Organic 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

Heading 3402 covers organic surface-active agents; washing and cleaning preparations. These products belong to Chapter 34 covering soap, surface-active agents, washing and cleaning preparations, waxes, candles and dental preparations. Import of products of heading 3402 into the EU is subject to duty rates from 0% to 6.5%. Detergents and washing preparations must comply with Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on detergents, including biodegradability requirements. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and CLP labelling are required for chemical products. Heading 3402 is part of Chapter 34 (chemical industry products, pharmaceuticals and fertilizers) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 3402 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 3402 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Import of products of heading 3402 into the EU is subject to duty rates from 0% to 6.5%. Detergents and washing preparations must comply with Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on detergents, including biodegradability requirements. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and CLP labelling are required for chemical products. Duty rates on products of heading 3402 range from 0% to 6.5%. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and CLP labelling are required for chemical products. Detergents must comply with Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on biodegradability. Cosmetic products (e.g. toilet soaps) must be notified via the CPNP portal. When importing goods under heading 3402 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 3402 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 3402 are subject to REACH, CLP and GHS controls. Required documentation includes: Safety Data Sheets (SDS), ECHA registration, GMP certificates (for pharmaceuticals). In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Heading 3402 covers organic surface-active agents (detergents), washing and cleaning preparations. Laundry detergents (powders, liquids): 3402. Dishwashing products: 3402. Bar soap: 3401, not 3402. Key distinction: 3402 = synthetic detergents and surfactants, 3401 = traditional soaps. Cleaning preparations with abrasives: 3405. Industrial cleaning agents: 3402.