What is HS code 340231 used for?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
340231
Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale
Heading 3402 — Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401
Chapter 34: Soap, waxes, polishing preparations
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 340231 when importing or exporting anionic organic surface-active agents, specifically linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids. These are commonly used in household and industrial cleaning products. For example, a shipment of liquid laundry detergent containing these agents falls under this code.
This code is distinct from HS-6 340211, which covers nonionic organic surface-active agents. If your product contains nonionic agents instead of anionic ones, you'll need to classify it differently. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper tariff classification.
The 340231 classification applies to products that may be sold in bulk or retail packaging, but they must contain linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids. If your product is a cleaning solution with these specific ingredients, it fits here.
When considering similar products, remember that HS-6 340239 includes other anionic surface-active agents not specifically covered by 340231. If your product doesn't contain linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids but is still an anionic agent, you might look at that code instead.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
anionic surfactants · linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids · cleaning products · laundry detergents · dishwashing liquids · industrial cleaners · surface-active agents · retail packaging · bulk cleaning agents · household cleaners · fabric softeners · car wash soaps · heavy-duty degreasers · all-purpose cleaners
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Liquid laundry detergents containing linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids
- Dishwashing liquids with anionic surfactants
- Industrial cleaning agents formulated with linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids
- Surface cleaners in spray bottles containing these agents
- Car wash soaps that include linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids
- Fabric softeners with anionic surfactants
- Heavy-duty degreasers for automotive use containing this compound
- Household all-purpose cleaners with linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Are laundry detergents covered under HS 340231?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What products fall under HS code 340231?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Difference between HS 340231 and HS 340211?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I use HS 340231 for bulk cleaning agents?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are anionic organic surface-active agents?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to determine the correct HS code for surfactants?
Match the product to the legal wording, then verify the final pick in your country tariff schedule before filing.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
How to classify cleaning products with linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What are the requirements for HS code 340231 classification
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
Examples of products under HS 340231 for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Differences between anionic and nonionic surfactants in HS codes
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Guidelines for using HS code 340231 for detergents
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Understanding the use of HS 340231 for industrial cleaners
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
How to identify anionic organic surface-active agents
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What to do if my product contains multiple types of surfactants
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products are classified under HS code 340231?
- HS code 340231 covers anionic organic surface-active agents, specifically linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids, found in products like laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and industrial cleaners.
- How do I know if my product fits under HS 340231?
- If your product contains linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids as a primary ingredient, it likely qualifies for HS 340231. Check your product formulation to confirm.
- What is the difference between HS 340231 and HS 340239?
- HS 340231 is for linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids, while HS 340239 covers other anionic surface-active agents that do not fall under the specific linear alkylbenzene category.
- Can I use HS 340231 for products sold in retail packaging?
- Yes, HS 340231 applies to both bulk and retail packaged products containing linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids.
- Are there any specific regulations for importing products under HS 340231?
- Check with your local customs authority for any specific regulations or requirements for importing products classified under HS 340231, as they can vary by country.
- What should I do if my product contains both anionic and nonionic surfactants?
- You will need to classify your product based on the predominant type of surfactant. If anionic surfactants are the main component, use HS 340231; otherwise, consider HS 340211 for nonionic surfactants.
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