HS 340120 Soap in other forms
Quick Answer: Soap in other forms, classified under HS code 340120, enters the UK and EU duty-free, while the US imposes a rate of 4.4¢/kg plus 30% ad valorem under the MFN rate. This category encompasses soap in various forms not specifically covered by other headings within Chapter 34, such as bar soap, liquid soap, or soap in powder or flake form, intended for retail sale or industrial use. Importers should be aware of potential variations in specific subheadings and any applicable excise duties or taxes in destination countries. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3401201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3401200000 | — | — | — |
| 3401209000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3401200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3401201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3401209000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3401200000 | 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 340120 cover?
This subheading covers soap in other forms, specifically those not presented as bars, cakes, or molded, extruded, or shaped pieces, whether or not containing medicinal additives. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category encompasses liquid soaps, soaps in paste or cream form, and soaps presented in other non-solid shapes. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database further clarify that this includes soaps packaged for retail sale in liquid or paste form, often dispensed from pumps or tubes, and intended for personal cleaning.
What falls outside HS 340120?
The following products are excluded from HS 340120: solid bar soaps, cakes, or molded pieces of soap, which are classified under HS 340110. Also excluded are synthetic organic surface-active agents and preparations for the washing of the skin, hair, or nails, even if they have detergent properties, which fall under HS 3402. Detergents and other washing preparations, whether or not containing soap, are specifically classified in HS 3402. Items like solid shampoo bars, while soap-like, are often classified based on their primary function and composition, potentially falling under other headings if not primarily soap.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 340120?
A common error is misclassifying liquid or paste cleaning preparations that are not primarily soap-based. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. For instance, liquid hand sanitizers containing a high percentage of alcohol, even if they have some cleansing properties, are typically classified under HS 3004 or HS 3304, not as soap. Importers must carefully consider the primary function and composition of the product to ensure accurate classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 340120?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 340120 involves a thorough review of the product's physical characteristics, primary function, and ingredients. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff. They must determine if the product is indeed soap and if it is presented in a form other than bars, cakes, or molded pieces. If the product is a liquid, paste, or cream soap, and not a synthetic detergent preparation, HS 340120 is likely appropriate.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 340120?
A shipment of 1,000 liters of liquid hand soap, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $175.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 1.75% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 1.75% × $5,000 USD = $87.50. This example uses the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for a typical liquid soap product under HS 340120. Note that specific product descriptions may lead to different classifications or rates.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 340120?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 340120, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or duty-free rates for eligible products from designated developing countries. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. For GSP, a GSP Form A is generally needed, depending on the importing country's specific requirements.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 340120, 'Soap in other forms'?
The import duty rates for HS code 340120 can vary significantly depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00%. However, other countries may have different rates. For instance, the UK Trade Tariff lists a duty rate of Free for goods originating from the EU and other countries with preferential trade agreements, while the standard rate for non-preferential trade may differ. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most accurate and up-to-date duty information.
How is the duty calculated for HS 340120 if it's not purely ad valorem?
While many soap products fall under ad valorem duties (a percentage of the value), some tariffs may include specific duties or a combination. For example, if a tariff were structured as '4.4¢/kg + 30% ad valorem' (hypothetical, as this specific combination is not common for 340120 in major economies but illustrates the principle), the total duty would be the sum of a per-kilogram charge and a percentage of the declared value.
Concrete Example: Suppose you import 1,000 kg of soap valued at $5,000 USD. If the duty rate were 4.4¢/kg + 30% ad valorem:
- Specific Duty Component: 1,000 kg * $0.044/kg = $44.00 USD
- Ad Valorem Duty Component: 30% of $5,000 USD = $1,500.00 USD
- Total Duty: $44.00 + $1,500.00 = $1,544.00 USD.
Importers and brokers must carefully check the duty calculation basis in the destination country's tariff.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Soap in other forms' under HS 340120?
HS code 340120 covers soap in forms other than bars, cakes, or molded, pressed, or extruded shapes. This typically includes liquid soaps, paste soaps, and soap powders. The primary criterion is the form of the soap. It must be a preparation of soap (i.e., containing soaps as the greatest proportion by weight) and not primarily for medicinal or pharmaceutical purposes (which would fall under Chapter 30). Products that are detergents but not soaps (i.e., synthetic surface-active agents) are classified under HS 3402. Verification often involves reviewing the product's ingredients and physical form against the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 340120?
Standard import documentation for HS 340120 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the soap product, additional documents might be necessary. These could include a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, safety data sheets (SDS) if the product contains hazardous ingredients, or specific import permits if required by local regulations concerning cosmetics or household chemicals. Customs brokers should verify the exact requirements with the importing country's customs authority.
How do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, affect duty rates for HS 340120?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods originating from member countries. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), qualifying soap products originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for duty-free entry into the United States, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, the EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries, which can grant preferential tariff treatment for HS 340120. To benefit, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin and ensure the goods meet the specific rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Without proper documentation or if origin criteria are not met, standard MFN or general duty rates will apply.