Soap, Lubricants, Waxes, Polishes & Candles

Heading 3401 covers soap in bars, cakes, or other solid forms, as well as organic surface-active products put up for retail sale as soap. Heading 3402 covers organic surface-active agents and washing or cleaning preparations that are not put up as soap—including liquid detergents and industrial cleaners. If the product is labeled and sold as soap in retail form, 3401 typically applies; otherwise, the formulation and intended use guide classification toward 3402.

Petroleum wax candles from China have historically been subject to antidumping duty orders. Importers of candles should check the current scope of any active orders and confirm the country of origin and product composition before entry, as scope rulings can affect whether a specific candle type is covered.