HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3402.31 – Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale
HS code 3402.31 is the 6-digit subheading for anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap), linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale. It is used for linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA), sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate.
What HS 3402.31 covers
This HS code specifically covers anionic organic surface-active agents, focusing on linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids (LABSA) and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale. These are crucial raw materials in the production of detergents, cleaning agents, and various industrial formulations. Trade in LABSA and its salts is primarily B2B, involving chemical manufacturers, detergent producers, and industrial users globally. Major exporters are countries with significant petrochemical industries and chemical manufacturing capabilities, while importers are typically nations with large consumer goods sectors that produce detergents. Key aspects include the purity and concentration of the active agent, its biodegradability profile, and its cost-effectiveness as a primary surfactant. This code represents a foundational component in the global cleaning product supply chain.
- Covers
- Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA)
- Sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS)
- Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid
- Calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate
- Examples
- Stepan Company's Bio-Soft S-101
- Sasol's Marlican
- Clariant's Genapol LRO
- Galaxy Surfactants' Galacid
- BASF's Lutensit A-LBS
Codes often confused with 3402.31
Common mistake. This code is often confused with other anionic organic surface-active agents (340239) if the specific 'linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts' characteristic is overlooked. It can also be mistaken for finished detergent preparations (340220) if not clearly identified as a raw material.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 340231, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 340231 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $140M 13% of world exports
- 2 India $129M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $113M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $131M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $90M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $62M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 3402.31
Brazil does not split HS 3402.31: its NCM code is 3402.31.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 34.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3402.31
What is HS code 340231?
HS code 340231 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale. This HS code specifically covers anionic organic surface-active agents, focusing on linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids (LABSA) and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale. These are crucial raw materials in the production of detergents, cleaning agents, and various industrial formulations. Trade in LABSA and its salts is primarily B2B, involving chemical manufacturers, detergent producers, and industrial users globally. Major exporters are countries with significant petrochemical industries and chemical manufacturing capabilities, while importers are typically nations with large consumer goods sectors that produce detergents. Key aspects include the purity and concentration of the active agent, its biodegradability profile, and its cost-effectiveness as a primary surfactant. This code represents a foundational component in the global cleaning product supply chain.
What products fall under HS code 340231?
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA), sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 340231?
This code is often confused with other anionic organic surface-active agents (340239) if the specific 'linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts' characteristic is overlooked. It can also be mistaken for finished detergent preparations (340220) if not clearly identified as a raw material.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 340231?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 340231 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($140M, 13% of world exports), India ($129M) and Italy ($113M). World exports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 340231?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 340231 in UN Comtrade data were France ($131M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($90M) and Brazil ($62M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 340231 structured?
HS code 340231 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (34) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 340231?
In Brazil, HS code 340231 is NCM 3402.31.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.