HS Code for Industrial soap

Industrial soap is classified under HS code 3401.11 or 3401.19 depending on its intended use. For industrial applications where the soap is not for personal toilet use, such as heavy-duty degreasing bars or soap-impregnated materials for cleaning machinery, 3401.19 is the correct subheading. This code covers soap and organic surface-active products in the form of bars, cakes, or molded shapes. The classification is driven by the chemical nature of the product (alkali salts of fatty acids) and its physical form. If the soap is impregnated into a nonwoven fabric or felt for industrial scrubbing, it remains within this heading.

Products Included

• Heavy-duty industrial degreasing bars
• Soap-impregnated industrial felt pads
• Molded abrasive soap blocks for workshop use
• Industrial laundry soap in bar form
• Soap-coated nonwoven wipes for tool cleaning
• Workshop hand soap bars (non-toilet use)

Common Misclassification

Industrial soap is often confused with HS code 3401.11, which is strictly for toilet use (personal hygiene). If the packaging or formulation indicates use for machinery or industrial processes, 3401.19 is required. Another common error is using HS code 3402.90, which covers organic surface-active agents and cleaning preparations in liquid or powder form. If the product is in a solid, molded shape, it must stay in 3401. Finally, specialized metal-working lubricants containing soap may fall under 3403 instead of 3401.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Industrial soap?

Industrial soap in solid forms like bars or cakes is classified under HS code 3401.19.

Does this code include liquid industrial hand cleaners?

No, liquid soaps and cleaning preparations are generally classified under HS code 3402, as 3401.19 is reserved for solid shapes and impregnated substrates.