Subheading · Chapter 34 · Heading 3401
3401.30: 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
Liquid soap and body wash (retail)
3401.30 is the HS subheading for liquid soap and body wash (retail), under heading 3401 in chapter 34.
What you pay
Importing into UK
Rates by national line · UK Global Tariff
UK lines →- 3401 30 00 00 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 4%
Additional duties and import rules
Charges on top of the customs duty, and rules the goods must meet at the border.
Additional duties and charges 1
- Duty suspensionAutonomous tariff suspension Free
- Applies to goods from
- all countries
- In force
- until 31 December 2028
- Legal act
- 2020 No. 1435
- Documents
- 9Y11
Import requirements 2
- Import controlRestriction on entry into free circulation
- Applies to goods from
- Russia, Ukraine
- Legal act
- 2023 No. 440, S.I. 2022/395
- Documents
- 9011
- 9022
- 9038
- 9009
- 9010
- 9017
- Import controlImport control - Waste
- Applies to goods from
- all countries
- Legal act
- S.I. 2019/590
- Documents
- C672 Information document accompanying shipments of waste as mentioned in Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 – Article 18 and Annex VII
- C669 Notification document as mentioned in Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 - Article 5 and Annex IA
- Y923 Product not subjected to the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1157
- C670 Movement document as mentioned in Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 – Article 5 and Annex IB
Preferential rates by country
| Agreement or scheme | Countries | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| standard rate (no agreement) | — | 4% |
| DCTS Comprehensive | Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin and 38 moreAfghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo - Kinshasa, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Laos, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia | Free |
| European Union (including code " EU") | Free | |
| DCTS Enhanced | Algeria, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Congo - Brazzaville and 13 moreAlgeria, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Congo - Brazzaville, Cook Islands, Kyrgyzstan, Micronesia, Mongolia, Nigeria, Niue, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu | Free |
| CARIFORUM | Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize and 10 moreAntigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago | Free |
| OCTs (Overseas Countries and Territories) | Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands and 7 moreAnguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands, St Helena, Turks & Caicos Islands | Free |
| Central America | Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama | Free |
| SADC EPA | Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia | Free |
| Eastern and Southern Africa States | Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zimbabwe | Free |
| CPTPP | Brunei, Malaysia | Free |
| UK–Andorra agreement | Andorra | Free |
| UK–Albania agreement | Albania | Free |
| UK–Australia agreement | Australia | Free |
| UK–Canada agreement | Canada | Free |
| UK–Switzerland agreement | Switzerland | Free |
| UK–Côte d’Ivoire agreement | Côte d’Ivoire | Free |
| UK–Chile agreement | Chile | Free |
| UK–Cameroon agreement | Cameroon | Free |
| UK–Colombia agreement | Colombia | Free |
| UK–Ceuta & Melilla agreement | Ceuta & Melilla | Free |
| UK–Ecuador agreement | Ecuador | Free |
| UK–Egypt agreement | Egypt | Free |
| UK–Fiji agreement | Fiji | Free |
| UK–Faroe Islands agreement | Faroe Islands | Free |
| UK–Georgia agreement | Georgia | Free |
| UK–Ghana agreement | Ghana | Free |
| DCTS Standard | Indonesia | Free |
| UK–Israel agreement | Israel | Free |
| UK–India agreement | India | Free |
| UK–Iceland agreement | Iceland | Free |
| UK–Jordan agreement | Jordan | Free |
| UK–Japan agreement | Japan | Free |
| UK–Kenya agreement | Kenya | Free |
| UK–South Korea agreement | South Korea | Free |
| UK–Lebanon agreement | Lebanon | Free |
| UK–Liechtenstein agreement | Liechtenstein | Free |
| UK–Morocco agreement | Morocco | Free |
| UK–Moldova agreement | Moldova | Free |
| UK–North Macedonia agreement | North Macedonia | Free |
| UK–Mexico agreement | Mexico | Free |
| UK–Norway agreement | Norway | Free |
| UK–New Zealand agreement | New Zealand | Free |
| UK–Peru agreement | Peru | Free |
| UK–Papua New Guinea agreement | Papua New Guinea | Free |
| UK–Palestinian Territories agreement | Palestinian Territories | Free |
