Product classification
HS code for Industrial detergent: 3402.90
Washing and cleaning preparations, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale.
Classification of industrial detergent under HS 3402.90
Industrial detergents are classified under HS code 3402.90 according to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6. This heading covers organic surface-active agents, surface-active preparations, washing preparations, and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap. The sub-heading 3402.90 is designated for preparations that are not put up for retail sale. The classification logic is based on the chemical function of the product—reducing surface tension to facilitate cleaning—and its commercial presentation. Unlike household detergents, industrial variants are typically sold in bulk containers, high concentrations, or specialized formulations intended for manufacturing plants, hospitals, or professional cleaning services. The absence of retail packaging is the primary legal determinant for this specific code, as it distinguishes these bulk preparations from consumer-grade products found in 3402.20.
- Covers
- Bulk liquid degreasers for factory machinery
- Concentrated industrial laundry detergents for hospitality use
- Heavy-duty alkaline floor cleaners for warehouses
- Acidic descaling agents for industrial boilers
- Metal surface cleaning preparations used in electroplating
- Also under 3402.90
- Ecolab Apex
- Diversey Suma
- Zep Industrial Purple Degreaser
- JohnsonDiversey Taski
- NCL Speed Stripper
Codes often confused with 3402.90
Common mistake. Industrial detergents are frequently confused with HS code 3402.20, which covers preparations put up for retail sale. The distinction lies entirely in the packaging and intended end-user; if the product is labeled and sized for individual consumer use, it must be moved to 3402.20. Additionally, products that are purely organic surface-active agents (not preparations) may be misclassified here but should actually fall under 3402.11, 3402.12, 3402.13, or 3402.19 depending on their ionic character. Another common error involves soap-based cleaners; if the product consists primarily of soap in the form of bars or cakes, it belongs under 3401.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340290 (the code used for industrial detergent), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340290 (the code used for industrial detergent) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 6.3% 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 340290, not only industrial detergent.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.2B 14% of world exports
- 2 United States $982M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $783M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $8.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $567M 6.3% of world imports
- 2 Germany $529M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 France $387M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $9.0B 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 industrial detergent
Brazil splits HS 3402.90 into 9 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3402.90.11Non-ionic-only surface-active agent mixtures
- 3402.90.19Other surface-active agent mixtures
- 3402.90.21Perfluoroalkyl acetoxypropyl betaine mixtures
- 3402.90.22Sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulphonate preparations
- 3402.90.23Perfluoroalkyl ammonium sulphonates and acrylamide
- 3402.90.29Other surface-active solutions and preparations
- 3402.90.31Ethoxylated nonylphenol detergents
- 3402.90.39Other detergents, not for retail sale
- 3402.90.90Other cleaning preparations, not for retail
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial detergent
What is the HS code for Industrial detergent?
The HS code for Industrial detergent is 340290 (Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale). The primary HS code for industrial detergent not put up for retail sale is 3402.90.
How do I classify Industrial detergent for customs?
Industrial detergent is classified under HS code 340290 — Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include disinfectants?
No, if the product's primary function is antimicrobial or disinfectant rather than cleaning, it is generally classified under heading 3808.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial detergent (HS 340290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340290 (the code used for industrial detergent) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.2B, 14% of world exports), the United States ($982M) and China ($783M). World exports came to about $8.5B, 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 industrial detergent (HS 340290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340290 (the code used for industrial detergent) in UN Comtrade data were China ($567M, 6.3% of world imports), Germany ($529M) and France ($387M). World imports came to about $9.0B, 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 Industrial detergent the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340290 for Industrial detergent 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 industrial detergent in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 340290 into 9 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial detergent depends on the product's details: 3402.90.11 (Non-ionic-only surface-active agent mixtures), 3402.90.19 (Other surface-active agent mixtures), 3402.90.21 (Perfluoroalkyl acetoxypropyl betaine mixtures), 3402.90.22 (Sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulphonate preparations), 3402.90.23 (Perfluoroalkyl ammonium sulphonates and acrylamide), 3402.90.29 (Other surface-active solutions and preparations), and more.