Toiletry and sanitary preparations, as well as general cleaning preparations, are usually in Class 3, the main exception being when they are used for medical purposes, in which case they are in Cl. 5.
There are in fact a number of preparations which could possibly be included in other classes that are classified in Class 3 when they are used for cosmetic, cleaning or laundry purposes. For example, ammonia is in Cl. 1 when used for industrial purposes but in Class 3 when used as a detergent, and lotions can be in Cl. 5 when used for pharmaceutical purposes, but in Class 3 when used for cosmetic purposes. Some products, however, are always in Class 3 regardless of purpose, such as essential oils and perfumes.
Goods used for personal hygiene or sanitary purposes can be classified in either Class 3 or Cl. 5 depending on their nature or function. Thus, whilst soaps and shampoos in general belong to Class 3, medicated soaps and shampoos are in Cl. 5. Similarly, products intended for use with animals can be divided in the same way so shampoos for animals are in Class 3 but medicated and insecticidal shampoos for animals are in Cl. 5.
Class 3 largely consists of preparations. However, there are some consumer articles included in this class when they are used for one of the Class 3 purposes or impregnated with a Class 3 preparation, for example, abrasive paper, alum stones, pumice stones, or cloths impregnated with cosmetic lotions or a detergent for cleaning. Articles such as cotton sticks are classified according to their purpose, hence in Class 3 when for cosmetic purposes but in Cl. 5 when for medical purposes.
It should also be noted that, generally, Class 3 does not include apparatus. Cosmetic utensils and cleaning articles for household purposes, such as electric toothbrushes, combs, and cloths for cleaning, are more commonly classified in Cl. 21.