3401.30 - Organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap:

This HTS category, 3401.30, specifically addresses organic surface-active products and preparations designed for washing the skin. The key defining characteristics for inclusion here are the product's form – liquid or cream – and its presentation for retail sale. This encompasses a wide range of personal cleansing items such as liquid soaps, body washes, hand creams, and facial cleansers that are formulated to lather and cleanse the skin. The presence of soap itself is not a strict requirement; many products within this classification rely on synthetic detergents to achieve their cleaning function.

Unlike the sibling category 3401.20, which covers soap in solid forms like bars or cakes, or other forms not specified, 3401.30 is exclusively for liquid or cream preparations. Furthermore, it differentiates itself from the preceding sibling category under 3401.10, which pertains to soap and organic surface-active products in solid forms, paper, or nonwoven materials treated with these agents for retail sale. The emphasis on liquid or cream form and retail packaging is crucial for distinguishing items classified under 3401.30.

The subcategories within 3401.30 allow for further refinement based on the presence of specific types of surface-active agents. 3401.30.10.00 is designated for products that contain aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agents, indicating a specific chemical composition. The residual category, 3401.30.50.00, covers all other liquid or cream skin-washing preparations that do not fall under the aromatic agent criteria, providing a comprehensive classification for all eligible retail-packaged skin cleansers.