Product classification
HS code for Soap flakes: 3401.20
Soap, in forms n.e.c. in item no. 3401.11.
Classification of soap flakes under HS 3401.20
Soap flakes are classified under HS code 3401.20. This classification is part of Chapter 34, which covers soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, and lubricating preparations. Heading 3401 specifically includes soap in various forms. While 3401.11 and 3401.19 cover soap in the form of bars, cakes, or molded shapes, sub-heading 3401.20 is reserved for soap in "other forms." This includes soap that has been processed into flakes, grains, or powders. To be classified here, the product must meet the chemical definition of soap, which is an alkali salt of a fatty acid. The classification is determined by the physical state of the product at the time of entry. Soap flakes are often used in industrial laundry applications or as a base for further manufacturing of cosmetic products.
- Covers
- Soap flakes for laundry
- Soap grains
- Soap powders (pure soap)
- Soap pellets for industrial use
- 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. Soap flakes are frequently confused with synthetic detergents, which are classified under HS code 3402.20 or 3402.90. The distinction lies in the chemical composition; 3401.20 is for products based on fatty acid salts, whereas 3402 covers organic surface-active agents that are not technically "soap." Additionally, toilet soap in bar form must be classified under 3401.11, not 3401.20, even if it is intended for similar cleaning purposes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340120 (the code used for soap flakes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340120 (the code used for soap flakes) 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 soap flakes.
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 soap flakes
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 soap flakes
What is the HS code for Soap flakes?
The HS code for Soap flakes is 340120 (Soap; in forms n.e.c. in item no. 3401.11). The HS code for soap flakes is 3401.20.
How do I classify Soap flakes for customs?
Soap flakes 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.
Is laundry detergent powder classified as soap flakes?
Usually no. Most modern laundry powders are synthetic detergents classified under 3402. Only powders consisting of actual soap (alkali salts of fatty acids) fall under 3401.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of soap flakes (HS 340120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340120 (the code used for soap flakes) 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 soap flakes (HS 340120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340120 (the code used for soap flakes) 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 Soap flakes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340120 for Soap flakes 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 soap flakes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 340120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for soap flakes depends on the product's details: 3401.20.10 (Toilet soap in other forms), 3401.20.90 (Non-toilet soap in other forms).