## Common ground
Both options refer to mixtures of mono-, di-, and tri-fatty acid esters of glycerol—commonly known as glycerol esters—used in industrial or commercial applications.
## Options at a glance
**3404.90 – Artificial waxes**
- **Defining trait:** Form solid, wax-like substances with high melting points, used for coating, sealing, or texturing.
- **Typical examples:** Candle coatings, cosmetic balms, food packaging films.
- **Best fit when:** The product is solid at room temperature and functions as a wax substitute.
**3824.99 – Emulsifiers for fats**
- **Defining trait:** Designed to stabilize oil-in-water or water-in-oil mixtures, especially in fat-based systems like margarine or shortening.
- **Typical examples:** Food emulsions, dairy products, baked goods.
- **Best fit when:** The product is used to blend fats and water, preventing separation.
## Key differences
| Feature | 3404.90 (Artificial waxes) | 3824.99 (Emulsifiers for fats) |
|-----------------------|----------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Physical state | Solid | Often liquid or semi-solid |
| Primary function | Wax-like barrier/texture | Stabilize emulsions |
| Typical use | Coatings, sealing | Food, cosmetics, industrial |
## How to choose
- Is the product solid and used as a wax? → 3404.90
- Is it used to mix oil and water in fats or food? → 3824.99
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A single glycerol ester mixture may serve both purposes (e.g., in margarine, it acts as both an emulsifier and a texture modifier). If the product functions primarily as a wax (e.g., in coatings), use 3404.90; if its main role is emulsifying fats, use 3824.99. The main function determines the correct classification—no priority rule is implied; choose based on primary use