HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 3401.30 – Organic 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

HS code 3401.30 is the 6-digit subheading for organic 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. It is used for liquid hand soap, body wash, shower gel, facial cleansers (liquid/cream) and foaming hand wash.

What HS 3401.30 covers

This HS code covers organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, presented in liquid or cream form and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap. This category is a cornerstone of the personal care and cosmetics industry, encompassing a wide range of products from hand washes to body gels. Global trade is dominated by multinational consumer goods companies, with manufacturing and distribution networks spanning continents. Exporters are typically countries with advanced chemical and cosmetic industries, while importers are virtually all consumer markets worldwide. Key factors influencing trade include consumer preferences for specific fragrances, skin benefits (e.g., moisturizing, antibacterial), brand loyalty, and compliance with stringent cosmetic regulations. The market is highly dynamic, with continuous product innovation and marketing efforts.

Covers
  • Liquid hand soap
  • Body wash
  • Shower gel
  • Facial cleansers (liquid/cream)
  • Foaming hand wash
  • Antibacterial liquid soap
Examples
  • Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap
  • Dove Body Wash
  • Bath & Body Works Shower Gel
  • CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
  • Method Foaming Hand Wash

Codes often confused with 3401.30

Common mistake. This code is often confused with bar soaps (340111) due to their similar end-use for skin washing, but the 'liquid or cream' form and 'retail sale' are distinguishing factors. It can also be mistaken for other cosmetic preparations (3304) if the primary function isn't clearly 'washing the skin'.

3401.11Soap 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)33.04Cosmetic and toilet preparations; beauty, make-up and skin care preparations (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations), manicure or pedicure preparations

Top exporters and importers of HS code 340130, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 340130 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 10% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 10% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 France $835M
  2. 2 Germany $684M
  3. 3 United States $664M

World total: $8.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $846M
  2. 2 United States $774M
  3. 3 Germany $516M

World total: $8.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 3401.30

Brazil does not split HS 3401.30: its NCM code is 3401.30.00.

  1. 3401.30.00 Liquid or cream skin-washing preparations, retailProdutos e preparações orgânicos tensoativos para lavagem da pele, sob a forma de líquido ou de creme, acondicionados para venda a retalho, mesmo que contenham sabão

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 34.01 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 3401.30

What is HS code 340130?

HS code 340130 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Organic 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. This HS code covers organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, presented in liquid or cream form and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap. This category is a cornerstone of the personal care and cosmetics industry, encompassing a wide range of products from hand washes to body gels. Global trade is dominated by multinational consumer goods companies, with manufacturing and distribution networks spanning continents. Exporters are typically countries with advanced chemical and cosmetic industries, while importers are virtually all consumer markets worldwide. Key factors influencing trade include consumer preferences for specific fragrances, skin benefits (e.g., moisturizing, antibacterial), brand loyalty, and compliance with stringent cosmetic regulations. The market is highly dynamic, with continuous product innovation and marketing efforts.

What products fall under HS code 340130?

Liquid hand soap, body wash, shower gel, facial cleansers (liquid/cream), foaming hand wash, antibacterial liquid soap

What are common misclassifications for HS code 340130?

This code is often confused with bar soaps (340111) due to their similar end-use for skin washing, but the 'liquid or cream' form and 'retail sale' are distinguishing factors. It can also be mistaken for other cosmetic preparations (3304) if the primary function isn't clearly 'washing the skin'.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 340130?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 340130 in UN Comtrade data were France ($835M, 10% of world exports), Germany ($684M) and the United States ($664M). World exports came to about $8.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 340130?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 340130 in UN Comtrade data were China ($846M, 10% of world imports), the United States ($774M) and Germany ($516M). World imports came to about $8.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 340130 structured?

HS code 340130 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 340130?

In Brazil, HS code 340130 is NCM 3401.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.