Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DDBSA) from Germany
DDBSA is a modified aromatic anionic surfactant used in heavy-duty industrial cleaners, emulsifiers, and agricultural formulations. Its aromatic benzene ring modified with a long alkyl chain and sulfonic group places it under HTS 3402.39.10.00 as it forms stable emulsions and reduces surface tension per Chapter note 2. Commonly imported in ISO-tanks for detergent manufacturing.
Duty Rate — Germany → United States
10%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.3910%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92 and 9903.05.97, articles the product of a member state of the European Union, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 10 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Classify based on chain length (C12 typical); longer chains may affect purity specs
• Ensure containers are acid-resistant; common pitfall is corrosion damage claims
• Document surfactant assay >96% to distinguish from diluted preparations