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HS-6 · Subheading

340290

Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale

Heading 3402Organic 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-6 340290 when importing or exporting washing and cleaning preparations that are not intended for retail sale. This includes products like industrial detergents or bulk cleaning solutions. For instance, a shipment of a concentrated cleaning agent in a 55-gallon drum would fall under this code.

This code specifically covers surface-active agents and cleaning preparations that may or may not contain soap. It distinguishes itself from HS-6 3401, which deals with soap products. If your product is a soap-based cleaner, you would classify it differently.

When evaluating products for HS-6 340290, consider whether they are sold in bulk for commercial use. This can include items like laundry detergents or cleaning agents used in professional settings, which are not packaged for direct consumer sale.

If your cleaning preparation is packaged for retail, you should look at other classifications, such as HS-6 3401 for soaps or HS-6 3403 for other cleaning products that may contain soap. Understanding these distinctions will help ensure accurate classification.

Keywords & topics

Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.

cleaning preparations · surface-active agents · industrial detergents · non-retail cleaning products · bulk cleaning solutions · laundry detergents · commercial cleaning agents · heavy-duty cleaners · non-soap cleaning products · auxiliary washing preparations · professional cleaning solutions · cleaning agents for hospitals · degreasers for manufacturing · concentrated cleaners

Examples

Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.

  • Bulk industrial detergent for laundry services
  • Concentrated floor cleaner in large containers
  • Non-retail cleaning solution for commercial kitchens
  • Surface cleaner used in automotive detailing
  • Heavy-duty degreaser for manufacturing equipment
  • Cleaning agent for use in hospitals and clinics
  • Carpet cleaning solution sold in 5-gallon buckets
  • Laundry detergent in bulk for laundromats

Common questions

Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.

What products fall under HS code 340290?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to classify bulk cleaning solutions?

Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.

Is my industrial detergent classified as HS-6 340290?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What is the difference between HS-6 340290 and HS-6 3401?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Are non-retail cleaning agents covered by HS-6 340290?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How do I determine the correct HS code for my cleaning product?

Match the product to the legal wording, then verify the final pick in your country tariff schedule before filing.

Can I use HS-6 340290 for soap-based cleaners?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What types of packaging affect HS classification for cleaning products?

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 industrial cleaning products for import

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

difference between soap and non-soap cleaning preparations

Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.

examples of products under HS code 340290

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

classification of concentrated cleaning agents for export

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

bulk cleaning solutions and their HS code

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

non-retail packaging for cleaning products HS classification

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

how to determine if a product is for retail or commercial use

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

guidelines for classifying surface-active agents in trade

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

Questions & answers

For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.

What types of products are classified under HS-6 340290?
HS-6 340290 includes washing and cleaning preparations that are not packaged for retail sale, such as industrial detergents and bulk cleaning solutions.
How do I know if my cleaning product is for retail or not?
If your product is sold in large containers intended for commercial use, it is likely not for retail sale and may fall under HS-6 340290.
Can I classify soap-based cleaners under HS-6 340290?
No, if your product contains soap, it should be classified under HS-6 3401 instead.
What is the difference between HS-6 340290 and HS-6 3401?
HS-6 340290 covers non-soap cleaning preparations, while HS-6 3401 is specifically for soap products.
Are there any specific packaging requirements for HS-6 340290?
There are no specific packaging requirements, but the product must not be intended for retail sale.
What should I do if I'm unsure about my product classification?
Consult with a customs broker or refer to official customs rulings for guidance on product classification.
How can I find the right HS code for my cleaning solution?
Review the product's ingredients and intended use, and compare it with the descriptions under the relevant HS codes.
What are auxiliary washing preparations?
Auxiliary washing preparations are products that assist in cleaning but are not primary detergents, and they can also fall under HS-6 340290.

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