Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DDBSA) from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
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