HS Code for Laundry soap

Laundry soap is classified under HS code 340119 because it consists of soap and organic surface-active products in the form of bars, cakes, or molded shapes specifically intended for laundry or industrial cleaning rather than personal hygiene. Heading 3401 covers soap in various forms, and subheading 340119 is the residual category for products that are not for toilet use. The classification is determined by the chemical composition—being a salt of a fatty acid—and its physical presentation as a solid mass. Unlike synthetic detergents classified elsewhere, these products must primarily contain soap as the active cleaning agent to fall under this specific heading.

Products Included

• Laundry soap bars
• Molded laundry soap cakes
• Soap-impregnated wadding for industrial cleaning
• Soap-covered nonwovens for laundry use
• Hard soap blocks for household scrubbing

Common Misclassification

Laundry soap is frequently confused with toilet soap, which is classified under HS code 340111. The distinction lies in the intended use and often the presence of perfumes or skin conditioners; 340111 is strictly for personal bathing. Another common error is classifying laundry bars under HS code 340220 or 340290. These codes are reserved for organic surface-active agents and preparations (detergents) that do not meet the chemical definition of soap or are in liquid/powder forms rather than bars or cakes.

FAQ

What is the HS code for laundry soap?

The HS code for laundry soap in the form of bars, cakes, or molded shapes is 340119.

Does this code include liquid laundry detergent?

No, liquid laundry detergents are classified under heading 3402, as they are typically synthetic organic surface-active preparations rather than traditional soap in solid form.