About HS Code 340120
This HS code covers soap in forms not specifically mentioned in 340111 or 340119, essentially acting as a catch-all for other presentations of soap. This typically includes soap in flakes, granules, powders, or other bulk forms not molded into bars or cakes, and not specifically for toilet use or impregnated into materials. Trade in these products is often industrial, supplying manufacturers of detergents, textiles, or other cleaning products with raw soap materials. Exporters are usually countries with large chemical industries and soap manufacturing capabilities, while importers are industrial users globally. Key aspects include the purity of the soap, its chemical composition, and its suitability for further processing or specific industrial applications. This code is crucial for the trade of intermediate soap products.
Products Under This Code
Soap flakes, soap powder (bulk), soap granules, soap noodles, industrial soap pellets, bulk liquid soap concentrate (not for retail skin washing)
Real World Examples
Ivory Snow Laundry Detergent (flakes), Stepan Company Soap Noodles, Procter & Gamble Bulk Soap Pellets, Kao Industrial Soap Powder, BASF Soap Flakes
Common Misclassification
This code can be confused with organic surface-active agents (3402) if the product's 'soap' identity is ambiguous, or with retail liquid soaps (340130) if it's a liquid form but not for skin washing and retail sale. The key is that it must be 'soap' and not fit 340111 or 340119.
Products Classified Under 3401.20
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
China, Indonesia, and Malaysia are major exporters of soap noodles and bulk soap, serving industrial markets worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 340120?
HS code 340120 covers: Soap; in forms n.e.c. in item no. 3401.11. This HS code covers soap in forms not specifically mentioned in 340111 or 340119, essentially acting as a catch-all for other presentations of soap. This typically includes soap in flakes, granules, powders, or other bulk forms not molded into bars or cakes, and not specifically for toilet use or impregnated into materials. Trade in these products is often industrial, supplying manufacturers of detergents, textiles, or other cleaning products with raw soap materials. Exporters are usually countries with large chemical industries and soap manufacturing capabilities, while importers are industrial users globally. Key aspects include the purity of the soap, its chemical composition, and its suitability for further processing or specific industrial applications. This code is crucial for the trade of intermediate soap products.
What products fall under HS code 340120?
Soap flakes, soap powder (bulk), soap granules, soap noodles, industrial soap pellets, bulk liquid soap concentrate (not for retail skin washing)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 340120?
This code can be confused with organic surface-active agents (3402) if the product's 'soap' identity is ambiguous, or with retail liquid soaps (340130) if it's a liquid form but not for skin washing and retail sale. The key is that it must be 'soap' and not fit 340111 or 340119.
How is HS code 340120 structured?
HS code 340120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (34) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.