HSN Code 3401
Soap (bath, laundry, detergent)
HSN 3401 covers soap in all forms — bar, liquid, flakes, detergent. Standard GST is 18% across all bath, toilet, and laundry soap varieties.
HSN Code
3401
GST Rate
18%
Preferred UQC
PCS
Rate details & exceptions
Bath soap, toilet soap, laundry soap, bar detergent, liquid soap — all 18%. Detergent powder (HSN 3402) also 18%. Handmade / khadi soap has historically had lower rates at state level but under GST is uniformly 18%.
What HSN 3401 covers
HSN 3401 applies to the following products and variants. If your item isn't in the list, consult a CA or search the CBIC HSN master for the exact sub-heading.
- Bath / toilet soap (bar)
- Liquid hand soap / body wash
- Laundry bar soap
- Dishwash bar
- Medicated soaps (cosmetic, not drug)
- Khadi / handmade soap
How to enter HSN 3401 on an invoice
On a GST-compliant invoice, add the following for each line item:
- HSN code:
3401 - Description: Soap (bath, laundry, detergent) (or your specific SKU name)
- UQC:
PCS - Quantity, rate per unit, taxable value
- GST rate: 18% (split as CGST + SGST for intra-state, or IGST for inter-state)
21bill auto-fills HSN 3401 and the 18% rate the moment you type "soap (bath, laundry, detergent)" in the item description — so you don't memorise codes.
Questions people ask about HSN 3401
Why is soap 18% when it's a daily necessity?
Soap is classified as a 'cleaning and cosmetic' product in the GST rate schedule — same slab as shampoo, toothpaste, cosmetics. This has been criticised as a regressive tax on a daily-use item, but the 18% rate has been consistent since GST rollout in 2017.
Is medicated soap taxed differently?
If medicated soap is registered as a drug (licensed under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act with a manufacturer's drug licence), it can move to HSN 3004 (medicaments) at 12%. Pure 'cosmetic' medicated soap (sold over-the-counter as a regular bathing product) remains at 18% under HSN 3401.
What HSN for detergent powder?
Detergent powder is HSN 3402 (organic surface-active agents / washing preparations), also at 18%. The distinction between soap (3401) and detergent (3402) is formulation — natural fats vs synthetic surfactants — but for GST the rate is the same.
Related on 21bill
Stop looking up HSN codes manually.
21bill auto-suggests HSN codes and GST rates as you type product names. The platform is invite-only — contact us to request access for your team.
Request access⚠️ This page is a working reference, not tax advice. GST rates and classifications change — confirm with your CA or the latest CBIC notification before filing. Last reviewed 21 April 2026.