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C12-C14 Alcohol Ethoxylate Polyether Surfactant

C12-C14 alcohol ethoxylate is a non-ionic polyether surfactant produced by ethoxylating fatty alcohols derived from vegetable oils. It is used in laundry detergents and household cleaners, and meets the Chapter 34 definition of an organic surface-active agent by forming stable emulsions and lowering surface tension. Its hydroxyl number is 265 or more, qualifying it for use in polyurethane moulding compositions.

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.

3402.42.90Higher: 6.5% vs Free

If the hydroxyl number is below 265 or the product is not intended for polyurethane moulding compositions

This sibling item covers other non-ionic organic surface-active agents that do not meet the specific criteria of the tariff item.

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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

• Ensure the hydroxyl number is 265 or more and that the product is intended for polyurethane moulding compositions; keep technical datasheets and certificates of analysis available for CBSA verification

• Declare the end-use clearly on customs documentation to support classification under this tariff item

• Consult a customs broker to confirm whether a permit or end-use certificate is required

Related Products under Tariff item 3402.42.10

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate (LAE-7) Polyether

Lauryl alcohol ethoxylate (LAE-7) is a non-ionic polyether surfactant made from lauryl alcohol of palm kernel origin, with 7 ethylene oxide units. It is used for wetting and emulsifying in industrial cleaners and complies with heading 3402 criteria for organic surface-active agents. With a hydroxyl number of 265 or more, it is suitable for manufacturing polyurethane moulding compositions.

Oleyl Alcohol Ethoxylate Polyether Surfactant

Oleyl alcohol ethoxylate is a non-ionic polyether surfactant derived from unsaturated C18 fatty alcohol from vegetable oils. It is used for low-foam textile scouring and metal cleaning, and reduces water surface tension per Chapter 34 note 2(b). Its hydroxyl number of 265 or more makes it appropriate for polyurethane moulding compositions.

Palm Kernel Alcohol Polyether (C12-15 Pareth-3)

Palm kernel alcohol polyether (C12-15 Pareth-3) is a low-EO non-ionic surfactant from palm kernel fatty alcohols, providing degreasing in hard-surface cleaners. It passes Chapter 34 note 2 tests for transparency and surface tension reduction. With a hydroxyl number of 265 or more, it is suitable for polyurethane moulding compositions.

Rapeseed Alcohol Polyether Surfactant

Rapeseed alcohol polyether is a non-ionic surfactant derived from rapeseed (canola) fatty alcohols, used for low-temperature detergents. It meets the Chapter 34 criteria for organic surface-active agents with stable emulsions and surface tension reduction. Its hydroxyl number of 265 or more qualifies it for polyurethane moulding compositions.

Soybean Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate Polyether

Soybean fatty alcohol ethoxylate is a biobased non-ionic polyether surfactant from soybean oil-derived fatty alcohols, used in eco-detergents and emulsifiers. It meets heading 3402 criteria with stable 0.5% aqueous solutions and low surface tension from vegetable fatty origin. With a hydroxyl number of 265 or more, it is suitable for polyurethane moulding compositions.

Tallow Alcohol Ethoxylate Polyether

Tallow alcohol ethoxylate is a non-ionic polyether surfactant from tallow-derived fatty alcohols (animal origin C16-C18), used in agricultural spray adjuvants and heavy-duty cleaners. It qualifies under heading 3402 as it meets emulsion and surface tension tests from animal fatty origin. Its hydroxyl number of 265 or more makes it appropriate for polyurethane moulding compositions.