Product classification
HS code for Surface active agent: 3402.49
Organic surface-active agents, whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in item no. 3402.
Classification of surface active agent under HS 3402.49
Surface active agents, or surfactants, are classified under HS code 3402.49 when they are organic and not specifically identified as anionic, cationic, or non-ionic in previous subheadings. This classification falls under Chapter 34, which encompasses soap, organic surface-active agents, and washing preparations. The determination for 3402.49 is based on the chemical structure of the molecule, which must contain one or more hydrophilic and lipophilic groups capable of reducing surface tension. This specific code serves as a residual category for amphoteric agents or complex organic mixtures that do not fit the criteria for the more specific subheadings 3402.41 through 3402.43. Proper classification requires technical data sheets confirming the organic nature of the agent and its intended use as a raw material rather than a finished retail product.
- Covers
- Amphoteric surface-active agents
- Zwitterionic surfactants
- Industrial wetting agents (organic)
- Emulsifiers for industrial chemical synthesis
- Dispersing agents for aqueous systems
- Also under 3402.49
- Evonik Tego Betain
- Solvay Miranol
- 3M Novec
- Dow Corning Sylgard
- Stepan Ammonyx
Codes often confused with 3402.49
Common mistake. A common error is classifying these agents under 3402.50, which is reserved for surface-active preparations put up for retail sale. HS code 3402.49 is strictly for the agents themselves, often in bulk or industrial packaging. Another confusion occurs with 3824.99 (miscellaneous chemical products), but if the product's primary function is surface activity, Chapter 34 takes precedence according to the Section VI notes of the Harmonized System.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340249 (the code used for surface active agent), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340249 (the code used for surface active agent) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.7% 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 340249, not only surface active agent.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $173M 14% of world exports
- 2 Germany $136M 11% of world exports
- 3 Spain $91M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $81M 6.7% of world imports
- 2 France $71M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $60M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 surface active agent
Brazil classifies surface active agent under NCM 3402.49.00: HS 3402.49 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about surface active agent
What is the HS code for Surface active agent?
The HS code for Surface active agent is 340249 (Organic surface-active agents; whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in item no. 3402). The HS code for organic surface-active agents not elsewhere specified is 3402.49.
How do I classify Surface active agent for customs?
Surface active agent is classified under HS code 340249 — Organic surface-active agents; whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in item no. 3402. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is retail dish soap classified here?
No, finished cleaning products put up for retail sale are classified under HS code 3402.50.
Which countries are the top exporters of surface active agent (HS 340249)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340249 (the code used for surface active agent) in UN Comtrade data were China ($173M, 14% of world exports), Germany ($136M) and Spain ($91M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 surface active agent (HS 340249)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340249 (the code used for surface active agent) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($81M, 6.7% of world imports), France ($71M) and the United Kingdom ($60M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Surface active agent the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340249 for Surface active agent 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 surface active agent in Brazil?
In Brazil, surface active agent (HS 340249) is classified under NCM 3402.49.00.