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SAM-204

Wax
Sampling

Wax
Definition

(list of HS codes covered by this card)		 Waxy products which are highly viscous pastes or solids, such as vaseline, paraffin wax, microcrystalline petroleum wax, bees wax or bitumen.

Pasty products such as casein, gelatin and dextrins are also covered in this card.

Waxy products in the form of (fine) powder, see specific card ‘Chemicals, solid’.

Liquid waxes, see specific cards ‘Petroleum liquids’ and ‘Chemicals, liquids’.

For products in retail sale packages see specific card ‘Retail packages and finished articles’.


Wax
Recommended minimum quantity for each final sample

 0,25 kg
Applicable standards (ISO and EU Norms) and relevant legislation

 You should refer to your national legislation and national guidelines regarding sampling.

Equipment needed
Suggested sampling tool depending on the method used
  • Piston-tube sampler (L05-01)
  • Spiral sampler (S04-01)
  • Hand–drill sampler (E02-01)
  • General tools: knife, (metal) spatula
  • Sampling scoop (L04-01)
  • Sampler for frozen goods (E01-01)
  • Pipeline sampler (L06-01)
Containers to be used for the sampling
  • Metal containers (M01)
  • Glass bottles (G01)
  • Plastic bottles (P03 or P04)
Safety precautions and risk assessment Please refer to your national legislation and guidelines on health and safety. See SDS if available.

  • Wear protective gloves and safety glasses.
  • Under normal conditions of use, wax does not present particular health hazards except when heated. Waxes that are solid at ambient temperatures may be transported at raised temperatures (beware of temperatures of 50–70 °C) to facilitate loading or unloading from tanks. There is a risk of skin burns and eye damage if boiling spray comes into contact with the mucous membranes or the eyes.
  • If splashed with hot product, wash immediately with abundant cold water to relieve the burning and obtain medical assistance immediately.
  • Do not attempt to remove hot product from the skin or remove clothing that is stuck to the skin.
  • Low-risk flammable material. The product can form flammable mixtures and burn only if heated above its flash point. However, the presence of small quantities of more volatile hydrocarbons can increase this risk.
For more information see chapter Health and Safety.


Sampling plan
Type of consignment Procedure
Consignment for customs clearance The aggregate sample consists of an appropriate number of incremental samples. When you are satisfied the consignment is homogeneous, one incremental sample is usually taken as representing the goods covered by the same customs declaration.

Ensure that the product being sampled remains unaltered by the sampling process. Do NOT re-heat samples as this may affect the properties of the sample — loss of volatile elements or physical/chemical change due to over-heating.

Bulk products - loose in tank, tanker truck, reservoir wagon, drums, tank cars — heated Form one aggregate sample from three or more incremental samples, taken from at least three heights: approximately 15 % from the bottom, half-way up and approximately 15 % from the top surface of the product in each lot. Check the homogeneity of the lot — if the homogeneity is in doubt, take more incremental samples.

Where the product is heated above 40 degrees, consider whether the consignment should be treated as dangerous goods and the sampling to be carried out by specially trained officers or a contractor. You should only proceed if you are satisfied that you have appropriate PPE and sampling equipment and can carry out the sampling safely.

Warning: do not allow the product to cool in the tank or drums because it may be extremely difficult do remove the product if it solidifies.

Bulk products - loose in tank, tank truck, reservoir wagon, drums, tank cars — not heated (ambient temperature) Take one aggregate sample. If the product is in the form of a creamy paste or hard paste, take a number of incremental samples, dependent on the homogeneity in each lot. Check the homogeneity of the lot — if the homogeneity is in doubt, take more incremental samples. Different products or lots have to be sampled separately.

  • Products in highly viscous liquid state: before sampling, draw off an appropriate quantity of product, to prime the sampling circuit and valve. If the container has been unused for a long time, it is good practice to re-circulate the product before taking samples.

  • Products in solid state: do not heat the product and use a hand drill sampler (E02-01) or a sampler for frozen goods (E01-01).

  • Products in the form of a creamy paste: do not heat the product and use a spiral sampler (S04-01) or sampling scoop (L04-01) to take several samples at various positions and depths in the mass, to ensure that the sample is as representative as possible. After taking the samples from the mass, prepare the composite sample in a metal bucket by mixing vigorously with the metal spatula and transfer the samples in appropriate containers.

    • If the product is in the form of a hard paste, use a spiral sampler S04-01 to take several samples at various positions and depths in the mass, to ensure that the sample is as representative as possible. After taking the samples from the mass, prepare the composite sample in an appropriate bucket by breaking up and mixing the cores of product with the metal spatula and transfer the samples in appropriate containers.
Barrels, crates, small containers — heated/not heated Take one aggregate sample. Equal quantities of incremental samples are taken from different transport containers found at different positions in the transport vehicle or in the storage facility by random selection or systematically. Check the homogeneity of the lot — if the homogeneity is in doubt, take more incremental samples. Different products or lots must be sampled separately.

Bulk being moved with a conveyor or other flowing product during filling or emptying Take one aggregate sample from incremental samples, taken across the whole diameter of the stream, at intervals determined by the moving speed during filling or emptying of a tank, tanker truck or reservoir wagon. Use a pipeline sampler L06-01. Connect the filling/emptying pipe with a sampling accessory, consisting of a tap (whether or not heated), which draws incremental samples from the centre of the flow. Several samples should be taken at regular intervals throughout the transfer process. After taking the samples, quickly prepare the aggregate sample in an appropriate metal bucket by mixing vigorously and transfer the samples in appropriate containers.


Handling of samples
General comments
  • In principle the minimum quantity of identical final samples, required by the laboratory according to your national guidelines, should be enough, providing you are satisfied the product is homogenous.
  • When possible, take a sample directly into the sample bottle. This reduces the possibility of air absorption, loss of vapours, and contamination.
  • If a mixing vessel is used, all incremental samples from all sampling spots are collected and after they have been thoroughly mixed, an aggregate sample is created.
  • The sample bottle should be filled leaving a small space for expansion due to heat. Samples where the moisture content may affect the analysis must be packed in moisture-tight containers with an airtight closure and must be filled completely.
  • After obtaining the sample, close the bottle immediately with a tight-fitting stopper and check the tightness (leakage test).
  • The sample should be handled and packaged in a well-ventilated place or outdoors.
  • Sampling of heated liquids: The containers are left to cool down before closing. Do NOT re-heat samples as this may affect the properties of the sample — loss of volatile elements or physical/chemical change due to over-heating.
Sampling form
  • Fill in the sampling form. One copy should be attached to the samples and one copy should be kept for the record. Mention if the sample was taken under heated conditions.
Transport
  • Preferably at ambient temperature. If necessary keep refrigerated in accordance with the product labelling (casein, dextrins, modified starches, etc.).
Storage
  • Preferably at ambient temperature. If necessary keep refrigerated in accordance with the product labelling (casein, dextrins, modified starches, etc.). If chilled for storage the temperature should be monitored and recorded.

Wax (expand list)
HS number Description


Revisions
Version Date Changes
1.0 12.10.2012 First version
1.1 15.01.2021 Update - New template and total text revision