Product classification

HS code for Scouring paste: 3405.40

Scouring pastes and powders and other scouring preparations, (whether or not in the form of paper, wadding, felt, nonwovens, cellular plastics, cellular rubber, impregnated, coated or covered).

Classification of scouring paste under HS 3405.40

HS code 3405.40 is the designated classification for scouring pastes, powders, and other scouring preparations. This classification is determined by the chemical and physical properties of the product, which combine abrasive agents with cleaning surfactants. Heading 34.05 covers a wide range of polishing and scouring products. Subheading 3405.40 specifically addresses preparations designed for scouring, which involves the mechanical removal of dirt or stains through abrasion. These products typically contain finely ground minerals like silica, pumice, or calcium carbonate, suspended in a paste or powder base that may include soap or synthetic detergents. According to GRI 1 and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 34, these preparations are classified here even if they are presented in the form of impregnated paper, wadding, or nonwovens, provided the scouring preparation is the essential constituent. This classification distinguishes scouring agents from general-purpose detergents (34.02) and soaps (34.01), which lack the high concentration of abrasive minerals. The code 3405.40 ensures that heavy-duty abrasive cleaners are categorized correctly for regulatory and safety standards, reflecting their specific use in maintaining surfaces in kitchens, bathrooms, and industrial environments. The physical form (paste vs. powder) does not change the subheading, provided the abrasive scouring function remains the primary characteristic of the mixture.

Covers
  • Abrasive scouring pastes
  • Scouring powders (e.g., for sinks and tubs)
  • Abrasive cleaning creams
  • Impregnated scouring papers
  • Metal polishing pastes with abrasive properties
Also under 3405.40
  • Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish
  • Comet Powder Cleanser
  • The Pink Stuff Cleaning Paste
  • Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser
  • Brillo Steel Wool Soap Pads

Codes often confused with 3405.40

Common mistake. Scouring pastes are often misclassified under 3402.90 as general surface-active preparations or detergents. However, if the product contains abrasives for scouring, 3405.40 is more specific. They may also be confused with 3401.11 if they contain soap and are in the form of a bar, but the abrasive content usually dictates 3405.40.

3402.90Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale3401.11Soap and organic surface-active products; in the form of bars, cakes, moulded shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent, for toilet use (including medicated products)

Top exporters and importers of HS 340540 (the code used for scouring paste), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340540 (the code used for scouring paste) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 22% 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 340540, not only scouring paste.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Japan $448M
  2. 2 South Korea $91M
  3. 3 Hungary $52M

World total: $807M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $127M
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$109M
  3. 3 Japan $38M

World total: $570M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 scouring paste

Brazil classifies scouring paste under NCM 3405.40.00: HS 3405.40 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about scouring paste

What is the HS code for Scouring paste?

The HS code for Scouring paste is 340540 (Scouring pastes and powders and other scouring preparations; (whether or not in the form of paper, wadding, felt, nonwovens, cellular plastics, cellular rubber, impregnated, coated or covered)). The HS code for scouring pastes and powders is 3405.40.00.

How do I classify Scouring paste for customs?

Scouring paste is classified under HS code 340540 — Scouring pastes and powders and other scouring preparations; (whether or not in the form of paper, wadding, felt, nonwovens, cellular plastics, cellular rubber, impregnated, coated or covered). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this include liquid abrasive cleaners?

Yes, liquid or cream-based cleaners that rely on abrasive particles for scouring action are classified under 3405.40.

Which countries are the top exporters of scouring paste (HS 340540)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340540 (the code used for scouring paste) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($448M, 56% of world exports), South Korea ($91M) and Hungary ($52M). World exports came to about $807M, 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 scouring paste (HS 340540)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 340540 (the code used for scouring paste) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($127M, 22% of world imports), Taiwan (about $109M) and Japan ($38M). World imports came to about $570M, 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 Scouring paste the same in all countries?

The base HS code 340540 for Scouring paste 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 scouring paste in Brazil?

In Brazil, scouring paste (HS 340540) is classified under NCM 3405.40.00.