HS 340290 Other
Quick Answer: Goods classified under HS 340290 enter the UK and EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US with rates including 15.4¢/kg + 53.5% and 3.8% ad valorem, with some countries receiving duty-free entry. This residual category, "Other," encompasses surface-active agents, washing preparations, and cleaning preparations not specifically classified elsewhere in Chapter 34. It is crucial for importers and customs brokers to meticulously review specific product formulations and intended uses to ensure accurate classification, as minor variations can lead to different subheadings with distinct duty implications. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise documentation for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402900000 | — | — | — |
| 3402901010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402901080 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402909000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402901000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402901090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402909000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402900000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402901000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402901010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402901000 | 3.8% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 340290 | — | — | — |
| 3402903000 | 4% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 34029050 | 3.7% | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 3402905010 | — | — | ["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 3402.90?
Imports of Other 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 340290 cover?
This subheading covers "other" preparations for washing, cleaning, and polishing, not specified or included elsewhere in heading 3402. This includes a wide array of products such as dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents in liquid or paste form, industrial cleaning preparations, and polishing compounds, provided they are not single organic surface-active agents or are not mixtures of surface-active agents. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU TARIC provide detailed interpretations, often focusing on the presence or absence of specific surface-active agents as primary components.
What falls outside HS 340290?
The following products are excluded from HS 340290: finished laundry detergents in powder or tablet form (typically classified under 3402.20), individual organic surface-active agents (classified under 3402.11 to 3402.19), and mixtures of surface-active agents (classified under 3402.20 if they are finished preparations). Also excluded are abrasive cleaning preparations where the abrasive material is the principal component, and soaps (classified under 3401). For instance, a scouring powder with a high percentage of abrasive minerals would not fall under this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 340290?
A common error is misclassifying finished laundry detergents in powder or tablet form, which should be classified under HS 3402.20, as "Preparations containing surface-active agents and having the character of laundry detergent, whether or not containing soap." Another mistake involves classifying single organic surface-active agents, which are specifically enumerated in subheadings 3402.11 through 3402.19, under the residual "other" category. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3 is crucial when dealing with mixtures.
How should importers classify products under HS 340290?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 340290 involves a systematic approach. First, determine if the product is a finished preparation for washing, cleaning, or polishing. Second, ascertain if it contains surface-active agents. If it does, check if it is a single surface-active agent or a mixture of surface-active agents. If it is a finished preparation and not otherwise specified in heading 3402, and not a single surface-active agent or a mixture of surface-active agents intended for laundry detergent, then HS 340290 is likely applicable. Consulting the official tariff schedule and Explanatory Notes is essential.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 340290?
A 5-liter container of liquid dish soap, declared at a customs value of $25.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $1.25. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value (0.05 × $25.00 = $1.25). This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for subheading 3402.90.9000, which often carries a 5% MFN rate for such preparations.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 340290?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 340290. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), originating products from Canada and Mexico can enter duty-free. Similarly, the European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) can offer reduced or free duties for originating products from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for EU preferences, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 340290?
HS code 340290, covering 'Other' organic surface-active agents, has varied duty rates depending on the importing country and trade agreements. For example, the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is often around 3.8% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC system may show rates such as 4.00% ad valorem for many origins. The UK Trade Tariff also lists rates, which can include specific rates like 15.4¢/kg + 53.5% for certain origins, alongside ad valorem rates. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the definitive rate applicable to your import.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 340290 if it has a specific duty component like 15.4¢/kg + 53.5%?
When a duty rate is a combination of a specific rate (per unit of weight) and an ad valorem rate (based on value), both components are calculated and applied. For instance, if a product under HS 340290 has a duty of 15.4¢/kg + 53.5% ad valorem, and you import 100 kg of a product valued at $500, the calculation would be: Specific Duty = 100 kg * $0.154/kg = $15.40. Ad Valorem Duty = 53.5% of $500 = $267.50. The total duty would be $15.40 + $267.50 = $282.90. The final duty payable is often the higher of the two calculated amounts or the sum, depending on the specific wording in the tariff. Always verify the exact calculation method with the relevant customs authority.
What are the classification criteria for 'Other' organic surface-active agents under HS 340290?
HS code 340290 is a residual category for organic surface-active agents not specifically listed in other subheadings of 3402. This includes preparations and washing preparations, containing soap or other organic surface-active agents, put up for retail sale, but not containing spirit or prepared advertising gifts. Classification hinges on whether the product exhibits surface-active properties (reducing surface tension of a liquid) and is organic. If a product meets these criteria but does not fit into more specific categories like anionic, cationic, non-ionic, or amphoteric surface-active agents (which have their own HS codes), it will likely fall under 340290.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 340290?
Several trade agreements can grant preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS 340290. For example, preferential rates are often available for imports into the U.S. from countries party to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) such as USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). In the EU, goods from countries with Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) or Association Agreements may benefit from reduced duties. The UK also offers preferential rates under its various trade deals, including those with countries like Australia (AU), Singapore (SG), and others listed with 'Free' status in the UK Trade Tariff. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin and have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 340290?
Standard import documentation for HS code 340290 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the product's composition and intended use, additional documentation may be necessary. This could include a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential duty rates, safety data sheets (SDS) for chemical products, or specific import permits if the product is subject to regulatory controls by agencies like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the U.S. or ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) in the EU. Customs brokers should verify the exact requirements with the importing country's customs authority and any relevant regulatory bodies.