Heading 3402

Organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401

22 declarable lines

Heading 3402 covers organic surface-active agents other than soap, plus surface-active preparations, washing preparations and cleaning preparations that are not classified in heading 3401. The heading splits first by whether the goods are the surface-active agent itself (subheadings 3402.31 through 3402.49, divided into anionic, cationic, non-ionic and other) or a preparation (3402.50 for goods put up for retail sale, 3402.90 for other washing, cleaning and detergent preparations). Rates in the heading range from free to 6.5% general (MFN).

Products in this heading

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid used as a detergent raw material
Laundry detergent powder sold in bulk to formulators
Dishwashing liquid put up for retail sale
Cationic fabric softener concentrate
Non-ionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactant
Industrial degreasing and cleaning preparation
Synthetic detergent powder for institutional use
Wetting agent for textile processing

How to choose the right subheading

Whether the good is an organic surface-active agent as such or a preparation containing one
The ionic type of the agent: anionic, cationic, non-ionic or other
Whether the surface-active agent is aromatic or modified aromatic
Whether the preparation is put up for retail sale, which sends it to 3402.50
For non-retail preparations, the end use: synthetic detergent, washing preparation or cleaning preparation

Often confused with

Bar soap and soap-based skin washing products
Soap and organic surface-active products in bars or for washing the skin are covered by heading 3401
Heading 3401
Lubricating and antirust preparations
Lubricating preparations and mold release preparations belong to heading 3403
Heading 3403
Artificial waxes and prepared waxes
Waxes are classified in heading 3404, not as surface-active preparations
Heading 3404
Furniture and floor polishes
Polishes, creams and scouring preparations are heading 3405 goods
Heading 3405
Dental impression compounds and modeling pastes
These are specifically provided for in heading 3407
Heading 3407

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for an aromatic anionic surface-active agent?

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and their salts that are aromatic classify in 3402.31.10.00 at 6.5% general (MFN). Other aromatic anionic agents go in 3402.39.10.00 at 4% general (MFN).

What is the duty on a cleaning preparation put up for retail sale?

If it contains an aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agent it is 3402.50.11.00 at 4% general (MFN). If it does not, it is 3402.50.51.00, which is free.

How do I classify a non-ionic surfactant?

Non-ionic agents of fatty substance origin that are polyethers classify in 3402.42.20.10 at 4% general (MFN), and other non-ionic agents go in 3402.42.90.00 at 3.7% general (MFN).

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.