HS-2 · Chapter 34
HS chapter 34: Soap, waxes, polishing preparations
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries
Goods classified under HS-34 include a variety of cleaning and surface-active agents, such as soaps, detergents, and waxes. For example, if you're importing liquid soap in bulk for retail distribution, this chapter will guide you through the appropriate codes and classifications.
To determine the correct HS-4 code within this chapter, start by identifying the primary function of your product. For instance, if your product is a soap-based hand wash, you would look at heading 3401. If it’s a cleaning agent without soap, then 3402 may be more suitable. Pay close attention to the specific wording in the headings, as slight variations can lead to different classifications.
Next, drill down to HS-6 by examining the product's composition and intended use. For example, if your product is a polishing cream, you would refer to 3405. Make sure to check the notes and exclusions associated with each heading, as they can clarify whether your product fits or if it falls under a different category.
It's also crucial to consider the packaging and form of your product. If you are dealing with candles or waxes, for example, you would explore 3406 for candles or 3404 for artificial waxes. Always ensure that you have the correct national digits for your specific country, as these can vary significantly.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
HS-34 classification · soap import code · cleaning agents HS-4 · organic surface-active agents · lubricating preparations · artificial waxes · polishing creams · dental wax classification · modelling pastes · candles HS-6 · surface-active preparations · washing preparations · scouring pastes · HS-34 notes · national digits for soap · product classification guide
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Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.
Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify soap and detergents for import
- understanding HS-34 for cleaning products
- choosing the right HS-4 code for waxes
- guidelines for organic surface-active agents
- differentiating between polishing creams and scouring pastes
- packaging considerations for HS-34 products
- finding the correct national digits for cleaning agents
- notes and exclusions for HS-34 classifications
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Liquid soap for personal hygiene in bulk containers
- Organic surface-active cleaning agents for industrial use
- Polishing cream for furniture maintenance
- Artificial wax for candle making
- Dental impression compounds for clinical use
- Scouring powders for household cleaning
- Modelling pastes for children's arts and crafts
- Lubricating preparations for textile treatment
Common classification questions
- What is the HS code for liquid soap?
- How do I classify cleaning agents in HS-34?
- Are there specific notes for organic surface-active agents?
- What are the differences between HS-3401 and HS-3402?
- How to determine the correct HS-6 code for wax?
- What should I check for in polishing preparations?
- Is there a specific classification for dental wax?
- How do I find national digits for my product?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products are included in HS-34?
- HS-34 includes soaps, organic surface-active agents, cleaning preparations, lubricating agents, artificial waxes, and various types of pastes and preparations.
- How do I determine if my product falls under HS-3401 or HS-3402?
- Check if your product contains soap; if it does, it likely falls under HS-3401. If it is a cleaning agent without soap, it would be classified under HS-3402.
- Are there any specific exclusions I should be aware of in HS-34?
- Yes, each HS-4 heading has specific notes and exclusions. For example, HS-3403 excludes preparations containing 70% or more petroleum or bituminous mineral oils.
- What should I consider when classifying polishing preparations?
- Look at the product's intended use, composition, and form. If it’s a cream or paste for furniture, it likely falls under HS-3405.
- How can I find the national digits for my product under HS-34?
- Consult your country's customs authority or trade database, as national digits can vary and are essential for proper classification.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 34 (7)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 3401 | Soap; organic surface-active preparations used as soap, skin washing, in bars, cakes, moulded pieces, shapes, liquid or cream, containing soap or not; for retail, paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent | |
| 3402 | Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401 | |
| 3403 | Lubricating preparations and those used in oil or grease treatment of textile and similar materials; excluding preparations containing 70% or more (by weight) of petroleum or bituminous mineral oils | |
| 3404 | Waxes; artificial, prepared | |
| 3405 | Polishes, creams, scouring pastes, powders and similar; in any form, (including articles impregnated, coated or covered with such), for furniture, footwear, floors, coachwork, glass or metal | |
| 3406 | Candles, tapers and the like | |
| 3407 | Modelling pastes, including those for children; dental wax, impression compounds, in sets or packings for retail sale or in plates and similar forms; dentistry preparations with plaster base |
Browse first heading (HS-4 3401)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (3401). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.