Soap HSN Code 3401 and GST Rate
Toilet soap in bars, cakes and shapes; also liquid hand wash and industrial soap.
- HSN code
- 3401
- GST rate
- 5%
- Chapter
- 34: Soaps and waxes
- Before 22 Sep 2025
- 18%
What is the HSN code for soap?
Soap falls under HSN 3401, in chapter 34 (Soaps and waxes).
Heading 3401 covers soap in every form. Only toilet soap bars and cakes were cut to 5%; liquid soaps and body washes of 340130 and laundry or industrial soap remain at 18%. Detergent powders are heading 3402 at 18%.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 340111 | Toilet soap in bars, cakes or shapes (including medicated) |
| 340119 | Other soap in bars (laundry soap) |
| 340130 | Liquid or cream skin washing products (hand wash, body wash) |
GST rate on soap
The GST rate on soap is 5%. Before 22 September 2025 it was 18%. 5% on toilet soap (other than industrial soap) in bars, cakes or moulded shapes (18% before 22 September 2025). Liquid hand wash, body wash, laundry bars and industrial soap stay at 18%.
| GST rate | Within a state | Between states |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | CGST 2.5% + SGST 2.5% | IGST 5% |
Compare other goods on the GST rates list.
Which HSN digits to write on your invoice
The number of digits depends on your aggregate turnover in the previous financial year.
| Turnover last year | Digits | Write |
|---|---|---|
| Up to Rs 5 crore | 4 on B2B invoices, optional on B2C | 3401 |
| Above Rs 5 crore | 6 on every invoice | 340111, 340119, 340130 |
| Export or import | 8 on the shipping bill or bill of entry | From the Customs Tariff, chapter 34 |
Sample GST invoice line for soap
Here is how a line for soap looks on a tax invoice within one state: 144 × bar at Rs 32.00 each, taxed at 5%. The figures are an example, not a market price.
| Item | HSN | Qty | Rate (Rs) | Taxable (Rs) | CGST (Rs) | SGST (Rs) | Total (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soap | 3401 | 144 × bar | 32.00 | 4,608.00 | 115.20 | 115.20 | 4,838.40 |
Sold to a buyer in another state, the same line carries IGST of Rs 230.40 instead of CGST and SGST. Make the full invoice with the GST invoice format: it fills in the tax split, round off and amount in words.
Chapter 34 at a glance
Chapter 34 (Soaps and waxes) covers: Soap, detergents, lubricating preparations, waxes, polishes and candles.
Related HSN codes
Products often bought, sold or invoiced together with soap:
Frequently asked questions
What is the HSN code for soap?
Soap falls under HSN 3401: toilet soap in bars, cakes and shapes; also liquid hand wash and industrial soap. Common 6 digit codes are 340111 for toilet soap in bars, cakes or shapes (including medicated) and 340119 for other soap in bars (laundry soap).
What is the GST rate on soap?
5% on toilet soap (other than industrial soap) in bars, cakes or moulded shapes (18% before 22 September 2025). Liquid hand wash, body wash, laundry bars and industrial soap stay at 18%.
How many digits of the soap HSN code go on a GST invoice?
If your aggregate turnover in the previous financial year was up to Rs 5 crore, write the 4 digit code 3401 on B2B invoices (optional on B2C invoices). Above Rs 5 crore, write 6 digits, such as 340111, on every invoice. Shipping bills and bills of entry need the full 8 digit code from the Customs Tariff.
Rates checked on 13 October 2026 against the GST rate notifications in force (GST 2.0 from 22 September 2025). Descriptions are in our own words and are a guide, not a ruling: for a disputed or high value item, check the notification or ask your tax adviser.