Soap, organic surface-active agents… (chapter 34): which countries import it
Chapter 34 covers soaps, detergents, cosmetics and waxes. Global imports reached USD 47 billion in 2025, led by Germany, the United States and China.…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 34 covers soaps, detergents, cosmetics and waxes. Global imports reached USD 47 billion in 2025, led by Germany, the United States and China. Spain exported USD 1.76 billion to the world. Germany remains the largest market, followed by the US and China.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 34
- Sector
- Health, Cosmetics and Chemicals
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| Germany | 6,487,989,070 |
| United States | 6,472,290,956 |
| China | 5,715,406,942 |
| France | 3,855,769,376 |
| Canada | 3,532,726,845 |
| United Kingdom | 3,478,778,656 |
| Netherlands | 2,712,796,163 |
| Italy | 2,200,643,470 |
| Poland | 1,982,849,116 |
| Belgium | 1,951,778,342 |
| Spain | 1,761,898,549 |
| Mexico | 1,494,475,027 |
| India | 1,425,231,890 |
| Türkiye | 1,409,966,702 |
| Japan | 1,293,795,045 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Soap; organic surface-active preparations used as soap, skin washing, in bars, cakes, moulded pieces, shapes, liquid or cream, containing soap or not; for retail, paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergentHeading 3401
- Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401Heading 3402
- Lubricating preparations and those used in oil or grease treatment of textile and similar materials; excluding preparations containing 70% or more (by weight) of petroleum or bituminous mineral oilsHeading 3403
- Waxes; artificial, preparedHeading 3404
- Polishes, creams, scouring pastes, powders and similar; in any form, (including articles impregnated, coated or covered with such), for furniture, footwear, floors, coachwork, glass or metalHeading 3405
- Candles, tapers and the likeHeading 3406
- Modelling pastes, including those for children; dental wax, impression compounds, in sets or packings for retail sale or in plates and similar forms; dentistry preparations with plaster baseHeading 3407
Trade fairs in this sector
What you need to know to export chapter 34
Chapter 34 includes seven product families: soaps and detergents, surface-active agents, lubricating preparations, waxes, polishes, candles and dental preparations. Each heading has different classification rules, tariffs and documentation requirements.
Tariff rates vary by product and destination. Within the EU there are no tariffs between member states. For exports outside the EU, rates depend on the destination country and the specific heading: some are duty-free under the WTO or bilateral agreements; others range from 5% to 25%. Check the tariff code before quoting.
Transport and shelf life matter. Soaps and detergents are classified as general cargo, not hazardous, unless they contain solvents above certain thresholds. Waxes and candles are non-flammable. Most products have a shelf life of 24–36 months if stored in cool, dry conditions.
Frequently asked questions about chapter 34 exports
What is the difference between heading 3401 and 3402?
Heading 3401 covers soaps and detergent bars or cakes intended for skin washing or personal hygiene. Heading 3402 covers all other surface-active agents and washing preparations—including liquids, powders, and those for industrial use. If your product is a bar or cake of soap for retail, it goes in 3401; if it is a liquid, a powder, or an industrial cleaner, it is likely 3402. The tariff rate and regulatory pathway differ.
Which markets outside the EU import the most chapter 34 products?
The United States and China are the largest importers outside the EU. The US imported USD 6.47 billion in 2025; China imported USD 5.72 billion. Both markets have strict labeling and ingredient rules. The US also requires facility registration with the FDA if you export cosmetics or certain soaps. China requires testing and certification for cosmetics through a third-party lab.
Are there tariff advantages for exporting from Spain?
Spain is part of the EU and has tariff-free trade with all EU member states. For exports outside the EU, tariff rates depend on bilateral or multilateral agreements. The EU has preferential rates with many countries under GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) or FTAs. Check the specific tariff code and destination with your customs agent or via the TARIC database to confirm the rate that applies to your product and buyer.
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