Soap HSN Code for GST Filing
Soap is a key personal care and household cleaning product. Knowing the correct soap HSN code and GST rate helps manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers raise accurate GST invoices.
This guide explains how toilet soap, bathing bars and laundry soaps are classified and how GST applies to these products under the HSN structure.
What is the HSN code for toilet soap and laundry soap?
Soaps and similar products fall under Chapter 34 of the HSN structure. The main heading 3401 covers soap in bars, cakes, moulded shapes or liquid form and also certain organic surface active preparations used for washing.
Toilet soap, beauty bars, medicated soaps and laundry soaps generally fall under this heading with further digits giving more detail about use and composition.
| HSN Code | Product name | Product description | GST rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3401 | Toilet soap and bathing bars | Soap and bathing bars used for personal washing of face and body. | 18% |
| 3401 | Medicated soap | Soap with medicinal ingredients used for skin conditions and hygiene. | 18% |
| 3401 | Laundry soap and detergent bars | Soap cakes and bars used for washing clothes and household linen. | 18% |
| 3402 | Liquid hand wash and cleaners | Surface active preparations and liquid washes supplied in retail packs. | 18% |
How does GST apply to different types of soap?
Most toilet soaps, laundry soaps and similar washing preparations attract the standard GST slab because they are treated as personal care or cleaning products. The GST rate is usually the same for beauty bars and ordinary bathing soap as long as they fall under the same HSN heading.
Some medicated soaps can be classified as medicaments under the chapter for pharmaceutical products if their main function is treatment rather than cleaning. In such cases the HSN and GST rate can change so you should review the product label and composition carefully.
Why do toilet soaps and laundry soaps have different HSN codes?
Within Chapter 34, further digits after 3401 can distinguish between toilet soap and laundry soap based on use. This distinction is important because toilet soaps are retailed as personal grooming products while laundry soaps are meant for clothes and household washing.
Even when GST rate is the same, proper classification helps tax officers understand the nature of supply and also helps companies analyse sales by product category.
How to classify soap products correctly for GST filing?
To classify soap, first identify whether the product is mainly used for personal cleaning, laundry or general household cleaning. Next note whether it is in solid bar form, liquid form or a paste and check the ingredients to see whether it is medicated.
Based on these details you can choose the correct sub heading under 3401 or 3402. Use that soap HSN code consistently in your purchase and sales invoices so that GST returns pick up correct data.
Conclusion
The soap HSN code is central to GST billing for personal care and cleaning products. Correctly classifying toilet soaps, laundry soaps and liquid washes under the right HSN heading ensures that GST is charged at the correct rate on every invoice.
Keeping your product master updated with the correct HSN code and GST rate also makes input tax credit smoother and keeps your business compliant during GST audits.
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
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What is the HSN code for soap in India?
Most toilet soaps, laundry soaps and similar washing products fall under Chapter 34 with the main heading 3401. Liquid washing preparations can fall under 3402 depending on composition.
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How does the GST rate apply to toilet soap and laundry soap?
Toilet soaps and laundry soaps generally attract the standard GST slab, which is the same for most products under heading 3401. You should always confirm the exact rate from the current GST rate schedule.
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Are all soaps classified under the same HSN code for GST?
Not always. Toilet soaps and laundry soaps may share the same main heading but different sub headings. Some medicated soaps may be treated as medicaments if their main purpose is medicinal rather than cleaning.
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How do I classify organic soaps and detergents under GST?
Organic or herbal soaps are still classified based on their use and composition. If they are mainly used as soap they remain under Chapter 34 even if they contain natural oils and herbal extracts.
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How do I file the correct soap HSN code in GST returns?
You should store the HSN code and GST rate in your billing software master. When invoices carry this data correctly, your GSTR returns will automatically show the correct soap HSN code for outward and inward supplies.