Product classification
HS code for Surfactant: 3402.49
Organic surface-active agents, whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in item no. 3402.
Classification of surfactant under HS 3402.49
Organic surface-active agents, commonly known as surfactants, are classified under HS code 3402.49 when they are not put up for retail sale and do not fall under the specific ionic categories defined in earlier subheadings. Heading 3402 covers organic surface-active agents (other than soap), surface-active preparations, washing preparations, and cleaning preparations. Subheading 3402.49 is a residual category for "other" organic surface-active agents that are typically sold in bulk for industrial applications. These substances are characterized by their ability to reduce the surface tension of a liquid, allowing it to spread more easily or to emulsify oils and fats. This classification is essential for chemical manufacturers who supply raw materials for detergents, cosmetics, and industrial cleaners. To fall under this code, the product must be an organic chemical compound that contains one or more hydrophilic groups and one or more hydrophobic groups, enabling it to form a bridge between water and oil phases. This specific subheading excludes products that are already formulated into finished detergents or those that are packaged for individual consumer use, which are classified elsewhere in the 3402 heading. The classification also requires that the substance be an organic agent; inorganic surface-active agents are classified according to their chemical composition in Chapter 28 or 38.
- Covers
- Non-ionic surfactants in bulk
- Amphoteric organic surface-active agents
- Industrial grade wetting agents
- Emulsifiers for industrial chemical formulations
- 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. Surfactants are often misclassified under 3402.31 or 3402.39, which are reserved for anionic and other agents put up for retail sale. They may also be confused with 3401 (soap) if they have been processed into bars or shapes. If the product is a complex mixture of chemicals for a specific industrial use, it might be incorrectly placed in 3824.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340249 (the code used for surfactant), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340249 (the code used for surfactant) 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 surfactant.
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 surfactant
Brazil classifies surfactant 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 surfactant
What is the HS code for Surfactant?
The HS code for Surfactant 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 for retail sale (other than anionic, cationic, or non-ionic specifically listed) is 3402.49.
How do I classify Surfactant for customs?
Surfactant 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 bulk surfactant classified differently than retail detergent?
Yes, bulk surfactants fall under 3402.4x, while detergents prepared for retail sale fall under 3402.50 or 3402.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of surfactant (HS 340249)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340249 (the code used for surfactant) 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 surfactant (HS 340249)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340249 (the code used for surfactant) 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 Surfactant the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340249 for 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 surfactant in Brazil?
In Brazil, surfactant (HS 340249) is classified under NCM 3402.49.00.