Product classification
HS code for Non-ionic surfactant: 3402.42
Organic surface-active agents, non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale.
Classification of non-ionic surfactant under HS 3402.42
Non-ionic surfactants are classified under HS code 3402.42. This classification is found within Chapter 34, which covers soap, organic surface-active agents, and washing preparations. Heading 3402 specifically deals with organic surface-active agents (other than soap) and preparations for cleaning. Subheading 3402.42 is reserved for surfactants that are non-ionic in nature. Non-ionic surfactants are characterized by having no electrical charge on their hydrophilic end, which makes them highly effective at emulsifying oils and stable in the presence of hard water or high electrolyte concentrations. Common examples include alcohol ethoxylates and alkylphenol ethoxylates. The classification applies whether the product is in a pure form or put up for retail sale, provided it retains its character as a surface-active agent. The determination is based on the chemical structure of the molecule and its behavior in aqueous solutions, specifically the lack of ionization when dissolved.
- Covers
- Alcohol ethoxylates
- Fatty acid ethoxylates
- Alkylphenol ethoxylates
- Ethoxylated amines
- Poloxamers (non-ionic block copolymers)
- Also under 3402.42
- Dow Tergitol
- BASF Lutensol
- Croda Tween
- Stepan Bio-Soft
- Clariant Genapol
Codes often confused with 3402.42
Common mistake. Non-ionic surfactants are often confused with anionic surfactants, which fall under HS code 3402.41. They may also be misclassified under 3402.50 if they are part of a finished detergent preparation put up for retail sale, or 3402.90 for other mixtures. It is critical to identify the ionic charge of the surfactant to distinguish between 3402.41, 3402.42, and 3402.49 (other surfactants).
Top exporters and importers of HS 340242 (the code used for non-ionic surfactant), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340242 (the code used for non-ionic surfactant) 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 non-ionic surfactant.
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 non-ionic surfactant
Brazil classifies non-ionic surfactant 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 non-ionic surfactant
What is the HS code for Non-ionic surfactant?
The HS code for Non-ionic surfactant is 340242 (Organic surface-active agents; non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale). The HS code for non-ionic organic surface-active agents (excluding soap) is 3402.42.
How do I classify Non-ionic surfactant for customs?
Non-ionic surfactant 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.
Why are they called non-ionic?
They are called non-ionic because they do not dissociate into ions in aqueous solutions, meaning they carry no positive or negative charge.
Which countries are the top exporters of non-ionic surfactant (HS 340242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340242 (the code used for non-ionic surfactant) 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 non-ionic surfactant (HS 340242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340242 (the code used for non-ionic surfactant) 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 Non-ionic surfactant the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340242 for Non-ionic 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 non-ionic surfactant in Brazil?
In Brazil, non-ionic surfactant (HS 340242) is classified under NCM 3402.42.00.