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.
HS-6 · Subheading
340239
Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); other than 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 340239 when importing or exporting anionic organic surface-active agents that aren't classified as soap. These agents are often used in cleaning products and can be found in bulk or retail packaging. For example, a shipment of a concentrated detergent formulation containing these agents would fall under this code.
This code specifically covers anionic organic surface-active agents, which are commonly used in household and industrial cleaning products. Unlike HS-6 340211, which pertains to linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids, this code includes a broader range of anionic agents that do not fall into that specific category.
If you're dealing with products like laundry detergents or surface cleaners that contain these types of agents but are not classified as soap, 340239 is the right choice. This contrasts with HS-6 340220, which covers non-soap surface-active agents that are cationic or amphoteric.
When considering HS-6 340239, remember that it encompasses products not put up for retail sale as well. If your product is sold in bulk to manufacturers for further processing or formulation, this code still applies.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
anionic surfactants · cleaning products · bulk detergents · non-soap agents · industrial cleaners · laundry detergents · surface-active agents · chemical formulations · car wash products · non-retail packaging · detergent powders · commercial cleaning agents · carpet cleaners · professional cleaning solutions
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Bulk shipment of anionic surfactants for industrial cleaning applications
- Concentrated liquid detergent containing anionic agents, not in retail packaging
- Chemical formulation for car wash products with anionic surfactants
- Laundry detergent powder with anionic organic surface-active agents
- Cleaning agent for commercial kitchens featuring non-soap anionic surfactants
- Industrial degreaser containing anionic organic surface-active agents
- Concentrated carpet cleaner with anionic surfactants, sold in large containers
- Non-retail liquid soap alternative with anionic properties for professional use
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify cleaning products with HS codes?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Is HS-6 340239 for bulk or retail products?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What types of products fall under HS-6 340239?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Difference between HS-6 340239 and HS-6 340211?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I use HS-6 340239 for laundry detergents?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are examples of anionic surfactants in trade?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to determine the right 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 anionic organic surface-active agents for import?
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
What products are included under HS-6 340239 for trade?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Understanding the differences between HS-6 340239 and other surfactants
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Best practices for using HS-6 340239 for cleaning agents
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Are there specific regulations for importing anionic surfactants?
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
How to identify non-soap surface-active agents for customs?
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
What documentation is needed for HS-6 340239 shipments?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Can I use HS-6 340239 for industrial cleaning products?
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-6 340239?
- HS-6 340239 covers anionic organic surface-active agents used in various cleaning products, including bulk detergents and industrial cleaners.
- Is HS-6 340239 applicable for retail cleaning products?
- Yes, HS-6 340239 can apply to retail products, but it also includes bulk shipments not packaged for retail sale.
- What is the difference between HS-6 340239 and HS-6 340211?
- HS-6 340239 includes a wider range of anionic surfactants, while HS-6 340211 specifically covers linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids.
- Can I use HS-6 340239 for laundry detergents?
- Yes, if the laundry detergent contains anionic organic surface-active agents, it falls under HS-6 340239.
- What documentation do I need for importing products under HS-6 340239?
- You will typically need a commercial invoice, packing list, and possibly a safety data sheet (SDS) for chemical products.
- Are there any specific regulations for anionic surfactants?
- Yes, regulations may vary by country, so it's important to check local regulations regarding chemical imports.
- How can I determine the right HS code for my surfactant product?
- Review the product composition and compare it with the definitions in the HS code structure to find the most accurate classification.
- What are some examples of products that use HS-6 340239?
- Examples include concentrated liquid detergents, industrial degreasers, and cleaning agents for commercial use.
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