HS 988034 Classified in Chapter 34
Quick Answer: Products classified under HS code 988034 enter the United Kingdom at N/A and the European Union at N/A. This code is designated for goods falling within Chapter 34 of the Harmonized System, which broadly covers soaps, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, and dental waxes or preparations with a dental base. Importers and customs brokers should consult specific national tariff schedules for precise duty rates and any applicable trade restrictions or preferential agreements. According to CustomTariffs data, while the general classification is clear, specific duty applications can vary significantly by jurisdiction and product sub-category.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880340000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880340000 | — | — | — |
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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 988034 cover?
This subheading covers products classified within Chapter 34 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). Chapter 34 specifically pertains to "Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, 'dental waxes' and dental preparations with a basis of plaster." The World Customs Organization (WCO) HS nomenclature provides detailed descriptions for each heading and subheading within this chapter, ensuring consistent global classification for these diverse chemical and household products.
What falls outside HS 988034?
The following products are excluded from HS 988034, as they are classified in other chapters of the HS nomenclature. This includes, but is not limited to, essential oils and resinoids (Chapter 33), perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations (Chapter 33), and certain industrial preparations not primarily for cleaning or washing, such as adhesives or glues (Chapter 35). It is crucial to differentiate based on the primary function and composition as defined by the WCO HS General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI).
What are common classification mistakes for HS 988034?
A common error is misclassifying products based on their end-use rather than their inherent properties and composition, which is a fundamental principle of HS classification. For instance, a product that might be used as a lubricant but is primarily an organic surface-active agent would fall under Chapter 34, not a heading for industrial lubricants. Adherence to GRI 3(b) for mixtures and composite goods, and GRI 6 for classification at the subheading level, is essential to avoid misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 988034?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 988034 involves a systematic review of the product's composition, function, and intended use, cross-referenced with the specific headings and subheadings within Chapter 34 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and the WCO HS Explanatory Notes. If uncertainty persists, a binding ruling from the customs authority is recommended.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 988034?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of laundry detergent powder, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($2,500 USD × 0.05 = $125.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for a typical laundry detergent classified under Chapter 34.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 988034?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for products classified under Chapter 34, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). For eligible products originating from Canada or Mexico, the preferential rate is often Free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or free entry for eligible products from designated developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for goods classified under HS code 988034, which falls under Chapter 34?
HS code 988034 is a special classification and does not represent a specific product. Instead, it indicates that the goods are classified within Chapter 34 of the Harmonized System, which covers 'Organic surface-active agents, surface-active preparations, washing preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, 'dental waxes' and dental preparations with a basis of plaster'. The actual duty rates will depend on the specific HS code within Chapter 34 that the product falls under, the importing country's tariff schedule, and any applicable trade agreements. For example, under the US tariff schedule (USITC), a specific product within Chapter 34 might have an MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rate of 5% ad valorem. Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the precise rate applicable to their product.
How is the import duty calculated for a product classified under HS 988034, assuming it's a specific item within Chapter 34?
The duty calculation for a product falling under the Chapter 34 umbrella (indicated by 988034) is typically based on its specific HS code. Most duties are ad valorem, meaning they are a percentage of the item's value. For instance, if a product within Chapter 34 (e.g., a specific type of detergent) has an HS code with a 5% ad valorem duty rate, and its customs value is $1,000, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $1,000 = $50. Some items may also have specific duties (per unit) or compound duties (a combination of ad valorem and specific). Always verify the exact duty basis and rate for the specific HS code.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 988034 (Chapter 34)?
While HS 988034 itself is a classification indicator, the documentation requirements are driven by the specific product within Chapter 34 and the importing country's regulations. Generally, importers must provide a commercial invoice detailing the transaction value, a packing list enumerating the contents of each package, and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. Depending on the product's nature (e.g., certain cleaning agents or cosmetics), additional documentation may be required, such as certificates of origin, safety data sheets (SDS), or specific import licenses. Customs brokers should be consulted for a comprehensive list based on the specific HS code and destination.
Do preferential duty rates apply to goods classified under HS 988034 (Chapter 34) through trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates can significantly impact goods classified under Chapter 34. If a product within Chapter 34 originates from a country that is a party to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing country (e.g., USMCA for North America, or agreements between EU member states), it may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically need to provide a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin that meets the specific requirements of the trade agreement. It is crucial to verify the product's eligibility and the specific origin criteria under the relevant trade agreement.
How can an importer determine the precise HS classification for a product that falls under the scope of Chapter 34, indicated by HS 988034?
Determining the precise HS classification within Chapter 34 requires a detailed understanding of the product's composition, function, and intended use. Importers should start by reviewing the Explanatory Notes and Chapter/Heading texts provided by the World Customs Organization (WCO) or national customs authorities (like the USITC for the US or the EU TARIC database for Europe). If uncertainty remains, submitting a binding ruling request to the customs authority of the importing country is the most reliable method. Alternatively, engaging a licensed customs broker or a trade consultant with expertise in Chapter 34 products can provide expert guidance.