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Customs Clearance of Soap Types (HS Codes + Health Documents & Permits)
For time and cost estimation of soap clearance (bar, liquid, medicated, and industrial), contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Immediate Free Consultation1) Soap Types and Customs Tariff Codes
1. Personal Care/Cosmetic Bar Soaps (Soap in Bar Form)
Tariff Code: 34011100
This category includes bar soaps used for daily purposes such as washing hands, face, and body. These soaps are usually made from vegetable or animal fats and are produced in many countries.
2. Liquid Soaps
Tariff Code: 34012000
Liquid soaps are widely used in public and household environments as an alternative to bar soaps. Their compositions vary and they are often used for washing hands and body.
3. Medicated Soaps
Tariff Code: 34011110
These soaps contain medicinal and antiseptic ingredients and are used to treat specific skin issues such as acne and eczema. Import and export of such soaps require obtaining health permits.
4. Antibacterial/Disinfectant Soaps
Tariff Code: 34011100
Due to antibacterial and antiviral agents, these soaps are suitable for use in hospitals and healthcare centers. For importing them, health certificates and relevant standards must be provided.
5. Industrial Soaps
Tariff Code: 34011900
These soaps are used in industrial settings to clean machinery and equipment. Their formulations are usually stronger than personal hygiene soaps.
6. Animal Wash Soaps
Tariff Code: 34011100
These soaps are specifically designed for washing pets and livestock and are usually produced without allergenic substances.
7. Laundry Soap Bars
Tariff Code: 34011900
These soaps are designed for hand-washing or washing machines and often contain stronger ingredients to remove stains and grease.
8. Glycerin Soaps
Tariff Code: 34011100
Thanks to glycerin in their composition, these soaps have high moisturizing properties and are very suitable for people with sensitive skin.
9. Shaving Soaps
Tariff Code: 34011900
Special shaving soaps that help reduce irritation and inflammation caused by razors and keep the skin soft and moisturized.
10. Oil-Based/Luxury Soaps
Tariff Code: 34012090
Containing vegetable oils such as olive and coconut, these soaps are often considered luxury and care products.
11. Natural & Herbal Soaps
Tariff Code: 34011100
Natural and herbal soaps produced without harmful chemicals and using organic ingredients—suitable for those seeking eco-friendly products.
12. Dishwashing Soaps
Tariff Code: 34011900
These soaps are designed for washing dishes and kitchenware and are used to remove stubborn grease and stains.
| Soap Type | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Personal/Cosmetic Bar | Daily use for hands/face/body | 34011100 |
| Liquid | Hand & body washing | 34012000 |
| Medicated | Contains therapeutic ingredients | 34011110 |
| Antibacterial/Disinfectant | Antibacterial/Hospital use | 34011100 |
| Industrial | Cleaning equipment/machinery | 34011900 |
| For Animals | Hypoallergenic formulation | 34011100 |
| Laundry | Strong stain removal | 34011900 |
| Glycerin | Moisturizing for sensitive skin | 34011100 |
| Shaving | Reduces irritation & inflammation | 34011900 |
| Oil-Based/Luxury | Vegetable oils (olive/coconut) | 34012090 |
| Natural/Herbal | Free of harmful chemicals | 34011100 |
| Dishwashing | Degreasing for dishes & utensils | 34011900 |
Final classification depends on formulation, form of supply, end-use, and packaging.
2) Steps and Challenges in Soap Customs Clearance
Customs declaration—after order registration, the customs declaration is prepared and submitted to customs. At this stage, all information related to the goods, including the tariff code and customs valuation, must be presented accurately and in compliance with regulations.
Quality control and testing—for medicated and personal care soaps, customs laboratories take samples to examine composition and quality.
Payment of duties and taxes—depending on the type of soap, applicable customs duties and taxes must be paid. For personal care and medicated products, these costs may differ.
Release of goods—after final approval of documents and payment of customs charges, the clearance process begins and soaps are ready to enter the domestic market or be exported to other countries.
3) Special Conditions for Import and Export
4) Import/Export, Market Turnover, and Key Players
Soap is imported into Iran from China, Turkey, the UAE, and Germany, with annual import volumes reaching several hundred million dollars. On the other hand, Iran is also a reputable producer and exporter of soap to neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Central Asian nations.
As one of the essential and widely used products worldwide, soap enjoys a high financial turnover. The soap manufacturing and sales industry has seen significant growth in recent years. According to global reports, the soap market in 2023 was about USD 40 billion and is expected to exceed USD 55 billion by 2030. This growth has accelerated due to increased demand for hygiene and detergent products, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, demand for natural and organic soaps is rising, as consumers are moving toward eco-friendly products free of harmful chemicals.
globally. Owing to advanced hygiene and detergent industries and access to quality raw materials, these countries have gained a strong position in the global market. Some of the world’s main soap exporters are:
China: recognized as one of the largest producers and exporters of soaps and detergents, exporting various personal care, cosmetic, and industrial soaps to many countries.
Germany: as a hub for chemicals and health products, it exports high-quality soaps, especially industrial and medicated varieties.
Indonesia: one of the largest producers of palm oil—the key raw material in many soaps—thus holding a significant share in exports of plant-based and natural soaps.
Malaysia: like Indonesia, a major palm-oil producer with extensive activity in exporting plant-based and hygiene soaps.
United States: particularly known for producing and exporting high-quality specialty and medicated soaps.