| UK–Serbia agreement | Serbia | Free |
| UK–Solomon Islands agreement | Solomon Islands | Free |
| UK–Singapore agreement | Singapore | Free |
| UK–San Marino agreement | San Marino | Free |
| UK–Tunisia agreement | Tunisia | Free |
| UK–Türkiye agreement | Türkiye | Free |
| UK–Ukraine agreement | Ukraine | Free |
| UK–Vietnam agreement | Vietnam | Free |
| UK–Samoa agreement | Samoa | Free |
| UK–Kosovo agreement | Kosovo | Free |
| UK–South Africa agreement | South Africa | Free |
UK: imports by month
Main suppliers, last 12 months
| Country | Value | Share | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
 Italy | £55.9m | 17.4% | +17.7% |
 Germany | £46m | 14.4% | -9.2% |
 Poland | £44.8m | 14% | +10.7% |
 France | £42.8m | 13.4% | +13.7% |
 China | £41.9m | 13.1% | +18.5% |
 United States | £19m | 5.9% | -27.8% |
 South Korea | £13.4m | 4.2% | +190.3% |
 Canada | £10.4m | 3.2% | +28.1% |
Same subheading in other tariffs
EU
TürkiyeWorld trade in 2024
Trade value (US$) no reported trade < US$215kUS$215k+US$8m+US$90m+> US$395m
Exports: 181
- France: US$872m
- United States: US$683m
- Germany: US$661m
- Italy: US$579m
- Poland: US$404m
- South Korea: US$395m
- Japan: US$393m
- Canada: US$376m
- China: US$368m
- Netherlands: US$280m
- United Kingdom: US$243m
- Thailand: US$212m
- Spain: US$181m
- Belgium: US$131m
- Türkiye: US$100m
- Mexico: US$93m
- Czechia: US$91m
- Vietnam: US$90m
- Switzerland: US$81m
- Malaysia: US$71m
- Singapore: US$66m
- Indonesia: US$63m
- Australia: US$57m
- Greece: US$55m
- Denmark: US$53m
- India: US$47m
- Slovakia: US$41m
- Sweden: US$38m
- Austria: US$38m
- United Arab Emirates: US$34m
- South Africa: US$27m
- Bahrain: US$26m
- Brazil: US$24m
- Hungary: US$24m
- Israel: US$23m
- Côte d’Ivoire: US$22m
- Russia: US$19m
- Taiwan: US$18m
- Colombia: US$18m
- Bulgaria: US$15m
- Luxembourg: US$14m
- Portugal: US$13m
- Croatia: US$11m
- Romania: US$8m
- New Zealand: US$8m
- Lithuania: US$6m
- Latvia: US$6m
- Hong Kong SAR China: US$6m
- Saudi Arabia: US$6m
- Ireland: US$6m
- Egypt: US$6m
- Slovenia: US$5m
- Estonia: US$4m
- Jordan: US$4m
- Philippines: US$4m
- Guatemala: US$3m
- Ukraine: US$3m
- Serbia: US$3m
- Kazakhstan: US$3m
- Finland: US$2m
Trade value (US$) no reported trade < US$3mUS$3m+US$18m+US$87m+> US$261m
Imports: 221
- United States: US$774m
- China: US$608m
- Germany: US$413m
- Canada: US$378m
- United Kingdom: US$354m
- France: US$352m
- Netherlands: US$261m
- Poland: US$207m
- Singapore: US$158m
- Australia: US$150m
- United Arab Emirates: US$146m
- Spain: US$145m
- Japan: US$145m
- Belgium: US$137m
- Italy: US$132m
- Czechia: US$125m
- Taiwan: US$116m
- Russia: US$113m
- South Korea: US$110m
- Vietnam: US$101m
- Romania: US$93m
- Austria: US$91m
- Malaysia: US$87m
- Mexico: US$85m
- Switzerland: US$80m
- Sweden: US$79m
- Hungary: US$78m
- Hong Kong SAR China: US$67m
- Ireland: US$67m
- Saudi Arabia: US$66m
- Slovakia: US$65m
- Denmark: US$63m
- Philippines: US$59m
- Portugal: US$58m
- Thailand: US$53m
- Norway: US$51m
- Ukraine: US$47m
- Greece: US$44m
- Türkiye: US$42m
- Indonesia: US$41m
- South Africa: US$36m
- Croatia: US$35m
- Kazakhstan: US$34m
- Cambodia: US$30m
- Finland: US$30m
- New Zealand: US$29m
- Kuwait: US$28m
- Serbia: US$25m
- Colombia: US$25m
- India: US$24m
- Morocco: US$23m
- Israel: US$23m
- Myanmar (Burma): US$21m
- Qatar: US$21m
- Chile: US$20m
- Laos: US$18m
- Macao SAR China: US$18m
- Peru: US$18m
- Brazil: US$17m
- Bulgaria: US$16m
Top exporters
| Rank | Country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | US$872m | 12.2% |
| 2 | United States | US$683m | 9.5% |
| 3 | Germany | US$661m | 9.2% |
| 4 | Italy | US$579m | 8.1% |
| 5 | Poland | US$404m | 5.6% |
| 6 | South Korea | US$395m | 5.5% |
| 7 |  Japan | US$393m | 5.5% |
| 8 | Canada | US$376m | 5.3% |
| 9 | China | US$368m | 5.1% |
| 10 |  Netherlands | US$280m | 3.9% |
Top importers
| Rank | Country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | US$774m | 10.8% |
| 2 | China | US$608m | 8.5% |
| 3 | Germany | US$413m | 5.8% |
| 4 | Canada | US$378m | 5.3% |
| 5 | United Kingdom | US$354m | 5% |
| 6 | France | US$352m | 4.9% |
| 7 | Netherlands | US$261m | 3.6% |
| 8 | Poland | US$207m | 2.9% |
| 9 |  Singapore | US$158m | 2.2% |
| 10 |  Australia | US$150m | 2.1% |
Binding rulings for similar goods 48
Decisions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CROSS) and HMRC (Advance Tariff Rulings) on goods classified here. A ruling binds only its holder, but shows how the authorities classify similar goods. The descriptions are the authorities’ own, in English.
