HS Code for Liquid soap

HS code 3401.30 is applied to organic surface-active products and preparations intended for washing the skin, provided they are in the form of a liquid or cream and are put up for retail sale. This classification is governed by Chapter 34 Note 2, which states that these products are included in this subheading regardless of whether they contain actual soap (alkali salts of fatty acids). The primary criteria for classification are the physical state (liquid or cream), the intended use (skin cleansing), and the packaging (retail sale). This code encompasses modern body washes, shower gels, and liquid hand soaps that utilize synthetic detergents. The classification follows GRI 1 and 6, identifying the product as a skin-cleansing preparation rather than a general-purpose detergent. If the product is intended for cleaning surfaces, laundry, or industrial equipment, it is excluded from this code. Furthermore, the "retail sale" requirement is essential; bulk shipments of skin-cleansing liquids intended for industrial repackaging may be classified under heading 3402 depending on their chemical composition and concentration.

Products Included

• Liquid hand soap in pump bottles
• Shower gels and body washes
• Liquid facial cleansers
• Cream-based skin washes
• Moisturizing liquid soaps for retail sale

Common Misclassification

Liquid soap is often confused with soap in bars or cakes under HS code 3401.11. It is also frequently misclassified under HS code 3402.20, which covers surface-active preparations for laundry or general cleaning. Additionally, if a product is primarily a cosmetic lotion without a washing function, it falls under HS code 3304.

FAQ

What is the HS code for liquid soap?

The HS code for liquid or cream skin-washing preparations put up for retail sale is 3401.30.

Does this code include liquid dishwashing detergent?

No, dishwashing liquid is classified under HS code 3402.20 as it is intended for cleaning objects, not for washing the skin.