HS 340119 Other
Quick Answer: Soap and other products of soap imported under HS 340119 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at a rate of Free, 4.4¢/kg + 15% ad valorem. This residual classification applies to solid soaps, whether or not containing medicinal additives, and other products of soap for personal use, excluding those specifically classified elsewhere. Importers should note the significant duty rate difference for the US market, which combines a specific duty with an ad valorem component. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial to avoid overpayment of duties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3401190000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3401190000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3401190000 | 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 340119 cover?
This subheading covers soaps and organic surface-active agents in bars, cakes or shapes, other than medicated, and other preparations containing soap or organic surface-active agents. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this category encompasses a wide array of cleansing and lathering products not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 3401, provided they are presented in solid form. For instance, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this includes general-purpose bar soaps, decorative soaps, and solid cleansing preparations for household or industrial use.
What falls outside HS 340119?
The following products are excluded from HS 340119: medicated soaps (classified under heading 3003 or 3004 depending on their therapeutic properties), liquid or cream soaps (classified under HS 340120), and synthetic detergents or cleaning preparations not containing soap or organic surface-active agents (classified under HS 3402). Solid soaps or cleansing preparations that are specifically designed for cosmetic purposes, such as facial cleansing bars, are also typically classified under heading 3304, even if they contain soap or surface-active agents.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 340119?
A common error is misclassifying solid cleansing products that have a primary therapeutic or cosmetic function under HS 340119. For example, antibacterial bar soaps with specific medicinal claims should be classified under heading 3003 or 3004, not here. Furthermore, confusion arises when solid preparations contain a significant proportion of ingredients other than soap or surface-active agents, potentially leading to classification under other chapters if those ingredients impart a different essential character, as per General Interpretative Rule 3(b).
How should importers classify products under HS 340119?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 340119 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the product is a soap or contains organic surface-active agents and is presented in a solid form (bar, cake, or shape). They should then consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the relevant Explanatory Notes from the WCO to confirm that the product does not meet the criteria for exclusion under other headings or subheadings.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 340119?
A shipment of 1,000 bars of generic bar soap, each weighing 100 grams (totaling 100 kg), declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 3.5% of $500 USD = $17.50. However, if the tariff also specifies a per-unit duty, that would also apply. For this example, assuming only ad valorem, the duty is $17.50. This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 340119?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 340119, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible products from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific requirements of the importing country's customs authority.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 340119, and how can I find preferential rates?
HS code 340119 covers 'Other' soap, including medicated soap. For example, the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.4% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, goods from countries with an FTA with the U.S. might have a 0% duty rate. Always consult the official tariff database of the importing country, such as the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule, for the most accurate and up-to-date duty information specific to the country of origin and applicable trade agreements.
What specific types of soap fall under HS code 340119?
HS code 340119 is a residual category for soaps in bars, cakes, or shaped forms, other than those classified under 3401.11 (medicated soap) or 3401.12 (shampoos). This includes soaps primarily used for cleaning, such as laundry soap bars, general-purpose cleaning soaps, and decorative soaps, provided they are not medicated or in liquid/paste form. The key distinction is the form (bar, cake, shaped) and the absence of specific medicinal properties or classification as shampoo.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 340119?
When importing goods under HS code 340119, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the product description, quantity, value, and country of origin; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific product composition, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates. Importers should also be aware of any specific labeling requirements or safety standards for cosmetic or cleaning products in the destination market.
How is the import duty for HS code 340119 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 340119 can be ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or a combination of specific duty and ad valorem. For example, if a country imposes a duty of 4.4% ad valorem on a shipment of soap valued at $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.044 (Duty Rate) = $440 USD. If the duty were a specific rate, such as 4.4¢/kg, you would multiply the rate by the net weight of the goods in kilograms. Always verify the exact duty calculation method and rates from the official tariff schedule.
Are there common trade agreements that significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 340119?
Yes, common trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 340119. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico may enter the U.S. duty-free (0%). Similarly, other FTAs like the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) or agreements with the European Union might offer reduced or eliminated tariffs for originating goods. Importers must ensure their goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement to benefit from these preferential rates. Consulting the tariff schedule of the importing country, which often details preferential rates by origin, is crucial.