Candles, tapers and the like

HS v2017 Code: 3406

About candles, tapers and the like

HS code 3406 covers the production of candles, tapers, and similar illuminating articles. This industry plays a crucial role in the broader economy, providing essential lighting solutions for residential, commercial, and religious settings. Candles are a versatile product, used for a wide range of purposes, from home decor and ambiance to ceremonial and religious observances. The global candle market is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing demand for decorative and scented candles, as well as the rising popularity of eco-friendly and soy-based candle options.

Production process

The production of candles, tapers, and similar illuminating articles typically involves a few key steps. First, the raw materials, such as wax, wick, and any additional additives, are melted and combined. The molten mixture is then poured into molds or extruded to form the desired candle shape. After cooling and solidifying, the candles may undergo further processing, such as trimming the wicks, adding decorative elements, or applying coatings or fragrances.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of candles, tapers, and similar illuminating articles include various types of wax (e.g., paraffin, soy, beeswax), wicks, and any additional additives such as fragrances, dyes, or stabilizers. Specialized equipment, such as melting tanks, molds, and extruders, are also essential for the manufacturing process. Additionally, the industry relies on a supply of energy, typically in the form of electricity or natural gas, to power the production facilities.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 3406 is candles, tapers, and similar illuminating articles. These products are consumed by a wide range of industries, including 3307 Preparations for use on the body; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations, 9405 Lamps and lighting fittings, including searchlights and spotlights and parts thereof, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like, having a permanently fixed light source, and parts thereof not elsewhere specified or included, and 9503 (Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dolls' carriages; dolls; other toys; reduced-size ('scale') models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds), among others.

Family tree for candles, tapers and the like

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/34'>34: Soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/3406'>3406: Candles, tapers and the like</a>"]

    A --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/3401'>3401: Soap; organic surface-active preparations used as soap, skin washing, in bars, cakes, moulded pieces, shapes, liquid or cream, containing soap or not; for retail, paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/3402'>3402: Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/3403'>3403: Lubricating preparations and those used in oil or grease treatment of textile and similar materials; excluding preparations containing 70% or more (by weight) of petroleum or bituminous mineral oils</a>"]
A --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/3404'>3404: Waxes; artificial, prepared</a>"]
A --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/3405'>3405: Polishes, creams, scouring pastes, powders and similar; in any form, (including articles impregnated, coated or covered with such), for furniture, footwear, floors, coachwork, glass or metal</a>"]
A --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/3407'>3407: Modelling pastes, including those for children; dental wax, impression compounds, in sets or packings for retail sale or in plates and similar forms; dentistry preparations with plaster base</a>"]

    B --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/340600'>340600: Candles, tapers and the like</a>"]


    %% Color coordination by level

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    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level4
class D level4
class E level4
class F level4
class G level4
class H level4
class I level6

  class B highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class B highlight