Indian ITC-HS · Heading (4-digit)

HSN Code 3401

3401

SOAP; ORGANIC SURFACE-ACTIVE PRODUCTS AND PREPARATIONS FOR USE AS SOAP, IN THE FORM OF BARS, CAKES, MOULDED PIECES OR SHAPES, WHETHER OR NOT CONTAINING SOAP; 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; PAPER, WADDING, FELT AND NONWOVENS, IMPREGNATED, COATED OR COVERED WITH SOAP OR DETERGENT ---- Soap and organic surface-active products and preparations, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, and paper, wad- ding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent :

Back to HSN Code Finder
No duty at the heading level. 4-digit HSN headings group related products together — customs duty is levied on the specific 8-digit tariff item underneath. Pick a tariff item from the “Related codes” section below to see its applicable unit and rate.

Where this code sits

Section VI
PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED INDUSTRIES
Chapter 34
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
Tariff hierarchy
  1. 1
    3401Heading (4-digit)
    SOAP; ORGANIC SURFACE-ACTIVE PRODUCTS AND PREPARATIONS FOR USE AS SOAP, IN THE FORM OF BARS, CAKES, MOULDED PIECES OR SHAPES, WHETHER OR NOT CONTAINING SOAP; 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; PAPER, WADDING, FELT AND NONWOVENS, IMPREGNATED, COATED OR COVERED WITH SOAP OR DETERGENT ---- Soap and organic surface-active products and preparations, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, and paper, wad- ding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent :

What is an HSN Code?

An HSN code (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) is an internationally standardised numeric system to classify traded products. Indian customs extend it to an 8-digit ITC-HS code for more precise classification, taxation and compliance.

  • First 2 digits: Chapter (e.g. 34)
  • Digits 3–4: Heading
  • Digits 5–6: Subheading (WCO-aligned)
  • Last 2 digits: Indian ITC extension for added granularity
Chapter34
Heading3401
Subheading—
Tariff Item—

Related codes

Other entries sharing the same heading. Useful for narrowing down the right tariff item.

3402ORGANIC SURFACE-ACTIVE AGENTS (OTHER THAN SOAP); SURFACE-ACTIVE PREPARATIONS, WASHING PREPARATIONS (INCLUDING AUXILIARY WASHING PREPARATIONS) AND CLEANING PREPARATIONS, WHETHER OR NOT CONTAINING SOAP, OTHER THAN THOSE OF HEADING 3401 ---- Anionic organic surface-active agents, whether or not put up for retail sale:—3403LUBRICATING PREPARATIONS (INCLUDING CUTTING- OIL PREPARATIONS, BOLT OR NUT RELEASE PREPARATIONS, ANTI-RUST OR ANTI-CORROSION PREPARATIONS AND MOULD RELEASE PREPARATIONS, BASED ON LUBRICANTS) AND PREPARATIONS OF A KIND USED FOR THE OIL OR GREASE TREATMENT OF TEXTILE MATERIALS, LEATHER, FURSKINS OR OTHER MATERIALS, BUT EXCLUDING PREPARATIONS CONTAINING, AS BASIC CONSTITUENTS, 70 % OR MORE BY WEIGHT OF PETROLEUM OILS OR OF OILS OBTAINED FROM BITUMINOUS MINERALS ---- Containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals:—3404ARTIFICIAL WAXES AND PREPARED WAXES—3405POLISHES AND CREAMS, FOR FOOTWEAR, FURNITURE, FLOORS, COACHWORK, GLASS OR METAL, SCOURING PASTES AND POWDERS AND SIMILAR PREPARATIONS (WHETHER OR NOT IN THE FORM OF PAPER, WADDING, FELT, NONWOVENS, CELLULAR PLASTICS OR CELLULAR RUBBER, IMPREGNATED, COATED OR COVERED WITH SUCH PREPARATIONS), EXCLUDING WAXES OF HEADING 3404—3406CANDLES, TAPERS AND THE LIKE—3407MODELLING PASTES, INCLUDING THOSE PUT UP FOR CHILDREN'S AMUSEMENT; PREPARATIONS KNOWN AS "DENTAL WAX" OR AS "DENTAL IMPRESSION COMPOUNDS", PUT UP IN SETS, IN PACKINGS FOR RETAIL SALE OR IN PLATES, HORSESHOE SHAPES, STICKS OR SIMILAR FORMS; OTHER PREPARATIONS FOR USE IN DENTISTRY, WITH A BASIS OF PLASTER (OF CALCINED GYPSUM OR CALCIUM SULPHATE)—34011110- Medicated toilet soaps10%34011120- Shaving soaps other than shaving cream10%34011190- Other10%34011911- Industrial soap10%34011919- Other10%34011920- Flakes, chips and powder10%

Why is the right HSN code important?

  • Ensures correct calculation of customs duties and taxes.
  • Required for shipping bills, bills of entry, GST filings and FTA certificates of origin.
  • Helps avoid clearance delays, penalties or reclassification disputes.
Tip: Always cross-check the 8-digit code against the latest DGFT / Customs schedule before filing.

How to use this HSN code

Export Documentation

Use this code in your Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Shipping Bill for exports from India.

Import Clearance

Required for the Bill of Entry and customs clearance when importing goods into India.

GST Classification

Drives the applicable GST rate, HSN-wise summary in GSTR-1 and ITC eligibility checks.

Common HSN code mistakes to avoid

  • • Reusing outdated or incorrect codes from old shipments
  • • Mixing up similar product codes without checking descriptions
  • • Ignoring the last 2 digits which affect Indian duty rates
  • • Not considering composition, end use or manufacturing process
  • • Relying solely on online tools without professional verification

Need more information?

For complex products, consult with customs brokers or trade experts who can classify based on:

  • • Physical product inspection
  • • Material composition / manufacturing process
  • • Intended end-use
  • • Latest customs notifications & advance rulings
Pro tip: Correct HSN code usage saves time, money and grief at customs.

Additional Resources

• DGFT Policy: Guidelines for export-import procedures

• Customs Tariff: Complete HSN code list with duty rates

• GST Notifications: Latest tax-rate updates

• Trade Portal: Government trade documentation support

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