Product classification
HS code for Washing powder: 3402.50
Washing and cleaning preparations, powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale.
Classification of washing powder under HS 3402.50
Washing powder is classified under HS code 3402.50 as a surface-active preparation put up for retail sale. Chapter 34 covers soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, and similar products. Heading 3402 is designated for organic surface-active agents (other than soap) and preparations for washing or cleaning, whether or not containing soap. Subheading 3402.50 specifically identifies these preparations when they are packaged for retail sale to consumers. The product must contain surface-active agents that facilitate the cleaning process by reducing the surface tension of water. This code covers various forms of retail cleaners, including powders, granules, and flakes. The distinction between retail and industrial use is a primary factor in this classification, as bulk preparations for industrial use are categorized elsewhere. The chemical composition must include synthetic detergents or surface-active agents to fall under 3402 rather than the soap-based heading 3401.
- Covers
- Laundry detergent powder for retail sale
- Granulated dishwashing detergent for retail
- Powdered fabric cleaners
- Surface-active oxygen-based bleach powders
- Granular household scouring powders
- Also under 3402.50
- Tide Powder
- Ariel Powder
- Finish Dishwasher Powder
- OxiClean Powder
- Comet Cleanser
Codes often confused with 3402.50
Common mistake. Washing powder is frequently misclassified under HS code 3402.90, which is for industrial or bulk cleaning preparations. It may also be confused with HS code 3401.11 if the product is primarily composed of soap in flakes or powder form rather than synthetic surface-active agents.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340250 (the code used for washing powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340250 (the code used for washing powder) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.6% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 340250, not only washing powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.7B 8.6% of world exports
- 2 Poland $1.7B 8.5% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.5B 7.7% of world exports
World total: $20.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $2.3B 11% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.3B 6.4% of world imports
- 3 France $1.3B 6.1% of world imports
World total: $20.8B 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 code for washing powder
Brazil classifies washing powder under NCM 3402.50.00: HS 3402.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about washing powder
What is the HS code for Washing powder?
The HS code for Washing powder is 340250 (Washing and cleaning preparations; powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale). The HS code for washing powder put up for retail sale is 3402.50.
How do I classify Washing powder for customs?
Washing powder is classified under HS code 340250 — Washing and cleaning preparations; powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is industrial bulk detergent classified here?
No, bulk detergents not packaged for retail sale are typically classified under HS code 3402.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of washing powder (HS 340250)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340250 (the code used for washing powder) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.7B, 8.6% of world exports), Poland ($1.7B) and the United States ($1.5B). World exports came to about $20.2B, 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 washing powder (HS 340250)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340250 (the code used for washing powder) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.3B, 11% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($1.3B) and France ($1.3B). World imports came to about $20.8B, 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 Washing powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340250 for Washing powder 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 washing powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, washing powder (HS 340250) is classified under NCM 3402.50.00.