Product classification
HS code for Detergent raw material: 3402.39
Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap), other than linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale.
Classification of detergent raw material under HS 3402.39
Detergent raw materials that function as anionic organic surface-active agents are classified under HS code 3402.39. This classification is part of Chapter 34, which encompasses soap, organic surface-active agents, and washing preparations. The specific subheading 3402.39 is a residual category for anionic agents that are not linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids (LAS) or their salts. Anionic surfactants are characterized by a negatively charged hydrophilic group and are the most widely used surfactants in the detergent industry due to their excellent cleaning properties and ability to lift oily stains. To be classified here, the substance must be an organic chemical that, when mixed with water at a concentration of 0.5% at 20 degrees Celsius, reduces the surface tension of the water to 4.5 x 10^-2 N/m or less. This code is typically used for bulk chemical shipments intended for further processing into finished laundry or dishwashing detergents.
- Covers
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES)
- Alpha Olefin Sulfonates (AOS)
- Fatty alcohol sulfates (excluding LAS)
- Secondary alkane sulfonates
- Methyl ester sulfonates
- Also under 3402.39
- BASF's Texapon N 70 (SLES)
- Croda's Crodasinic LS30 (Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate)
- Evonik's Rewopol SBL 203 (Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate)
- Stepan Company's Alpha-Step MC-48 (AOS)
- Solvay's Miranol Ultra L 32 (Sodium Lauroamphoacetate)
Codes often confused with 3402.39
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these materials under 3402.31, which is specifically for linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids (LAS) and their salts. Another common mistake is using 3402.50 or 3402.90, which are intended for finished detergent preparations put up for retail sale or bulk mixtures, rather than pure surface-active agents. Additionally, if the material is a non-ionic surfactant, it must be classified under 3402.42 instead of 3402.39.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340239 (the code used for detergent raw material), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340239 (the code used for detergent raw material) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 5.4% 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 340239, not only detergent raw material.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $983M 27% of world exports
- 2 Germany $522M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $299M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $194M 5.4% of world imports
- 2 France $178M 5.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $174M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 detergent raw material
Brazil splits HS 3402.39 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3402.39.10Sodium dibutylnaphthalene sulphate
- 3402.39.20Sodium N-methyl-N-oleyltaurate
- 3402.39.30Sodium secondary alkylsulphonate
- 3402.39.90Other anionic surface-active agents
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about detergent raw material
What is the HS code for Detergent raw material?
The HS code for Detergent raw material is 340239 (Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); other than linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale). For anionic organic surface-active agents (excluding LAS), the correct HS code is 3402.39.
How do I classify Detergent raw material for customs?
Detergent raw material is classified under HS code 340239 — Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); other than linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is SLES classified under this code?
Yes, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant and is commonly classified under 3402.39 when imported as a raw material.
Which countries are the top exporters of detergent raw material (HS 340239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340239 (the code used for detergent raw material) in UN Comtrade data were China ($983M, 27% of world exports), Germany ($522M) and the United States ($299M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of detergent raw material (HS 340239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340239 (the code used for detergent raw material) in UN Comtrade data were China ($194M, 5.4% of world imports), France ($178M) and the United States ($174M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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 Detergent raw material the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340239 for Detergent raw material 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 detergent raw material in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 340239 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for detergent raw material depends on the product's details: 3402.39.10 (Sodium dibutylnaphthalene sulphate), 3402.39.20 (Sodium N-methyl-N-oleyltaurate), 3402.39.30 (Sodium secondary alkylsulphonate), 3402.39.90 (Other anionic surface-active agents).