Product classification
HS code for Cationic surfactant: 3402.41
Organic surface-active agents, cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale.
Classification of cationic surfactant under HS 3402.41
Cationic surfactants are classified under HS code 3402.41 because they are organic surface-active agents where the hydrophilic part of the molecule carries a positive charge (cation) when dissolved in water. These substances are distinct from soaps and are primarily used for their unique properties such as fabric softening, hair conditioning, and antimicrobial action. The classification within heading 3402 is determined by the chemical nature of the surfactant's active component. Under the 2022 HS nomenclature updates, the subheadings for surface-active agents were restructured, and 3402.41 specifically captures those of a cationic nature that are not put up for retail sale as finished detergents, although the code also covers them if they are. The classification is based on the chemical structure rather than the final application, provided the product meets the criteria for an organic surface-active agent as defined in the Chapter 34 legal notes.
- Covers
- Quaternary ammonium salts
- Benzalkonium chloride
- Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)
- Stearalkonium chloride
- Fatty amine salts used as surfactants
- Also under 3402.41
- 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)
Codes often confused with 3402.41
Common mistake. Cationic surfactants are often confused with 3402.42 (anionic) or 3402.49 (non-ionic) surfactants. Another common error is 3808.94 if the product is marketed primarily as a disinfectant rather than a surface-active agent. Additionally, if the product is a finished washing preparation containing these agents, it may be moved to 3402.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340241 (the code used for cationic surfactant), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340241 (the code used for cationic surfactant) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.1% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 340241, not only cationic surfactant.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $255M 37% of world exports
- 2 United States $82M 12% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $73M 10% of world exports
World total: $698M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $52M 8.1% of world imports
- 2 Canada $50M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$42M 6.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $636M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 cationic surfactant
Brazil splits HS 3402.41 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3402.41.10Oleylamine acetate
- 3402.41.90Other cationic surface-active agents
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cationic surfactant
What is the HS code for Cationic surfactant?
The HS code for Cationic surfactant is 340241 (Organic surface-active agents; cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale). The primary HS code for cationic organic surface-active agents is 3402.41.
How do I classify Cationic surfactant for customs?
Cationic surfactant is classified under HS code 340241 — Organic surface-active agents; cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Difference between 3402.41 and 3402.90?
3402.41 is for the chemically defined surface-active agent itself, while 3402.90 is for surface-active preparations or washing preparations that contain these agents mixed with other ingredients.
Which countries are the top exporters of cationic surfactant (HS 340241)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340241 (the code used for cationic surfactant) in UN Comtrade data were China ($255M, 37% of world exports), the United States ($82M) and South Korea ($73M). World exports came to about $698M, 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 cationic surfactant (HS 340241)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340241 (the code used for cationic surfactant) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($52M, 8.1% of world imports), Canada ($50M) and Vietnam (about $42M). World imports came to about $636M, 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.
Is the HS code for Cationic surfactant the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340241 for Cationic surfactant is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for cationic surfactant in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 340241 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cationic surfactant depends on the product's details: 3402.41.10 (Oleylamine acetate), 3402.41.90 (Other cationic surface-active agents).