HS 340111 Soap and organic surface-active products and preparations, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent

Quick Answer: Soap and organic surface-active products and preparations, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent, imported under HS 340111 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at rates of 15% or Free depending on the specific product. This classification covers solid soaps and cleaning products in various forms, as well as disposable cleaning materials like wipes. Importers should verify the specific subheadings within Chapter 34 to ensure accurate duty assessment in the US. According to CustomTariffs data, careful attention to product presentation is crucial for correct classification and duty application.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3401110000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3401110000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
340111 — — —
3401111000 Free — ["kg"]
3401115000 Free — ["kg"]

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 340111 cover?

This subheading covers soap and organic surface-active products and preparations specifically presented in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces, or shapes. It also includes paper, wadding, felt, and nonwovens that have been impregnated, coated, or covered with soap or detergent. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this category is for finished products ready for retail sale, excluding industrial preparations. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database provide detailed descriptions and rulings for precise classification.

What falls outside HS 340111?

The following products are excluded from HS 340111: liquid soaps (classified under 340120), soaps in powder or flake form (classified under 340119), and industrial cleaning preparations not in the specified forms or not primarily soap-based. For instance, laundry detergents in liquid or granular form fall under heading 3402, and abrasive cleaning pads impregnated with detergent but not primarily soap would be classified elsewhere based on their predominant characteristic, often under heading 6805 if abrasive.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 340111?

A common error is misclassifying products based solely on their cleaning function without considering the specific form and composition requirements of heading 3401. For example, bar soaps containing significant abrasive agents might be incorrectly classified under heading 340111 when they should be classified under a heading for abrasive preparations if the abrasive component is predominant, following General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System.

How should importers classify products under HS 340111?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 340111 involves a multi-step process. Importers and customs brokers must first examine the physical form of the product to determine if it is a bar, cake, moulded piece, or shape, or if it is paper, wadding, felt, or nonwoven impregnated with soap or detergent. Next, they must verify the primary ingredient is soap or an organic surface-active product. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing relevant Explanatory Notes is crucial for accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 340111?

A 100-gram bar of artisanal lavender soap, declared at a customs value of $2.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.07. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 3.5% of $2.00 = $0.07. This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 340111.9000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 340111?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 340111, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for originating goods. For goods originating in Canada or Mexico, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or duty-free entry for eligible products from developing countries, often requiring a GSP Form A. The EU's preferential trade agreements with certain countries can also lead to reduced duties, sometimes requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 340130 HS 340120 HS 340241 HS 340231 HS 340311 HS 340540

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 340111?

Import duty rates for HS code 340111 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00% ad valorem. In the European Union, the TARIC system may list rates such as 0.00% for certain origins or under specific trade agreements, but standard rates can be higher. The UK Trade Tariff also provides specific rates, which can be Free for goods from certain preferential origins. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your goods and origin.

What specific criteria define a product for classification under HS 340111?

HS code 340111 covers soaps and organic surface-active products and preparations specifically presented in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces, or shapes. This also includes paper, wadding, felt, and nonwovens that are impregnated, coated, or covered with soap or detergent. The key is the physical form (bars, cakes, etc.) or the specific impregnation of substrate materials. Products not meeting these physical form requirements, or those that are primarily cleaning preparations in liquid or powder form, would be classified elsewhere.

Are there common trade agreements that offer preferential duty rates for HS 340111?

Yes, many trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS 340111. For instance, goods originating from countries that are part of the EU's trade agreements may benefit from reduced or zero duties when imported into the EU. Similarly, the US has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various partners that could impact duties. The UK also has numerous trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers must verify the rules of origin for the specific trade agreement and ensure their goods qualify to claim preferential treatment. Documentation like a Certificate of Origin is often required.

How is the import duty for HS 340111 calculated, and can you provide an example?

Import duties are typically calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the goods' value) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination of both. For HS 340111, the most common duty is ad valorem. For example, if a shipment of soap bars (HS 340111) has an entered value of $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate in the importing country is 3.5%, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 3.5% (Duty Rate) = $350.00 USD. Always confirm the basis of duty calculation (value, weight, etc.) and the exact rate from the importing country's official tariff.

What documentation is typically required for importing products under HS code 340111?

Standard import documentation for HS 340111 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, additional documents may be necessary. This could include a Certificate of Origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement), safety data sheets (SDS) if the product contains hazardous ingredients, and potentially product-specific declarations related to ingredients or compliance with local regulations (e.g., FDA in the US for certain cosmetic claims, or REACH in the EU for chemical substances). Customs brokers should be consulted for country-specific requirements.