What is E903?
Carnauba wax (E903) is a plant-derived wax used as a glazing, coating or surface-treatment ingredient in specified foods. Goodnessly rates E903 Safe, while food-category permissions and the relevant regulator assessment still apply.
Carnauba wax (E903) is a plant-derived wax used as a glazing, coating or surface-treatment ingredient in specified foods. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Carnauba wax?
E903 is a hard wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm. Its film-forming properties make it useful for surface finishing and glazing.
What's it used for?
- Glazing selected foods
- Helping create a smooth surface finish
- Providing a protective coating
- Supporting handling of coated products
Where you'll find E903 on the shelf
You may see E903 on coated confectionery, fruit, chewing gum or other foods where a smooth or glossy surface is wanted.
Is E903 permitted? What the regulators say
E903 is listed or permitted in the three systems checked, with category, level and specification conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists 903 carnauba wax, subject to the current Schedule 15 food-category permissions. [FSANZ source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The Union list includes E903 carnauba wax for specified foods and preparation uses under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Annex III. [EUR-Lex source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | FDA food-ingredient provisions recognise carnauba wax for specified direct food uses under the applicable conditions of use. |
Goodnessly rates E903 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- The current EU Union-list framework includes E903 for specified uses, including preparation uses. Check the current consolidated text because permissions and conditions can be amended.
- JECFA’s specifications and the EU authorisation framework govern identity, purity and use. A numerical ADI is not generally stated for carnauba wax in the checked JECFA material; the permitted food category and level remain important.
- An ADI or “not specified” conclusion is a population risk-assessment reference, not a statement that a particular food is unsafe.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — confirm the current primary source before relying on a regulatory detail.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing coated foods
- People checking how often glazing agents appear
- People who prefer to understand the source of surface finishes
Goodnessly rates E903 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Carnauba wax
- Palm wax
- 903 or E903
- Glazing agent (903)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E903?
E903 is carnauba wax, a plant-derived wax used mainly for glazing and surface finishing.
Is E903 permitted?
E903 is listed with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU. US food-ingredient rules also provide for specified carnauba-wax uses.
Does E903 have an ADI?
The checked JECFA material does not state a numerical ADI for carnauba wax; the food category, level and specification still matter.
How does Goodnessly rate E903?
Goodnessly rates E903 (carnauba wax) as Safe within its rating system.
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