Washing powder HSN Code

Understanding Washing Powder HSN Code

Washing powder, a ubiquitous household item, plays a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness. For businesses dealing in this everyday essential, understanding its Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code and the associated Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates is paramount for compliance and smooth operations. While the term “washing powder” seems simple, its classification under the GST framework requires a closer look. Let’s dive into the details to identify the correct HSN code for this laundry staple.

The HSN Code for Washing Powder

Based on the provided data, the most relevant HSN codes for washing powder fall under a specific chapter dedicated to cleaning preparations. The data lists a significant chapter that directly addresses such products:

• Chapter 34 – Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of: This chapter clearly encompasses “washing preparations.” Within this chapter, the data points to HSN codes like:
  • 3405: This broad category covers “Polishes And Creams, For Footwear, Furniture, Floors, Coachwork, Glass Or Metal, Scouring Pastes And Powders And Similar Preparations.” While it includes “Scouring Pastes And Powders,” which might seem related to cleaning, specific washing powders for laundry are more accurately found elsewhere in this chapter.
  • More specifically, other external resources (as indicated by my search) confirm that 3402 is the primary HSN heading for “Organic surface-active agents (other than soap), surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401.”
    • Within 3402, various sub-headings exist, such as 34022090 (Preparations put up for retail sale: Other), 34029011 (Washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations having a basis of soap or other organic surface active agents – Synthetic detergents), and 34029099 (Other). These are the most common classifications for washing powder/detergent powder.

The other HSN codes listed in the provided data under Chapter 84 (Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof) specifically refer to “Machinery For Sorting, Screening, Separating, Washing, Crushing, Grinding, Mixing Or Kneading Earth, Stone, Ores Or Other Mineral Substances, In Solid (Including Powder Or Paste) Form.” These codes are for industrial machinery that process powders, not the washing powder itself. Therefore, these are not applicable to the product “washing powder.”

Therefore, for washing powder, the most appropriate HSN code series is 3402, which explicitly covers “washing preparations.”

Understanding the GST Rate on Washing Powder

For products falling under HSN code 3402, including washing powders, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate is consistently 18%. This rate has been effective since July 1, 2017.

It’s important to differentiate this from some older or less common classifications that might have seen different rates in the past, but for standard washing powders, 18% is the applicable rate.