E905Microcrystalline wax

E905 is Microcrystalline wax. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT has a row for INS 905c(i), a different INS number, so this page does not yet state a Vietnamese rule for E905.

Code: E905 · INS 905
Group: Glazing agent, Antifoaming agent

In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1

Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy

How E905 appears on labels

IngredientsIllustrative example

Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, glazing agent (905), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).

glazing agent (905)glazing agent 905E905INS 905On Vietnamese labels: Sáp vi tinh thể

Microcrystalline wax in food

Non-chocolate confectionery (surface treatment)Chewing gum Decorations, coatings and fillings (except fruit-based fillings)

Melons, papaya, mango, avocado (surface treatment)

Questions about microcrystalline wax

What is E905 (microcrystalline wax)?

In Yenzo's data, E905 (INS 905) is Microcrystalline wax.

Is microcrystalline wax harmful?

In 2013 EFSA did not set an ADI for E 905 because no long-term studies on the substance itself were available. It concluded that conservative exposure estimates at the maximum permitted level still left a sufficient margin of safety against the NOAEL for closely related high-viscosity mineral oils, so the currently authorised uses are not of safety concern.

Is E905 permitted in Vietnam?

INS 905 has no row of its own in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT (09/VBHN-BYT); there is a row for INS 905c(i), a different number. So the page draws no conclusion for E905.

Other glazing agents

E901Beeswaxvery low E902Candelilla waxvery low E903Carnauba waxvery low E904Shellacvery low E907Hydrogenated poly-1-decenelow E912Montan acid esterslow

See all glazing agents →

Updated 21 October 2026

How Yenzo scores

Sources (2)

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:e905)
EFSA Journal (2013). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of microcrystalline wax (E 905) as a food additive

Information only, not medical advice. The risk level is the additive's class in Yenzo's open scoring method, based on the cited source.