1. What qualifications and certifications are required for importing and exporting soap?

Under the latest international trade environment in 2025, soap import and export must meet dual certification requirements:

• Basic Qualifications
  • Customs import and export operation rights (customs registration required)
  • Product HS code classification (usually classified under 3401).
  • Certificate of Origin (Applicable to Preferential Tariff Countries)
• Special certification
  • EU Market: REACH Regulation Certification, CPNP Cosmetic Notification
  • U.S. Market: FDA Cosmetic Establishment Registration (Electronic Submission Implementation Starting from 2024)
  • Middle East Market: Dual Requirements of GCC Certification and Halal Certification

2. How to Choose Professional SoapExport agent?

According to the procurement standards of Fortune 500 companies, it is recommended to evaluate the following dimensions:

• Industry experience: Priority will be given to service providers with over 3 years of experience in handling daily chemical product cases.
• Service Network: Ensure there is aCustoms clearancePartners (such as the EU requiring an OR authorized representative)
• Compliance capability: Verify whether the company holds advanced customs certifications such as AEO certification.
• Additional Services: Offer value-added service capabilities such as packaging improvement and label localization.

III. How to Accurately Control the Import and Export Costs of Soap?

Against the backdrop of rising logistics costs in 2025, a three-tier control method is recommended:

• Procurement link: Optimizing tariff classification through component analysis (fatty acid salt content affects tax rate)
• The transportation link:
  • Bulk shipping option: 40HQ container (capable of loading 18-22 tons of soap).
  • Small batch shipments adopt the LCL consolidation + bonded warehouse distribution model.
• Customs clearance: Apply for the RCEP Certificate of Origin in advance (tariff reductions for ASEAN countries range from 8-12%).

IV. What are the common issues encountered during customs clearance for soap?

Customs data statistics from the past three years indicate that high-frequency issues include:

• Incorrect ingredient labeling (misclassification of natural soap base and synthetic soap base).
• Defect in shelf life labeling (EU requires "period after opening" indication).
• Excessive microbial count (the EU will tighten the total colony count standard to 500 CFU/g by 2025)
• Transport temperature out of control (cold-process soap requires a transportation environment below 25°C).

5. What are the new trends in the international soap market?

Three key trends to watch closely in 2025:

• The demand for CBD-infused soap in the North American market is growing (with an annual growth rate of 27%).
• The new EU regulations require full traceability of all ingredients (including palm oil, for which RSPO certification must be provided).
• The Middle Eastern market is witnessing a rise in multifunctional soaps (containing traditional medicinal ingredients such as saffron).

VI. How does the agency service ensure post-sales compliance?

Professional agents should provide full-cycle compliance management:

• Product Recall Mechanism: Establishment of EU SCIP Database Filing
• Regulatory Update Alert: Monthly reports on regulatory changes in target markets.
• Quality Dispute Resolution: Assistance in preparing professional documents such as IFRA certificates.
• Tax Retrospective Service: Retain original documents to meet the EU's 6-year retrospective period requirements.