- N355536 U.S. CBP
The classification, country of origin, marking, and applicability of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (UKFTA) of DR. MELAXIN MELTING CLEANSER 150ML
- N354787 U.S. CBP
The tariff classification of Resurfacing Gelo Cleanser from South Korea
- N353676 U.S. CBP
The tariff classification of a face cream, face serum, shower gel, cream deodorant, and hand salve from Bulgaria
- N350273 U.S. CBP
The tariff classification of Hydrating Body Wash from Vietnam
- N339575 U.S. CBP
The tariff classification of Spongeables Pedi In Mesh Bag from China
- N338806 U.S. CBP
The tariff classification of liquid hand wash from Canada
- 600015612 HMRC
A renewal oil to use and clean the skin that can also be used for makeup removal. Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Olus Oil C9-12-Isoalkanes Acanthosicyos Horridus Seed Oil Avena Sativa Kernel Oil Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Glyceryl…
- 600014189 HMRC
Natural Hand Wash With Botanical Blend. A liquid used for washing hands. Put up for retail sale. 500ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Betaine, Citric Acid, Sodium Pca, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate,…
- 600012907 HMRC
Bath & Body Collection packaged inside a metal tin, with hand drawn floral print . Travel-sized toiletries for the skin. 1 x Rollerball Fragrance 20 ml, 1 x Body Butter 50 ml, 1 x Body Wash 100 ml, 1 x Body Scrub Bar 50g
- 600012729 HMRC
A body wash, used to lather into wet skin in the bath or shower to clean the body. It is in a 500ml (16.9 fl oz) bottle. Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Vitis Vinefera Fruit Extract, Coco-Glucoside, Lactic Acid, Glyceryl Oleate, Parfum, Sodium…
- 600012487 HMRC
A salted caramel body wash used for cleaning the body during showers. Presented in 400ml plastic bottle
- 600012489 HMRC
A Jasmine & Vanilla body wash used for cleaning the body during showers. For cleansing and softening the skin. Presented in 400ml plastic bottle.
48 rulings in total for this code
Recent rule changes mentioning this code
Acts whose text cites this code or its heading. Check the act itself: a code can be cited for reasons other than a change of its duty.
- Import and export controls
FR Doc. 2026-14542 · 91 FR 45516 · Source: federalregister.gov
- Sanctions · Applies from:
The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
S.I. 2026/543 · Source: legislation.gov.uk
Subheading 3401.30 is a single line in the UK Global Tariff, where the duty is 4%.
The EU Combined Nomenclature has one tariff line for subheading 3401.30; the duty is 4%.
Goods from 174 countries can enter the UK at a preferential rate instead of the standard 4%; 174 of them pay no duty at all, for example under DCTS Comprehensive or European Union.
In the 12 months to August 2026, the UK imported liquid soap and body wash (retail) worth £320.4m (up 5% on the year before), at an average of £2.73 per kg; Italy supplied 17%, followed by Germany.
World trade in liquid soap and body wash (retail) reached US$7bn in 2024, up 3.8% on 2023.
France was the largest exporter with 12.2% of the total, ahead of the United States.
Products classified here
Questions and answers
What is the HS code for 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?
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 fall under HS subheading 3401.30, part of heading 3401, in section VI of the Harmonized System.
What is the import duty on organic surface-active products and preparations… in the UK?
Under the UK Global Tariff, imports under 3401.30 from countries without a preferential agreement are charged at 4%. Preferential rates, anti-dumping duties and VAT are not included.
What is the import duty on organic surface-active products and preparations… in the EU?
Under the EU Combined Nomenclature, imports under 3401.30 from countries without a preferential agreement are charged at 4%. Preferential rates, anti-dumping duties and VAT are not included.
Which country exports the most organic surface-active products and preparations…?
France, with US$872m in 2024 (12.2% of world exports).
Which countries can export liquid soap and body wash (retail) to the UK duty-free?
174 countries pay no duty under a trade agreement or preference scheme, among them partners under DCTS Comprehensive, European Union, DCTS Enhanced. The goods must meet the agreement’s rules of origin and the importer needs proof of origin; otherwise the standard rate of 4% applies. Pick a country above to see its rate.
Where does the UK import liquid soap and body wash (retail) from?
In the 12 months to August 2026, the largest suppliers were Italy (17%), Germany (14%) and Poland (14%), out of total imports of £320.4m.
Typical products
Everyday names, not part of the legal text.