Hand Wash HSN Code: Classification for Herbal, Antibacterial and Liquid Hand Wash
Hand wash is now a basic hygiene product for homes, offices, hospitals and shops. For every business that sells or buys hand wash in India, using the correct HSN code and GST rate is very important. It keeps invoices correct, avoids GST notices and makes it easy to claim input tax credit.
In this guide, we explain how herbal, antibacterial and liquid hand wash products are classified under HSN, which GST rate applies after GST 2.0 and what traders, manufacturers and distributors should keep in mind while billing.
What is the HSN code for herbal hand wash?
Under GST, most liquid hand wash and skin cleansing products are covered under HSN chapter 34. Herbal hand wash that is mainly used for washing hands and skin normally falls under the broad heading HSN 3401, which covers soap and organic surface active products used for washing the skin.
If the product is sold in bottles, pouches or dispenser packs as hand wash, and the main purpose is to clean hands, then it is generally treated as a toilet soap or skin cleansing preparation under HSN 3401 for GST purposes.
What Is the HSN Code for Hand Wash?
For GST invoicing, most regular liquid hand wash, herbal hand wash and antibacterial hand wash used for personal hygiene are generally classified under HSN 3401. These products are usually taxed at the standard GST slab of 18% after 22 September 2025 with no separate compensation cess.
The table below gives a simple view of the common hand wash product types, their typical HSN code and GST rate. Exact classification can still depend on the detailed composition and product literature of the brand.
| Hand wash product type | Typical HSN code | GST rate after 22 Sep 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Herbal or ayurvedic hand wash | 3401 | 18% |
| Antibacterial and medicated hand wash | 3401 | 18% |
| Liquid hand wash refills and bulk packs | 3401 | 18% |
These are typical classifications used in practice. Businesses should always check the exact product description, drug or cosmetic registration and latest GST notifications before finalising the HSN and GST rate.
How Herbal and Antibacterial Hand Wash Are Classified under HSN
Herbal hand wash uses plant based or ayurvedic ingredients. Antibacterial hand wash may contain extra active agents that kill germs. Even though the composition is different, both types are still used mainly for washing hands and keeping skin clean.
Because the use and function are similar, herbal and antibacterial hand wash are usually kept under the same HSN heading 3401. Only in special cases, such as products that are clearly marketed and regulated as medicines, the classification may change. For normal retail hand wash bottles and refills, HSN 3401 with 18% GST is commonly followed.
The HSN Code for Liquid Hand Wash
Liquid hand wash can be sold in small pump bottles, family packs, refill pouches or bulk cans for hotels and offices. In all these cases, the HSN code generally remains under chapter 34 for soap and similar products.
Quantity, bottle size or packaging style do not normally change the basic HSN code. However, they may affect the way the product is priced and how the GST is shown on invoices. Bulk institutional supply may have a different trade price than retail MRP packs, but the code will still mostly remain HSN 3401.
GST on Hand Wash Products
Hand wash products that fall under HSN 3401 are generally taxed at 18% GST after 22 September 2025. This is the standard slab for most personal care and cosmetic products.
Example: If the taxable value of a carton of hand wash bottles is ₹10,000, then GST at 18% will be ₹1,800. The invoice value will be ₹11,800. A registered buyer can claim input tax credit on this 18% GST subject to normal rules.
There is usually no extra compensation cess on these products. Still, businesses should keep an eye on future GST Council decisions and notifications because rates and exemptions can change over time.
I am a Chartered Accountant with 5 years of experience specializing in GST, income tax, and HSN code classification. I help businesses with GST compliance, tax planning, and financial advisory, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements while optimizing their tax strategies. I aim to simplify GST filings, income tax laws, and HSN code classifications, helping professionals and business owners stay informed and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the HSN code for herbal hand wash?
Herbal hand wash used for cleaning hands and skin is normally classified under HSN 3401 along with other liquid hand wash and toilet soap products. Most common herbal hand wash brands follow this heading for GST billing.
-
Are antibacterial hand wash and regular hand wash classified differently under HSN?
In most cases no. Antibacterial hand wash and regular hand wash both come under HSN 3401 because the main use is still washing hands. Only if the product is clearly treated as a medicinal preparation by regulators, the classification may be reviewed.
-
How does GST apply to liquid hand wash products?
Liquid hand wash that falls under HSN 3401 is generally taxed at 18% GST after 22 September 2025 with no compensation cess. GST is charged on the taxable value shown on the invoice, and eligible buyers can claim input tax credit.
-
Can the packaging, like bottle or refill, affect the HSN code for hand wash?
Packaging by itself does not normally change the HSN heading. Whether the hand wash is in a pump bottle, pouch refill or bulk container, the code generally remains under HSN 3401. However, packaging can affect valuation and labelling rules.
-
Are hand wash products categorized separately from other body washes under HSN?
Hand wash and body wash products often share the same broad HSN chapter for soap and organic surface active products. Inside that chapter, detailed classification depends on use, form and composition. Both are mostly taxed at 18% GST in the standard slab.