HS 3402 — Import Duty 20%

General customs duty 20%

Import VAT 15%

HS heading 3402

Statistical unit kg

HS code 3402 covers Detergents & cleaning preparations (retail) — for example washing powder, dishwashing liquid, all-purpose cleaners. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 20%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.

HS 2022 renumbered this heading: retail washing preparations are now 3402.50 (powders, flakes, granules) or 3402.90 (all other). The old 3402.20 line no longer exists — do not use it on a SAD 500.

Worked example: landed cost on R100,000 of goods

Customs value (CIF)	R100,000
Customs duty (20%)	R20,000
Import VAT (15% on ATV)	R19,500
Estimated landed cost	R139,500

VAT is charged on the Added Tax Value (customs value + 10% upliftment for non-SACU imports + duties). Figures exclude clearing, freight and any anti-dumping/safeguard duty. For an exact, all-in figure use the Duty & VAT Calculator.

Where HS 3402 sits in the tariff

Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 3402 is “Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.

3402.31 Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale
3402.39 Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); other than linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale
3402.41 Organic surface-active agents; cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale
3402.42 Organic surface-active agents; non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale
3402.49 Organic surface-active agents; whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in item no. 3402
3402.50 Washing and cleaning preparations; powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale
3402.90 Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale

Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 34 →

Calculate full landed cost Check anti-dumping & permits Find a clearing agent

Watch HS 3402 for changes

Duty rates, anti-dumping measures and permit rules change by Government Gazette. We’ll email you if this code’s status shifts.

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Data current as of 2026-08-06. Indicative general (MFN) rate — real duty can differ at 8-digit level, under trade agreements (SADC, EU-EPA) and by Government Gazette. This is guidance, not a tariff determination under s47(9) of the Customs & Excise Act, 1964. Verify against the current SARS Tariff Book.

3401.11 Soap & organic surface-active products (toilet use) 20% duty + 15% VAT 3401.20 Soap in other forms (liquid, flakes, paste) 20% duty + 15% VAT 3406.00 Candles, tapers & the like 20% duty + 15% VAT

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on detergents & cleaning preparations (retail) in South Africa?

HS code 3402 (Detergents & cleaning preparations (retail)) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 20% in South Africa, plus 15% import VAT charged on the Added Tax Value. Verify the exact rate in the current SARS Tariff Book.

What is the HS code for washing powder?

The Harmonised System heading for detergents & cleaning preparations (retail) is 3402. South Africa uses an 8-digit tariff line based on this heading — confirm the precise 8-digit code in the SARS Tariff Book before importing.