Product classification
HS code for Emulsifier: 3402.42
Organic surface-active agents, non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale.
Classification of emulsifier under HS 3402.42
Emulsifiers that function as non-ionic organic surface-active agents are classified under HS code 3402.42. This classification is part of Chapter 34, which encompasses soap, organic surface-active agents, and washing preparations. Heading 3402 specifically covers organic surface-active agents (other than soap), and subheading 3402.42 is dedicated to those that are non-ionic in nature. Non-ionic emulsifiers are characterized by having no electrical charge in their hydrophilic parts, making them highly effective in various pH levels and compatible with other types of surfactants. These substances are essential in stabilizing emulsions by reducing the interfacial tension between oil and water phases. The classification applies whether the emulsifier is in pure form, diluted in water, or put up for retail sale. It is important to note that for a substance to be classified here, it must meet the technical requirements of an organic surface-active agent as defined in the Chapter 34 legal notes, which include specific solubility and surface tension reduction criteria.
- Covers
- Ethoxylated fatty alcohols
- Polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters (Polysorbates)
- Fatty acid ethoxylates used as emulsifiers
- Non-ionic alkylphenol ethoxylates
- Glycerol monostearate (when meeting surfactant criteria)
- Also under 3402.42
- Dow Tergitol
- BASF Lutensol
- Croda Tween
- Stepan Bio-Soft
- Clariant Genapol
Codes often confused with 3402.42
Common mistake. Emulsifiers are frequently misclassified under 3824.99, which is a general 'catch-all' code for chemical products and preparations not elsewhere specified. However, if the product is a chemically defined organic surface-active agent, 3402.42 takes precedence. Another common error is confusing non-ionic agents with anionic (3402.41) or cationic/amphoteric agents (3402.49). Proper chemical analysis of the ionic charge is required for correct placement. Additionally, if the emulsifier is a prepared mixture for food use, it might be classified under 2106.90, depending on its composition and intended use, though pure chemical emulsifiers remain in 3402.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340242 (the code used for emulsifier), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340242 (the code used for emulsifier) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 340242, not only emulsifier.
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 emulsifier
Brazil classifies emulsifier under NCM 3402.42.00: HS 3402.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about emulsifier
What is the HS code for Emulsifier?
The HS code for Emulsifier is 340242 (Organic surface-active agents; non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale).
How do I classify Emulsifier for customs?
Emulsifier is classified under HS code 340242 — Organic surface-active agents; non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for non-ionic emulsifiers?
The HS code for non-ionic organic surface-active agents used as emulsifiers is 3402.42.
Are all food emulsifiers classified under 3402.42?
No. While many chemical emulsifiers fall here, complex mixtures prepared specifically for food manufacturing may be classified under Heading 2106 or 3824 depending on their ingredients.
Which countries are the top exporters of emulsifier (HS 340242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340242 (the code used for emulsifier) 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 emulsifier (HS 340242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340242 (the code used for emulsifier) 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.
Is the HS code for Emulsifier the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340242 for Emulsifier 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 emulsifier in Brazil?
In Brazil, emulsifier (HS 340242) is classified under NCM 3402.42.00.