Major soap importers worldwide
Global demand for soap—especially in developing countries and regions needing improved hygiene—has increased. In these countries, soap import is a priority as an essential daily product. Major importers include countries that need to import detergents and hygiene products. Some of the largest importers are:
United States: despite high domestic production, it remains one of the largest importers, particularly of specialty and luxury products from other countries.
Germany: due to strong demand for high-quality hygiene and cosmetic products, particularly luxury foreign brands, it is a notable importer.
Japan: a major importer of luxury and natural soaps, especially cosmetic and personal care products made with plant-based ingredients.
France: as a leading country in cosmetics and hygiene, it imports luxury, high-quality soap products.
Saudi Arabia: with population growth and rising hygiene needs, it is among the largest importers of soap in the Middle East.
5) Required Documents for Clearance
1. Commercial Invoice
Description: Issued by the seller/exporter, including information such as price, quantity, type, and terms of the transaction. It is one of the most important documents customs needs to verify the value and ensure alignment with tariff rules.
2. Bill of Lading
Description: Issued by the carrier detailing shipment information such as origin, destination, mode of transport, and its conditions. It serves as a key document in clearance, especially for sea and air shipments.
3. Packing List
Description: Includes packaging details—number of packages, weight of each, and description of contents. It helps customs inspect and verify the goods correctly.
4. Certificate of Origin
Description: Issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of origin, indicating where the goods were produced. Crucial for determining customs tariffs and preferential rates under international agreements.
5. Health Certificate
Description: Issued by health authorities in the exporting country, confirming the product meets health and safety standards. Especially necessary for medicated and personal care soaps to safeguard consumers.
6. Food & Drug/Ministry of Health Approval (FDA or MOH)
Description: For importing medicated and disinfectant soaps, approval from the Food & Drug Organization or the Ministry of Health of the destination country is required. This ensures the product’s active ingredients and efficacy meet health standards.
7. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Description: Details the chemical composition, quality, and standards of the product, issued by accredited laboratories or the manufacturer. Used to assess quality and compliance with health standards.
8. Customs Declaration
Description: Contains all information about the goods, including tariff code, quantity, value, and specifications, and must be submitted to customs accurately and completely. One of the main documents in clearance.
9. Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
Description: Confirms the product complies with the national or international standards of the destination country. Required for entry of hygiene/medicated products in some countries.
10. Order Registration in the Comprehensive Trade System
Description: For imports into Iran, order registration in the Comprehensive Trade System is mandatory. All relevant information—including type and quantity, price, and payment terms—is recorded; after competent authorities approve it, import can proceed.
11. Trademark Registration
Description: If the soap is imported under a specific, reputable brand, a trademark registration certificate is needed. This ensures the goods are not counterfeit and are protected under IP laws.
12. Cargo Insurance Policy
Description: Indicates insurance coverage during transit. It guarantees compensation for possible losses in case of incidents and is therefore highly important.
13. Proforma Invoice
Description: Issued before finalizing the purchase, provided to the buyer, and includes all transaction terms such as price, payment terms, and delivery. Important for final approval of the order.
6) Import Conditions, Specialized Customs, and Market
Obtaining permits from the Institute of Standards & Industrial Research of Iran: certain types of adhesives—especially those used in sensitive industries like food and hygiene—require special permits from the Standards Organization. To obtain this permit, imported products must comply with national and international standards.
Chemical composition control: some chemical components in adhesives may be listed as restricted or prohibited. Before import, the adhesive’s composition should be checked to ensure no harmful or unauthorized substances are present.
Safe and proper packaging: because of their chemical nature, adhesives require safe, durable packaging. During transportation, correct packaging plays a key role in preventing leakage or product damage. Packaging must comply with international standards.
Specialized customs: Bandar Abbas, Shahid Rajaee, and Bazargan are among Iran’s specialized customs houses through which a high volume of chemicals and adhesives are imported. Choosing the right customs office can expedite the clearance process.
Need precise HS Code determination, health/FDO permits, and document preparation? Our team manages the file end-to-end.
Request a Proforma QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What permits are required to import medicated soap?
Approval from the Food & Drug Organization, a Health Certificate, a COA, and—if required—a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), along with order registration and standard trade documents.
What are the HS Codes for liquid and bar soaps?
Generally, bar soaps fall under 34011100 and liquid soaps under 34012000; the final determination depends on formulation and form of supply.
Is customs laboratory testing required for soaps?
For hygiene/medicated items, sampling and testing are often performed to verify composition and standards.
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Conclusion & Call to Action
Soap clearance is a specialized process due to health requirements, diverse tariff codes, and the need for organizational permits. With hands-on experience, Saba Tarkhis advances your case swiftly and in full compliance with regulations.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSpecialized Customs Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage
As noted, each type of soap has a specific tariff code that is highly important in the clearance process. Choosing the correct tariff code helps importers and exporters calculate customs duties and taxes correctly and ensures faster, trouble-free clearance.
As one of the leading customs brokerages in the country, we offer a wide range of services for importing and clearing all types of soap. These services include:
Expert consultation for tariff code selection: our experienced specialists help you choose the correct customs tariff code based on your product type and composition to avoid any mistakes and delays in customs procedures.
Follow-up on health permits and documents: all required documents and permits from health and standards organizations are prepared and followed up by our professional team to accelerate the clearance process.
Expediting clearance stages: with extensive experience and full knowledge of customs procedures and regulations, we complete the clearance process in the shortest possible time and prevent any delays.
Tax consultation and cost reduction: through customs and tax solutions, you can minimize customs and tax costs and gain more profit from your imports or exports.
By using these specialized services, you can be confident your goods will be cleared quickly and accurately and made available to domestic or foreign markets.
