HS 340250 Preparations put up for retail sale
Quick Answer: Preparations for laundry and cleaning, presented in packaging for retail sale, imported under HS 340250 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US with rates varying from Free to 25%. This classification specifically applies to finished cleaning products, such as detergents, soaps, and polishes, packaged and ready for direct consumer purchase, distinguishing them from bulk industrial preparations. Importers should verify specific product formulations against the detailed tariff schedules of their destination country, as variations in ingredients or intended use can affect classification and duty rates. According to CustomTariffs data, careful attention to the specific retail presentation is crucial for accurate declaration.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402500000 | — | — | — |
| 3402509000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402501000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402500000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402501000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402509000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 340250 | — | — | — |
| 3402505100 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 3402501100 | 4% | Free (18 programs) | ["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 3402.50?
Imports of Preparations put up for retail sale 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 340250 cover?
This subheading covers finished preparations of surface-active agents, whether or not containing soap, put up for retail sale, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. This includes a wide array of cleaning, washing, and polishing products, such as laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and household cleaners, provided they are packaged and presented for direct use by consumers. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key criterion is retail packaging for end-user consumption.
What falls outside HS 340250?
The following products are excluded from HS 340250: bulk industrial cleaning agents not packaged for retail sale, raw materials or intermediates for the production of surface-active agents, and preparations where the surface-active agent is not the primary component. For instance, abrasive cleaning pads impregnated with detergent, or disinfectants primarily classified by their active disinfectant ingredient rather than their surfactant properties, would typically be classified elsewhere under Chapter 34 or other relevant chapters, based on their principal characteristic.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 340250?
A common error is misclassifying industrial-grade cleaning preparations or concentrated solutions intended for dilution and repackaging by businesses, as these are not "put up for retail sale." General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, concerning goods consisting of different materials or components, is often misapplied. Importers must ensure the product's presentation and intended use align with the "retail sale" stipulation, distinguishing it from bulk or professional-use products which fall under other subheadings within 3402.
How should importers classify products under HS 340250?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 340250 involves a two-step process: first, confirming the product is a preparation of surface-active agents; second, verifying that it is packaged and presented for retail sale to the end consumer. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the Explanatory Notes to Heading 3402 for detailed guidance on presentation and intended use.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 340250?
A 1-liter bottle of "SparkleClean" dish soap, declared at a customs value of $2.50 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.25. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($2.50 USD × 10% = $0.25 USD). This calculation assumes no other duties or taxes apply and the product meets all other classification requirements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 340250?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 340250, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from countries benefiting from the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), duties can also be Free. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for certain EU preferences.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 340250, 'Preparations put up for retail sale'?
Import duty rates for HS code 340250 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is often around 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may be lower or even free. For specific rates applicable to your import destination, consult the relevant national tariff database, such as the USITC's HTS, the EU's TARIC, or the UK's Trade Tariff.
What specific criteria must be met for a preparation to be classified under HS 340250 as 'Preparations put up for retail sale'?
HS code 340250 applies to preparations of surfactants, whether or not containing soap, for retail sale. The key classification criterion is the 'put up for retail sale' aspect. This typically means the product is packaged in a manner intended for direct sale to consumers, such as in bottles, tubes, or boxes, with clear labeling indicating its intended use and brand. It excludes bulk industrial preparations. The preparation must also primarily function as a surface-active agent, meaning it reduces the surface tension of a liquid, aiding in cleaning, wetting, emulsifying, or dispersing.
How is the import duty calculated for HS 340250, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS 340250 is typically based on the 'ad valorem' method, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of laundry detergent classified under 340250 has a declared customs value of $10,000 and the applicable duty rate is 4.00%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.04 (Duty Rate) = $400. Some countries may also apply specific duties (per unit) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties, so always verify the exact duty calculation method with the destination country's customs authority.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 340250?
Standard import documentation for goods classified under HS 340250 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the product's composition and the importing country's regulations, additional documents may be required. These could include a Certificate of Origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates), safety data sheets (SDS) for chemical preparations, and potentially specific import licenses or permits if the preparation contains restricted ingredients or falls under specific regulatory controls (e.g., for cosmetics or certain cleaning agents). Always consult the importing country's customs regulations for a comprehensive list.
Do common trade agreements, like USMCA or EU FTAs, offer preferential duty rates for HS 340250?
Yes, common trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 340250. For example, goods originating from countries party to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may qualify for preferential duty rates, potentially reducing or eliminating duties, provided they meet the agreement's rules of origin. Similarly, trade agreements between the European Union and third countries can offer reduced or zero duties on such preparations. To claim these preferential rates, importers must ensure the goods meet the specific rules of origin outlined in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation.