HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 3817.00 – Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading no. 2707 or 2902

HS code 3817.00 is the 6-digit subheading for mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading no. 2707 or 2902. It is used for linear alkylbenzene (LAB), branched alkylbenzene, mixed alkylnaphthalene, dodecylbenzene and tetradecylbenzene.

What HS 3817.00 covers

This HS code covers mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, which are complex organic chemical mixtures primarily used as intermediates in the production of detergents, lubricants, and other specialty chemicals. These are distinct from pure aromatic hydrocarbons or petroleum oils. Major importers and exporters are large petrochemical companies and chemical manufacturers globally. The trade in these mixtures is driven by the demand for downstream products, particularly surfactants for household and industrial cleaning. Quality specifications, such as linearity and purity, are critical for their intended applications, influencing their performance in final products.

Covers
  • Linear alkylbenzene (LAB)
  • Branched alkylbenzene
  • Mixed alkylnaphthalene
  • Dodecylbenzene
  • Tetradecylbenzene
  • Tridecylbenzene
  • Nonylbenzene
Examples
  • Sasol LAB
  • Chevron Phillips Chemical alkylbenzenes
  • Huntsman alkylnaphthalenes
  • Indorama Ventures LAB
  • CEPSA LAB

Codes often confused with 3817.00

Common mistake. Can be confused with pure aromatic hydrocarbons (2902) or petroleum oils (2707) if their 'mixed' nature and specific chemical structure as intermediates for detergents are not properly distinguished. The 'mixed' aspect is crucial.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 381700, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 381700 in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 17% 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. 1 Saudi Arabia $623M
  2. 2 United States $262M
  3. 3 Canada $211M

World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $451M
  2. 2 Nigeria $228M
  3. 3 Mexico $211M

World total: $2.7B 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 codes for 3817.00 2

Brazil splits HS 3817.00 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 3817.00.10 Mixed alkylbenzenesMisturas de alquilbenzenos
  2. 3817.00.20 Mixed alkylnaphthalenesMisturas de alquilnaftalenos

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.17 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 3817.00

What is HS code 381700?

HS code 381700 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading no. 2707 or 2902. This HS code covers mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, which are complex organic chemical mixtures primarily used as intermediates in the production of detergents, lubricants, and other specialty chemicals. These are distinct from pure aromatic hydrocarbons or petroleum oils. Major importers and exporters are large petrochemical companies and chemical manufacturers globally. The trade in these mixtures is driven by the demand for downstream products, particularly surfactants for household and industrial cleaning. Quality specifications, such as linearity and purity, are critical for their intended applications, influencing their performance in final products.

What products fall under HS code 381700?

Linear alkylbenzene (LAB), branched alkylbenzene, mixed alkylnaphthalene, dodecylbenzene, tetradecylbenzene, tridecylbenzene, nonylbenzene

What are common misclassifications for HS code 381700?

Can be confused with pure aromatic hydrocarbons (2902) or petroleum oils (2707) if their 'mixed' nature and specific chemical structure as intermediates for detergents are not properly distinguished. The 'mixed' aspect is crucial.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 381700?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 381700 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($623M, 28% of world exports), the United States ($262M) and Canada ($211M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 381700?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 381700 in UN Comtrade data were India ($451M, 17% of world imports), Nigeria ($228M) and Mexico ($211M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 381700 structured?

HS code 381700 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (17) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 381700?

Brazil splits HS code 381700 into 2 NCM codes: 3817.00.10 (Mixed alkylbenzenes), 3817.00.20 (Mixed alkylnaphthalenes). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.