HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3402.49 – Organic surface-active agents; whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in item no. 3402
HS code 3402.49 is the 6-digit subheading for organic surface-active agents, whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in item no. 3402. It is used for amphoteric surfactants, betaines, sulfosuccinates, polymeric surfactants and fluorosurfactants.
What HS 3402.49 covers
This category encompasses organic surface-active agents not elsewhere specified in heading 3402, covering a diverse range of specialized or less common surfactant types, whether or not put up for retail sale. This 'basket' code captures a wide array of chemical compounds that serve specific, often niche, functions across various industries. These can include amphoteric surfactants, certain polymeric surfactants, or novel chemistries developed for particular performance requirements in fields like oil and gas, mining, textiles, or advanced materials. Trade in these goods is often driven by specialized chemical companies and research-intensive firms, catering to industrial clients who require tailored solutions. Importers are typically manufacturers seeking unique functional additives, while exporters are often innovators in chemical synthesis. Understanding the specific application and chemical properties is paramount for accurate classification and trade.
- Covers
- Amphoteric surfactants
- Betaines
- Sulfosuccinates
- Polymeric surfactants
- Fluorosurfactants
- Silicone surfactants
- Amine oxides
- Examples
- Evonik Tego Betain
- Solvay Miranol
- 3M Novec
- Dow Corning Sylgard
- Stepan Ammonyx
Codes often confused with 3402.49
Common mistake. This code is a residual category and can be confused with more specific surfactant types like non-ionic (340242) or anionic (340241) if their primary characteristics are overlooked. It's also distinct from formulated cleaning preparations (340250, 340290).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 340249, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 340249 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.7% 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 $173M 14% of world exports
- 2 Germany $136M 11% of world exports
- 3 Spain $91M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $81M 6.7% of world imports
- 2 France $71M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $60M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 3402.49
Brazil does not split HS 3402.49: its NCM code is 3402.49.00.
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 3402.49
What is HS code 340249?
HS code 340249 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Organic surface-active agents; whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in item no. 3402. This category encompasses organic surface-active agents not elsewhere specified in heading 3402, covering a diverse range of specialized or less common surfactant types, whether or not put up for retail sale. This 'basket' code captures a wide array of chemical compounds that serve specific, often niche, functions across various industries. These can include amphoteric surfactants, certain polymeric surfactants, or novel chemistries developed for particular performance requirements in fields like oil and gas, mining, textiles, or advanced materials. Trade in these goods is often driven by specialized chemical companies and research-intensive firms, catering to industrial clients who require tailored solutions. Importers are typically manufacturers seeking unique functional additives, while exporters are often innovators in chemical synthesis. Understanding the specific application and chemical properties is paramount for accurate classification and trade.
What products fall under HS code 340249?
Amphoteric surfactants, Betaines, Sulfosuccinates, Polymeric surfactants, Fluorosurfactants, Silicone surfactants, Amine oxides
What are common misclassifications for HS code 340249?
This code is a residual category and can be confused with more specific surfactant types like non-ionic (340242) or anionic (340241) if their primary characteristics are overlooked. It's also distinct from formulated cleaning preparations (340250, 340290).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 340249?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 340249 in UN Comtrade data were China ($173M, 14% of world exports), Germany ($136M) and Spain ($91M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 340249?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 340249 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($81M, 6.7% of world imports), France ($71M) and the United Kingdom ($60M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 340249 structured?
HS code 340249 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 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 340249?
In Brazil, HS code 340249 is NCM 3402.49.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.