3405.40.00.00 - Scouring pastes and powders and other scouring preparations

This HTS category, 3405.40.00.00, encompasses a range of abrasive cleaning products designed for household and industrial use. It specifically includes scouring pastes and powders, as well as other similar preparations intended for the removal of dirt, grime, and stains from surfaces. These products typically contain abrasive particles such as silica, pumice, or metal oxides suspended in a detergent or soap base, or in a paste or powder form. Examples include common household scouring powders and pastes used for cleaning sinks, ovens, and bathtubs.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its sibling headings. Unlike 3405.10.00.00 (polishes for footwear or leather), 3405.20.00.00 (polishes for furniture and woodwork), or 3405.30.00.00 (polishes for coachwork), these products are primarily intended for cleaning and abrasive action, rather than for imparting shine or protection. While some overlap in application might occur, the principal function of goods classified under 3405.40.00.00 is abrasive removal of unwanted material.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subdivisions within this specific HTS code. Therefore, classification hinges on identifying whether a product's primary purpose and composition align with the definition of scouring pastes, powders, or similar abrasive preparations. The absence of any exclusion clauses, such as waxes of heading 3404, further solidifies the scope of this category for abrasive cleaning compounds.