New

Ask Wove anything about tariffs.

Try Tariff Assistant

Petroleum Sulfonate Anionic Surfactant

Petroleum Sulfonate Anionic Surfactant is derived from petroleum oils and used in emulsifiable oils, metalworking fluids, and enhanced oil recovery. It qualifies under tariff item 3402.39.10 as a sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate when used in the manufacture of slow dissolving inside toilet tank solids, despite its petroleum origin.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN TariffSurtaxesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree—Free
🇲🇽MexicoFree—Free
🇺🇸United StatesFree—Free
🇩🇪GermanyFree—Free
🇯🇵JapanFree—Free

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

3402.39.90Higher: 6.5% vs Free

If used in metalworking fluids or other applications

Other anionic surface-active agents not meeting the specific end-use requirement.

Not sure which classification is right?

The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.

Import Tips & Compliance

• Confirm the surfactant is a sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate and used in toilet tank solids

• Provide evidence of the end-use to CBSA

• Be aware that petroleum-derived products may require additional documentation regarding their origin

Related Products under Tariff item 3402.39.10

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Sodium Salt

Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DDBSA) is an anionic surfactant with an aromatic benzene ring modified by a long alkyl chain and a sulfonic acid group. It is used in heavy-duty industrial cleaners, emulsifiers, and agricultural formulations. This product falls under tariff item 3402.39.10 because it is a sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate specifically intended for use in the manufacture of slow dissolving inside toilet tank solids.

Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DDBSA)

Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DDBSA) is an anionic surfactant with an aromatic benzene ring modified by a long alkyl chain and a sulfonic acid group. It is used in heavy-duty industrial cleaners, emulsifiers, and agricultural formulations. This product falls under tariff item 3402.39.10 because it is a sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate specifically intended for use in the manufacture of slow dissolving inside toilet tank solids.

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA)

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) is a synthetic anionic surfactant with an aromatic structure, widely used as the primary active ingredient in liquid laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids. It qualifies under tariff item 3402.39.10 as a sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate when used in the manufacture of slow dissolving inside toilet tank solids.

Sodium Xylene Sulfonate

Sodium Xylene Sulfonate is a hydrotropic aromatic anionic surfactant that enhances viscosity and solubility in liquid detergents and cleaning formulations. It falls under tariff item 3402.39.10 as a sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate when used in the manufacture of slow dissolving inside toilet tank solids.

Toluene Sulfonic Acid (TSA)

Toluene Sulfonic Acid (TSA) is an aromatic compound with a sulfonic acid group, used as a catalyst and anionic surfactant in polymerization and cleaning applications. It is classifiable under tariff item 3402.39.10 as a sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate when used in the manufacture of slow dissolving inside toilet tank solids.