Powdered Soap
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402311000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402399010 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§Ό Laundry Detergent & Cleaning Agents (Powdered Forms)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Classification Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Powdered Soap"?
"Powdered Soap" is a common layman's term that usually refers to laundry detergents or surface-active preparations in the form of powder. In international trade, these are strictly regulated under Heading 3402.
Key Distinction:
True Soap (Heading 3401): Fatty acid salts of alkali metals (e.g., traditional bar soap). These are rarely sold as pure "powdered soap" for laundry.
Synthetic Detergents (Heading 3402): Most "powdered soaps" on the market are actually synthetic organic surface-active agents (anionic, non-ionic, etc.). These fall under 3402.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is a surface-active preparation (like laundry powder, dishwashing powder, or industrial cleaning powder), it belongs to HS Code 3402.
- It is NOT classified under 3401 (Soap) unless it is purely fatty acid-based soap in powder form, which is extremely rare for retail laundry products.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the two relevant HS Codes for "Powdered Soap" (classified as Surface-Active Preparations):
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristics | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.31.10.00 |
Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acids and their salts: Aromatic or modified aromatic | Specifically covers anionic surfactants like LABSA (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid) and its salts. Often used as intermediate or industrial cleaning agents. | Tax Retrieval Failed |
3402.39.90.10 |
Other Salts of sulfated alcohols (Anionic organic surface-active agents) | Covers other anionic surfactants not specified above. This is the most common code for general laundry detergents and cleaning powders. | Total Tax: 28.7% |
π Important Note:
-3402.31.10.00: Used if the product is specifically Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) or its salts.
-3402.39.90.10: Used for other anionic surfactants (e.g., alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates) commonly found in household laundry powders.
- Do NOT classify under 3401 (Soap) unless it is pure fatty acid soap.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Subject to current trade policies)
π― 1. 3402.31.10.00 β Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acids and Salts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | Information Not Available |
| Additional Tax | Information Not Available |
| Total Tax | Failed to Retrieve |
| Explanation | The system could not retrieve specific tax details for this code. Users must verify with local customs or the USITC database for the most current rate, as it may vary based on specific chemical composition and trade agreements. |
π― 2. 3402.39.90.10 β Other Salts of Sulfated Alcohols (Most Common for Laundry Detergents)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Total Tariff | 28.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | Standard USITC Tariff + Section 301 Add-on Tariff |
π Explanation:
- Base Rate (3.7%): The standard MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariff for general surface-active preparations.
- Additional Rate (25.0%): Imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act on Chinese-origin goods.
- Total Cost Impact: For every $1,000 CIF value, you pay $287 in duties. This is a significant cost factor for exporters.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Surface-Active Preparation" or "Laundry Detergent Powder", NOT just "Soap". |
| Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must include active ingredient percentage, chemical name (e.g., LAS, AES), and CAS numbers. |
| MSDS/SDS | βοΈ | Material Safety Data Sheet is mandatory for chemical imports. Must confirm no hazardous materials above threshold. |
| EPA Registration | βοΈ | If marketed as a "disinfectant" or "antibacterial" cleaner, EPA registration may be required. |
| FDA Form 2877 | βοΈ | If used for personal care (e.g., hand soap powder), FDA registration may apply. |
| Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To verify origin for Section 301 tariff application. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical!)
π₯ "Do not declare as 'Soap' (3401)! Declare as 'Surface-Active Preparation' (3402)."
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laundry Powder | 3402.39.90.10 β "Anionic Surface-Active Preparation" |
"Soap" | Misclassification β Penalty + Back Taxes |
| Industrial Cleaner | 3402.31.10.00 β "LABSA Salt" |
"Cleaning Powder" | Ambiguous β Delay for Inspection |
| True Fatty Acid Powder | 3401.10 (if applicable) |
3402 |
Wrong Heading β Potential Fraud |
β οΈ Key Warning:
- Customs officers will scrutinize the chemical composition. If you declare "Soap" but the SDS shows synthetic surfactants (e.g., Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate), it will be reclassified under 3402, potentially triggering penalties.
- Always use the term "Surface-Active Preparation" or "Detergent" in the commercial invoice.
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Blended Products | If mixed with enzymes or bleaching agents, still classified under 3402. Provide full ingredient list. |
| Organic Certification | If marketed as "Organic," provide certification documents, but HS Code remains 3402. |
| Small Quantities (Gift Samples) | May still be subject to Section 301 tariffs if from China. De Minimis ($800) does not exempt Section 301 duties in all cases (check latest CBP rulings). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3402.39.90.10 |
28.7% | High due to Section 301. Plan for cost absorption or price adjustment. |
| π¨π³ China | 3402.39.90.10 |
3.7% | Base rate only. No additional anti-dumping duties typically. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3402.90.40 |
4.5% | Standard EU Common Customs Tariff. No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3402.90.40 |
4.5% | Post-Brexit tariff. No additional US-style tariffs. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for importing powdered detergents from China due to the 25% Section 301 surcharge.
- Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from Vietnam or India) if targeting the US market to mitigate tariff risks.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Powdered Soap" as 3401.10.00 (Soap)
π Result: Customs rejects the declaration because most "powdered soaps" are synthetic. Leads to reclassification, delays, and fines.
β Mistake 2: Omitting MSDS/SDS
π Result: Shipment held at border. Chemical products require safety data.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring EPA Registration for "Antibacterial" claims
π Result: Seizure of goods if marketing claims antibacterial/disinfectant properties without EPA approval.
β Best Practice:
Declare as: "Anionic Surface-Active Preparation, Powder, for Laundry Use, Model XYZ, CAS Numbers: 9004-82-4, 68585-34-2, FDA/EPA Compliant"
π― VII. Final Advice for Exporters
π― Remember:
πΉ "Soap" (3401) β "Detergent" (3402).
πΉ US Tariff: 28.7% for most laundry powders from China.
πΉ Always provide SDS and precise chemical names.
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes into the US, consider applying for Exclusions under Section 301 (if available) or explore FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) benefits to defer duties.
π£ Action Required:
π Consult with a licensed customs broker.
π Ensure your Product Specification matches the HS Code description.
π Accurate classification saves money and prevents customs holds!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precision!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in global trade.
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.