Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401
In plain English
This category covers organic surface-active agents that are not soap, as well as washing and cleaning preparations that may or may not contain soap. The items are distinguished by their chemical nature, such as anionic, cationic, or non-ionic agents, or by their physical form like powders, flakes, and granules. Some classifications apply to products regardless of whether they are packaged for retail sale, while others specifically target goods intended for retail or those not meant for retail. The grouping also excludes auxiliary washing preparations that fall under a different category.
6-digit subheadings (7)
Official HS 2022 subheading texts. National tariff schedules subdivide these further (8-10 digit lines) and set the actual duty rates.
Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale
Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); other than linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale
Organic surface-active agents; cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale
Organic surface-active agents; non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale
Organic surface-active agents; whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in item no. 3402
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
Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale
Chapter 34 classification notes
Frequent misclassification in this chapter
Bar soap (3401) vs. liquid soap (3401.30 from 2022 HS update) — pre-2022 some liquid soaps were misclassified as 3402.
Classification certainty
The 6-digit level shown here is the internationally harmonised layer. Duty rates attach to national 8-10 digit tariff lines, which differ by country — use the duty calculator for lane estimates. For binding certainty, request a ruling from the destination customs authority.
Binding tariff ruling databaseOther headings in Chapter 34
- 3401 — Soap; organic surface-active preparations used as soap, skin washing, …
- 3403 — Lubricating preparations and those used in oil or grease treatment of …
- 3404 — Waxes; artificial, prepared
- 3405 — Polishes, creams, scouring pastes, powders and similar; in any form, (…
- 3406 — Candles, tapers and the like
- 3407 — Modelling pastes, including those for children; dental wax, impression…