About HS Code 340241
This HS code covers cationic organic surface-active agents, excluding soap, whether or not put up for retail sale. Cationic surfactants are distinct due to their positive charge and are widely used for their conditioning, antistatic, antimicrobial, and fabric softening properties. They are crucial ingredients in hair conditioners, fabric softeners, disinfectants, and certain industrial processes. Trade in these specialized chemicals is primarily B2B, serving the personal care, textile, and institutional cleaning industries. Exporters are typically countries with sophisticated chemical manufacturing capabilities, while importers are global, driven by demand for specific product functionalities. Key aspects include the specific chemical structure (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds), performance in formulations, regulatory approvals for antimicrobial claims, and environmental considerations. This category is essential for products requiring surface modification or germicidal action.
Products Under This Code
Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, stearalkonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, distearyldimonium chloride
Real World Examples
Lonza's Bardac (Benzalkonium Chloride), Evonik's Rewoquat (Cetrimonium Chloride), Stepan Company's Ammonyx (Stearalkonium Chloride), Croda's Incroquat Behenyl TMS (Behentrimonium Methosulfate), Clariant's Genamin CTAC (Cetrimonium Chloride)
Common Misclassification
This code is often confused with anionic (34023x) or non-ionic (340242) surfactants, as all are surface-active agents, but the 'cationic' nature is the defining characteristic. It can also be mistaken for finished cosmetic preparations (3305) if the product is a blend for retail sale but the primary function is still the surfactant itself.
Products Classified Under 3402.41
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
The USA, Germany, and China are major exporters, supplying personal care, textile, and disinfectant manufacturers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 340241?
HS code 340241 covers: Organic surface-active agents; cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale. This HS code covers cationic organic surface-active agents, excluding soap, whether or not put up for retail sale. Cationic surfactants are distinct due to their positive charge and are widely used for their conditioning, antistatic, antimicrobial, and fabric softening properties. They are crucial ingredients in hair conditioners, fabric softeners, disinfectants, and certain industrial processes. Trade in these specialized chemicals is primarily B2B, serving the personal care, textile, and institutional cleaning industries. Exporters are typically countries with sophisticated chemical manufacturing capabilities, while importers are global, driven by demand for specific product functionalities. Key aspects include the specific chemical structure (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds), performance in formulations, regulatory approvals for antimicrobial claims, and environmental considerations. This category is essential for products requiring surface modification or germicidal action.
What products fall under HS code 340241?
Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, stearalkonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, distearyldimonium chloride
What are common misclassifications for HS code 340241?
This code is often confused with anionic (34023x) or non-ionic (340242) surfactants, as all are surface-active agents, but the 'cationic' nature is the defining characteristic. It can also be mistaken for finished cosmetic preparations (3305) if the product is a blend for retail sale but the primary function is still the surfactant itself.
How is HS code 340241 structured?
HS code 340241 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 (41) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.