What is the HS code for laundry detergent?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-4 · Heading
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
Chapter 34: Soap, waxes, polishing preparations
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 3402 when importing organic surface-active agents or cleaning preparations, such as a shipment of laundry detergent containing both anionic and non-ionic surfactants. This heading covers products that may or may not contain soap and are used in various cleaning applications.
To determine the correct HS-6 code, consider the specific type of organic surface-active agent. For instance, 340231 is for linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids, while 340239 covers other anionic agents. If your product is a cationic surfactant, you would use 340241. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for compliance and accurate tariff classification.
If your product is a cleaning preparation in powder form, look at 340250, which includes preparations put up for retail sale. For bulk cleaning agents not intended for retail, 340290 is the appropriate choice. Knowing whether your product is packaged for retail can significantly affect your import duties.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
organic surface-active agents · cleaning preparations · anionic surfactants · cationic surfactants · non-ionic surfactants · laundry detergents · dishwashing liquids · retail packaging · bulk cleaning agents · tariff classification
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Laundry detergents with anionic surfactants
- Dishwashing liquids containing non-ionic agents
- Industrial cleaning powders with cationic surfactants
- Surface-active agents in bulk for manufacturing
- Washing powders packaged for retail sale
- Cleaning granules for commercial use
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify cleaning products under HS-4 3402?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Difference between anionic and non-ionic surfactants?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Which HS-6 code for industrial cleaning powders?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Are cleaning preparations with soap included in HS-4 3402?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What products fall under HS-4 3402?
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.
how to classify organic surface-active agents for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
best practices for importing cleaning preparations
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
understanding HS codes for surfactants and detergents
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
choosing the right HS-6 code for cleaning products
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
import regulations for surface-active agents
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
differences between anionic and cationic surfactants in trade
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
packaging requirements for retail cleaning products
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
what to know about HS-4 3402 for importers
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 types of products are covered under HS-4 3402?
- HS-4 3402 covers organic surface-active agents and various cleaning preparations, including those with or without soap.
- How do I choose between HS-6 codes under 3402?
- Select the HS-6 code based on the specific type of surfactant or cleaning preparation, such as anionic, cationic, or non-ionic.
- Are there any exclusions in HS-4 3402?
- Yes, products classified under heading no. 3401, which covers soap, are excluded from HS-4 3402.
- What is the significance of retail packaging in HS-4 3402?
- The packaging type determines the HS-6 code; retail packaged products use different codes than bulk products.
- Can I import cleaning products without knowing the exact HS-6 code?
- It's essential to determine the correct HS-6 code to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
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Heading-browse mode uses HS-6 340200 (first line of this block).
HS-6 subheadings (7)
- 340231Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale
- 340239Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); other than linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale
- 340241Organic surface-active agents; cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale
- 340242Organic surface-active agents; non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale
- 340249Organic surface-active agents; whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in item no. 3402
- 340250Washing and cleaning preparations; powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale
- 340290Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale