What is the HS code for liquid soap?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-4 · Heading
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
Chapter 34: Soap, waxes, polishing preparations
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 3401 when importing soap or organic surface-active preparations. For example, if you're bringing in liquid hand soap in retail packaging, this heading is relevant. It covers products like bars, creams, and even impregnated materials like wipes.
To determine the correct HS-6 line, consider the intended use of the product. For instance, 340111 is for toilet soaps and medicated products, while 340119 covers soaps not intended for toilet use, such as industrial cleaning bars. Knowing the end-use helps clarify which subheading to select.
If your product is a liquid or cream formulation for skin washing, you would use 340130. This line specifically addresses organic surface-active preparations in retail packaging, regardless of whether they contain soap. Understanding the form and packaging is crucial for accurate classification.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
HS-4 3401 · soap import classification · organic surface-active preparations · liquid soap · bar soap · medicated soap · skin washing products · retail soap packaging · industrial cleaning soap · impregnated wipes
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Liquid hand soap in pump bottles
- Bar soap for personal hygiene
- Medicated soap for skin treatment
- Wipes impregnated with soap or detergent
- Creams for skin washing
- Soap bars for industrial cleaning
- Nonwoven fabrics coated with soap
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify soap for import?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Are medicated soaps included in HS-4 3401?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What products fall under HS-4 3401?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to determine the right HS-6 for soap?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Is there a difference between toilet and non-toilet soap codes?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
importing liquid hand soap under HS-4 3401
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
classification of organic surface-active agents
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
what to know about soap import codes
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
how to choose the correct HS-6 for soap
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
differences between toilet and non-toilet soap classifications
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
retail packaging requirements for soap imports
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
guidelines for importing medicated soap products
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What is included in HS-4 3401?
- HS-4 3401 includes soap and organic surface-active preparations in various forms, such as bars, liquid, and creams, for retail sale.
- How do I know which HS-6 subheading to use?
- Choose based on the product's form and intended use. For example, use **340111** for toilet soaps and **340130** for liquid skin washing products.
- Can I import medicated soap under this heading?
- Yes, medicated soaps fall under **340111**, which covers toilet use products, including those with therapeutic properties.
- Are wipes with soap classified under HS-4 3401?
- Yes, wipes impregnated with soap or detergent are classified under **340111** or **340119**, depending on their intended use.
- What if my soap product is not for toilet use?
- If your soap is not intended for toilet use, you should classify it under **340119**.
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HS-6 subheadings (4)
- 340111Soap and organic surface-active products; in the form of bars, cakes, moulded shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent, for toilet use (including medicated products)
- 340119Soap and organic surface-active products; in the form of bars, cakes, moulded shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent, not for toilet use
- 340120Soap; in forms n.e.c. in item no. 3401.11
- 340130Organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap