Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB)
Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide is a quaternary ammonium salt used as a cationic surfactant in DNA extraction and as an antimicrobial agent. It falls under HTS 2923.90.0100 as a quaternary ammonium salt, chemically defined with a positively charged nitrogen atom bonded to four alkyl groups. This classification applies to separate chemically defined organic compounds per Chapter 29 notes.
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Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If formulated as a cationic surface-active preparation for laundry or cleaning
Processed into retail cleaning products, quaternary ammonium compounds shift from pure chemical (Ch. 29) to soap/surfactant preparations (Ch. 34).
If put up as disinfectant or pesticide
When prepared specifically as biocides, they classify under Chapter 38 for disinfectants rather than pure organic compounds.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Provide detailed chemical composition certificates to verify it's a pure quaternary ammonium salt, avoiding reclassification as a mixture
• Ensure SDS (Safety Data Sheets) comply with HAZMAT regulations for surfactants, as they may require special handling declarations
• Avoid common pitfalls like insufficient purity documentation, which can lead to duties under mixture headings in Chapter 38
Related Products under HTS 2923.90.01.00
Benzalkonium Chloride 50% Solution
Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound widely used as a biocide and preservative in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. This 50% aqueous solution qualifies under HTS 2923.90.0100 as a quaternary ammonium salt dissolved in water, permitted by Chapter 29 note (d) for chemically defined compounds. The solvent is solely for safety/transport without altering general use.
Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride (DDAC)
Didecyldimethylammonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound serving as a broad-spectrum disinfectant and wood preservative. As a pure, chemically defined salt, it is classified in HTS 2923.90.0100 under the quaternary ammonium salts heading. Chapter notes confirm inclusion for separate organic compounds.
Cetrimonium Chloride
Cetrimonium chloride, or hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, is a quaternary ammonium salt used in hair conditioners and antiseptics. It qualifies for HTS 2923.90.0100 as a separate chemically defined quaternary ammonium compound per Chapter 29 scope. No exclusions apply to this pure surfactant salt.
Tetrabutylammonium Bromide (TBAB)
Tetrabutylammonium bromide is a phase-transfer catalyst and ionic liquid precursor used in organic synthesis. This quaternary ammonium salt is classified under HTS 2923.90.0100 as a chemically defined organic compound with the characteristic quat structure. Chapter notes prioritize the last numerical heading for such salts.
Lecithin (Soybean-Derived Phosphatidylcholine)
Soy lecithin is a phosphoaminolipid mixture extracted from soybeans, used as an emulsifier in food and cosmetics. It falls under HTS 2923.90.0100 as 'other' lecithins and phosphoaminolipids, whether chemically defined or not, per the heading description. Chapter 29 includes such compounds explicitly.
Aliquat 336 (Tricaprylylmethylammonium Chloride)
Aliquat 336 is a quaternary ammonium chloride used as an extractant in metal separation and phase-transfer catalysis. As a long-chain alkyl quat salt, it is classified in HTS 2923.90.0100 for other quaternary ammonium salts. Meets Chapter 29's chemically defined organic compound criteria.