Product classification
HS code for LABSA: 3402.31
Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap), linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale.
Classification of LABSA under HS 3402.31
Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonic Acid, commonly known as LABSA, is classified under HS code 3402.31. This classification falls within Chapter 34, which covers soap, organic surface-active agents, and washing preparations. Specifically, heading 3402 is designated for organic surface-active agents (other than soap). LABSA is a synthetic surfactant characterized by its anionic properties, meaning it carries a negative charge in aqueous solutions. Under the 2022 HS nomenclature updates, subheading 3402.31 was specifically created to identify linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the molecule, which consists of a hydrophilic sulfonic acid group attached to a hydrophobic linear alkylbenzene chain. This product is a critical precursor in the manufacturing of synthetic detergents and liquid cleaners, and its classification is determined by its chemical identity as an anionic surface-active agent.
- Covers
- LABSA 96% (Standard grade)
- LABSA 90%
- Sodium Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonate (LAS)
- Neutralized LABSA salts
- Soft Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid
- Also under 3402.31
- Stepan Company's Bio-Soft S-101
- Sasol's Marlican
- Clariant's Genapol LRO
- Galaxy Surfactants' Galacid
- BASF's Lutensit A-LBS
Codes often confused with 3402.31
Common mistake. LABSA is often misclassified under HS code 3817.00, which covers mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes. While LABSA is derived from alkylbenzenes, the addition of the sulfonic acid group transforms it into a surface-active agent, moving it from Chapter 38 to Chapter 34. Another common error is using 3402.39, which is the residual category for "other" anionic agents. Since LABSA has a specific dedicated subheading (3402.31), using the general category is a violation of GRI 3(a), which requires the most specific description. Finally, it should not be confused with pure sulphuric acid under 2807.00, despite containing a sulfonic group.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340231 (the code used for LABSA), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340231 (the code used for LABSA) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 12% 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 340231, not only LABSA.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $140M 13% of world exports
- 2 India $129M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $113M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $131M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $90M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $62M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 LABSA
Brazil classifies LABSA under NCM 3402.31.00: HS 3402.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about LABSA
What is the HS code for LABSA?
The HS code for LABSA is 340231 (Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale). The specific HS code for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) and its salts is 3402.31.
How do I classify LABSA for customs?
LABSA is classified under HS code 340231 — Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap); linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is LABSA classified as a hazardous chemical for shipping?
While the HS code identifies the product for customs, LABSA is chemically corrosive and usually requires specific UN numbers (like UN 2586) for transport safety, though this does not change its 3402.31 classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of LABSA (HS 340231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340231 (the code used for LABSA) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($140M, 13% of world exports), India ($129M) and Italy ($113M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 LABSA (HS 340231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340231 (the code used for LABSA) in UN Comtrade data were France ($131M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($90M) and Brazil ($62M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 LABSA the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340231 for LABSA 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 LABSA in Brazil?
In Brazil, LABSA (HS 340231) is classified under NCM 3402.31.00.