Product classification
HS code for Body wash: 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.
Classification of body wash under HS 3401.30
Body wash is classified under HS code 3401.30 because it is an organic surface-active product specifically formulated for washing the skin. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), products in this category must be in the form of a liquid or cream and put up for retail sale. The classification hinges on the presence of surfactants (surface-active agents) which facilitate the removal of dirt and oils from the human body. Unlike industrial cleaners, these preparations are dermatologically intended for personal hygiene. The inclusion of soap within the preparation does not change this classification, provided the primary function remains skin cleansing in a liquid or creamy state. This code is part of Chapter 34, which covers soap, organic surface-active agents, and washing preparations, specifically targeting those designed for topical application rather than general surface cleaning.
- Covers
- Moisturizing liquid body washes
- Shower gels and shower creams
- Liquid hand soaps in retail packaging
- Exfoliating body washes containing microbeads or natural abrasives
- Antibacterial liquid skin cleansers
- Also under 3401.30
- 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. Body wash is frequently misclassified under HS code 3401.11, which is reserved for soap and organic surface-active products in the form of bars, cakes, or molded shapes. Another common error is using HS code 3307.30, which covers perfumed bath salts and other bath preparations; however, 3307.30 is intended for products that scent or soften bath water rather than primary cleansing agents. Additionally, industrial-grade surfactants not put up for retail sale for skin washing should be classified under heading 34.02.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340130 (the code used for body wash), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340130 (the code used for body wash) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 340130, not only body wash.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $835M 10% of world exports
- 2 Germany $684M 8.6% of world exports
- 3 United States $664M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $8.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $846M 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $774M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $516M 6.4% of world imports
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 body wash
Brazil classifies body wash under NCM 3401.30.00: HS 3401.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about body wash
What is the HS code for Body wash?
The HS code for Body wash is 340130 (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). The primary HS code for liquid body wash and shower gel put up for retail sale is 3401.30.
How do I classify Body wash for customs?
Body wash is classified under HS code 340130 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 3401.30 differ from 3401.20?
HS code 3401.20 refers to soap in other forms, such as flakes, granules, or powders, whereas 3401.30 is strictly for liquid or cream preparations intended for skin washing.
Which countries are the top exporters of body wash (HS 340130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340130 (the code used for body wash) 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 body wash (HS 340130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340130 (the code used for body wash) 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.
Is the HS code for Body wash the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340130 for Body wash is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for body wash in Brazil?
In Brazil, body wash (HS 340130) is classified under NCM 3401.30.00.