HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3402.42 – Organic surface-active agents; non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale
HS code 3402.42 is the 6-digit subheading for organic surface-active agents, non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale. It is used for alcohol ethoxylates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides, fatty acid ethoxylates and polysorbates.
What HS 3402.42 covers
This code covers non-ionic organic surface-active agents, whether or not prepared for retail sale. These versatile chemicals are crucial components in a vast array of products, from household detergents and personal care items to industrial cleaners and agricultural formulations. Non-ionic surfactants are particularly valued for their excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties, often performing well in hard water and being compatible with other surfactant types. Major chemical manufacturers and specialty formulators are key players in the international trade of these goods, supplying industries globally. Importers often seek specific non-ionic types for their unique applications, while exporters leverage economies of scale in production. Key things to know include the specific chemical structure (e.g., ethoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides) which dictates performance, and the increasing demand for bio-based or environmentally friendly alternatives.
- Covers
- Alcohol ethoxylates
- Nonylphenol ethoxylates
- Alkyl polyglucosides
- Fatty acid ethoxylates
- Polysorbates
- Sorbitan esters
- Ethoxylated fatty alcohols
- Examples
- Dow Tergitol
- BASF Lutensol
- Croda Tween
- Stepan Bio-Soft
- Clariant Genapol
Codes often confused with 3402.42
Common mistake. These can be confused with anionic (340241) or cationic (340249) surfactants due to their similar end-use, but their chemical structure and charge differentiate them. They also differ from general cleaning preparations (340250) which are formulated mixtures.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 340242, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 340242 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.5% 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 China $1.3B 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.1B 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $799M 12% of world exports
World total: $6.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $417M 6.5% of world imports
- 2 China $374M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 Italy $360M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $6.4B 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 3402.42
Brazil does not split HS 3402.42: its NCM code is 3402.42.00.
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 3402.42
What is HS code 340242?
HS code 340242 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Organic surface-active agents; non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale. This code covers non-ionic organic surface-active agents, whether or not prepared for retail sale. These versatile chemicals are crucial components in a vast array of products, from household detergents and personal care items to industrial cleaners and agricultural formulations. Non-ionic surfactants are particularly valued for their excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties, often performing well in hard water and being compatible with other surfactant types. Major chemical manufacturers and specialty formulators are key players in the international trade of these goods, supplying industries globally. Importers often seek specific non-ionic types for their unique applications, while exporters leverage economies of scale in production. Key things to know include the specific chemical structure (e.g., ethoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides) which dictates performance, and the increasing demand for bio-based or environmentally friendly alternatives.
What products fall under HS code 340242?
Alcohol ethoxylates, Nonylphenol ethoxylates, Alkyl polyglucosides, Fatty acid ethoxylates, Polysorbates, Sorbitan esters, Ethoxylated fatty alcohols
What are common misclassifications for HS code 340242?
These can be confused with anionic (340241) or cationic (340249) surfactants due to their similar end-use, but their chemical structure and charge differentiate them. They also differ from general cleaning preparations (340250) which are formulated mixtures.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 340242?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 340242 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 19% of world exports), Germany ($1.1B) and the United States ($799M). World exports came to about $6.5B, 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 340242?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 340242 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($417M, 6.5% of world imports), China ($374M) and Italy ($360M). World imports came to about $6.4B, 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 340242 structured?
HS code 340242 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 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 340242?
In Brazil, HS code 340242 is NCM 3402.42.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.