risk: adulteration of beeswax with paraffin and/or stearin/stearic acid is a documented concern and can drive buyer non-conformance or regulatory issues. Mitigation typically relies on batch testing, clear specifications, and traceable sourcing.