HS 340130 Organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap
Quick Answer: Organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap, imported under HS 340130 enters the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at 4% or a combination of a specific duty and ad valorem rate depending on the origin. This classification covers items like liquid hand soaps, body washes, and cleansing creams intended for direct consumer use. Importers should be aware of the varying duty structures, particularly the specific duty component in the US, which can significantly impact landed costs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist trade professionals in navigating these complexities.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3401300000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3401300000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 340130 | — | — | — |
| 3401301000 | 4% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 3401305000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 3401.30?
Imports of Organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 340130 cover?
This subheading covers organic surface-active products and preparations specifically designed for washing the skin, presented in liquid or cream form, and packaged for direct retail sale. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, this category includes items such as liquid soaps, hand washes, body washes, and facial cleansers that are not predominantly soap (as defined in heading 3401). The key is their formulation as surface-active agents and their retail presentation for personal hygiene.
What falls outside HS 340130?
The following products are excluded from HS 340130: solid bar soaps, which are classified under HS 3401.10; industrial cleaning preparations not intended for personal skin washing; cosmetic products like lotions or moisturizers that do not possess significant cleansing properties; and products not put up for retail sale, such as bulk industrial quantities. For instance, a large drum of liquid detergent for laundry would not fall under this code, nor would a medicated skin cream primarily for treatment rather than cleansing.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 340130?
A common error is misclassifying products that contain a significant proportion of soap. While HS 340130 covers organic surface-active preparations, if the product is predominantly soap, it should be classified under HS 3401.10. Another mistake involves overlooking the "put up for retail sale" requirement; bulk or industrial packaging would necessitate classification elsewhere, potentially under HS 3402. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3(b) is crucial for determining the essential character of the product.
How should importers classify products under HS 340130?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 340130 involves a multi-step process. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the product is an organic surface-active preparation for skin washing. Next, they must verify its presentation as a liquid or cream and confirm it is packaged for retail sale. Reviewing the ingredients to ascertain if it is predominantly soap is critical. Consulting the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the UK Trade Tariff, is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 340130?
A 500ml bottle of "Gentle Foaming Hand Wash" declared at a customs value of $2.50 USD, imported into the United States, would attract a US duty of $0.25. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($2.50 USD × 10% = $0.25). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically for HS code 3401.30.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 340130?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 340130, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for eligible developing countries. Under USMCA, products originating from Canada or Mexico may receive duty-free treatment. For GSP beneficiaries, the preferential rate is often Free. To claim preference under USMCA, a valid Certificate of Origin or origin statement is required. For GSP, a GSP Form A is typically needed, though specific documentation requirements can vary by importing jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 340130 (organic surface-active washing preparations)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 340130 is typically 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates can significantly reduce or eliminate this. For example, under certain trade agreements, the duty may be Free (A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, K, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment based on the origin of the goods.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 340130, especially when there's a specific duty component?
The duty for HS code 340130 can be calculated on an ad valorem basis (a percentage of the value), a specific basis (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination of both. For instance, a rate might be '15.4¢/kg + 53.5% ad valorem'. To calculate this, you would determine the weight of the imported product in kilograms and multiply it by 15.4¢ (converted to the importing country's currency). Separately, you would calculate 53.5% of the declared customs value of the product. The total duty is the sum of these two amounts. For example, if 100 kg of product valued at $500 USD is imported, and the duty is 15.4¢/kg + 53.5% ad valorem (assuming 1¢ = $0.01 USD), the specific duty would be 100 kg * $0.154/kg = $15.40. The ad valorem duty would be 53.5% of $500, which is $267.50. The total duty would be $15.40 + $267.50 = $282.90.
What are the key classification criteria for products to fall under HS code 340130?
To be classified under HS code 340130, products must meet several criteria: 1. They must be organic surface-active products and preparations. This means they contain one or more organic surface-active agents, which reduce the surface tension of liquids and are capable of forming a film of liquid of less than a certain thickness on a solid. 2. They must be intended for washing the skin. 3. They must be presented in the form of a liquid or cream. 4. They must be put up for retail sale. This implies packaging suitable for direct sale to the end consumer without further repackaging. Products that are not put up for retail sale, or are in a different form (e.g., powder), would be classified elsewhere, potentially under HS code 3401.10 (soap for toilet use) or 3402 (other organic surface-active agents).
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 340130, and what documentation is typically required?
Many trade agreements can offer preferential duty rates for HS code 340130. Examples include agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), and various EU Free Trade Agreements. To claim preferential treatment, importers or their customs brokers must typically provide a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin issued by the exporter, which certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. The specific documentation requirements can vary by agreement and importing country, so consulting the official customs regulations of the destination country is essential.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond the commercial invoice and bill of lading for importing products under HS code 340130?
While a commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list are standard import documents, for HS code 340130, additional documentation may be required depending on the importing country's regulations and the nature of the product. This can include a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to verify the product's composition and ensure it meets the definition of an organic surface-active preparation. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) might also be necessary for regulatory compliance, particularly concerning chemical handling and safety. If claiming preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin is mandatory. Importers should always verify the specific documentation requirements with the customs authorities of the destination country or consult with their customs broker.