HS Codes Chapter 34 — Soap & Cleaners

HS Chapter 34 covers soap, waxes, lubricants, cleaners — soap, detergent powders, polishes, candles and lubricant preparations. For South African importers and exporters clearing through SARS, this chapter sits at the heart of everyday customs work at OR Tambo, Cape Town Container Terminal and Durban Harbour.

Every consignment under Chapter 34 must be declared on a SAD500 using the correct 8-digit tariff heading. The duty rate, rebates and any import permits all follow from that classification. A wrong tariff heading is the single most common reason a Chapter 34 shipment is held at the port of entry.

JLog runs a Cape Town-based customs clearing service for Chapter 34 goods. Our clearing agents are registered SARS brokers — we prepare the SAD500 and clear on the same day the manifest cuts off. Whether you are importing a one-off sample or running a regular container programme, we keep the classification defensible, the duty correct and the warehouse door open.

Browse the most-requested HS codes in Chapter 34 below, or request a quote for clearing your next consignment.

What Is HS Chapter 34?

HS Chapter 34 covers soap, organic surface-active agents, washing and cleaning preparations and waxes under the South African Harmonised Tariff Schedule. SARS uses these codes to classify soap, detergent, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, furniture polish, wax polish and candles for all import and export customs declarations.

Common Chapter 34 HS Codes

Use the JLog HS Code Directory to find the specific code for your product. Each code includes the current import duty rate, VAT treatment, and customs notes.

Import Duty and VAT for HS Chapter 34

Goods in HS Chapter 34 are subject to South African import duty plus 15% VAT on the ATV (FOB customs value + 10% uplift for non-SACU origin + non-rebated duty). Duty rates vary by subheading — check the individual HS code pages or contact JLog for a landed cost calculation.

Importing Chapter 34 Goods into South Africa

To import soap, detergent, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, furniture polish, wax polish and candles into South Africa, you must be registered with SARS as an importer. All goods must be declared on a SAD500 customs declaration. JLog’s TradeReady service handles SARS importer registration, and our customs clearance team manages all SARS submissions.

Shipping Chapter 34 Goods with JLog

JLog handles the full import and export process for goods in HS Chapter 34 — from freight quotes and carrier booking to customs clearance, SARS submission management, and delivery to your door.

Contact JLog: [email protected] | 021 300 6099

Frequently Asked Questions

What duty applies to soap, organic surface-active agents, washing and cleaning preparations and waxes?
Duty rates vary by subheading within HS Chapter 34. Use the HS code search above to find the specific rate, or contact JLog for a customs classification consultation.

Do I need a permit to import soap, detergent, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, furniture polish, wax polish and candles?
Permit and compliance requirements vary by HS subheading and end-use within Chapter 34. Some lines may require ITAC import permits, product compliance certificates or origin certificates to claim a preferential rate. Check the individual HS code page or contact JLog for a per-product check.

Can JLog clear soap, detergent, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, furniture polish, wax polish and candles through SARS for me?
Yes. JLog provides full customs clearance for all goods in HS Chapter 34, including document preparation, SARS submission, and query management. Contact us for a quote.

Related JLog Services

• Customs Clearance South Africa — Full SARS clearance service
• ClearSA — Real-time customs monitoring platform
• TradeReady — SARS importer/exporter registration
• HS Code Directory — Browse all South African tariff codes

Last updated: 2026. Source: SARS Harmonised Tariff Schedule.