YenzoWhat is E903 (carnauba wax)?
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists the function of Carnauba wax (INS 903) as: glazing agent, bulking agent, acidity regulator, anticaking agent, carrier.
E903Carnauba wax
E903 is Carnauba wax. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists its function as glazing agent, bulking agent, acidity regulator, anticaking agent, carrier.
Did you know? Carnauba wax is obtained from the Brazilian wax palm, Copernicia cerifera.
- Code
- E903 · INS 903
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalevery low?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E903 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, glazing agent (903), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
glazing agent (903)glazing agent 903E903INS 903On Vietnamese labels: Sáp carnauba
Questions about carnauba wax
Is carnauba wax harmful?
In 2012 EFSA did not set an ADI for E 903 because long-term safety data were lacking (JECFA had earlier allocated an ADI of 7 mg/kg body weight per day). EFSA concluded that the margins of safety between estimated exposure and the no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) were sufficient, so the currently authorised uses are not of safety concern.
Is E903 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Carnauba wax (INS 903) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Other glazing agents
E901Beeswaxvery lowE902Candelilla waxvery lowE904Shellacvery lowE905Microcrystalline waxlowE907Hydrogenated poly-1-decenelowE912Montan acid esterslow
See all glazing agents →Found in these products
Updated 22 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e903)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- EFSA Journal (2012). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of carnauba wax (E 903) as a food additive