Product classification
HS code for Bulk soap: 3401.20
Soap, in forms n.e.c. in item no. 3401.11.
Classification of bulk soap under HS 3401.20
Bulk soap is classified under HS code 3401.20 because it represents soap in forms other than the retail-ready bars, cakes, or molded shapes described in subheading 3401.11. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 3401 encompasses soap, organic surface-active products, and preparations for use as soap. While 3401.11 specifically addresses products intended for retail sale in specific shapes, 3401.20 serves as the residual category for soap in \"other\" forms. This typically includes soap in the form of flakes, granules, powders, or liquid solutions transported in large industrial containers such as drums or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). These products are often used as raw materials in the manufacturing of finished cosmetic goods or for industrial cleaning applications where the aesthetic form of a bar is not required. The classification depends on the chemical composition being primarily a salt of a fatty acid, distinguishing it from synthetic detergents. The bulk nature implies that the product is not yet packaged for the end consumer, requiring further processing or dispensing.
- Covers
- Soap flakes used for industrial laundry
- Soap granules for manufacturing
- Liquid soap in 200-liter drums
- Soap powders in bulk sacks
- Soap noodles used as a base for finishing bars
- Also under 3401.20
- Ivory Snow Laundry Detergent (flakes)
- Stepan Company Soap Noodles
- Procter & Gamble Bulk Soap Pellets
- Kao Industrial Soap Powder
- BASF Soap Flakes
Codes often confused with 3401.20
Common mistake. Bulk soap is frequently misclassified under HS code 3401.11, which is strictly reserved for soap in bars, cakes, or molded shapes. Another common error is using HS code 3402.20, which covers organic surface-active preparations (detergents) put up for retail sale. If the product is a synthetic detergent rather than a traditional fatty acid soap, it must be classified under heading 3402 regardless of its form.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340120 (the code used for bulk soap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340120 (the code used for bulk soap) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 6.8% 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 340120, not only bulk soap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $601M 28% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $296M 14% of world exports
- 3 Poland $174M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $145M 6.8% of world imports
- 2 Germany $114M 5.3% of world imports
- 3 India $111M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 codes for bulk soap
Brazil splits HS 3401.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3401.20.10Toilet soap in other forms
- 3401.20.90Non-toilet soap in other forms
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bulk soap
What is the HS code for Bulk soap?
The HS code for Bulk soap is 340120 (Soap; in forms n.e.c. in item no. 3401.11). The HS code for bulk soap in forms such as flakes, powders, or liquids is 3401.20.
How do I classify Bulk soap for customs?
Bulk soap is classified under HS code 340120 — Soap; in forms n.e.c. in item no. 3401.11. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include liquid hand soap in bulk?
Yes, liquid soap transported in bulk containers for later bottling or industrial use falls under 3401.20, provided it is a true soap based on fatty acid salts.
Which countries are the top exporters of bulk soap (HS 340120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340120 (the code used for bulk soap) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($601M, 28% of world exports), Malaysia ($296M) and Poland ($174M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 bulk soap (HS 340120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340120 (the code used for bulk soap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($145M, 6.8% of world imports), Germany ($114M) and India ($111M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Bulk soap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340120 for Bulk soap 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 bulk soap in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 340120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for bulk soap depends on the product's details: 3401.20.10 (Toilet soap in other forms), 3401.20.90 (Non-toilet soap in other forms).