Cetrimonium Chloride Surfactant
Cetrimonium chloride is a cationic organic surface-active agent used in hair conditioners and fabric softeners for its conditioning properties. It meets the Chapter 34 definition by forming stable emulsions in water and reducing surface tension below 45 dyne/cm. Classified under 3402.41.90.00 as a non-soap cationic surfactant not put up for retail sale.
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Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If nonionic or anionic type
Different ionic character shifts to 'other' organic surface-active agents excluding cationics.
If chemically defined as a single compound
Chapter Note excludes separate chemically defined compounds from this heading.
If put up in retail packaging
Retail-packed preparations move to specific subheading for consumer surface-active agents.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify surface-active properties via lab testing (0.5% solution test for emulsion stability and surface tension ≤45 dyne/cm)
• Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and confirm cationic nature through chemical analysis for CBP review
• Avoid misclassification as soap by proving water-solubility differences per Chapter Note to 3401
Related Products under HTS 3402.41.90.00
Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride (DDAC)
DDAC is a cationic surfactant widely used as a disinfectant and biocide in industrial cleaning formulations. It qualifies under heading 3402 by producing stable emulsions and lowering water surface tension per the technical test. Falls in 3402.41.90.00 as other cationic agents beyond those specified.
Benzalkonium Chloride Concentrate
Benzalkonium chloride is a cationic surface-active agent used in antiseptics, preservatives, and cleaning solutions. It satisfies 3402 criteria through its emulsifying and tension-reducing properties in aqueous solutions. Classified in 3402.41.90.00 for other cationic surfactants.
Quaternary Ammonium Fabric Softener Base
This bulk cationic surfactant base, typically dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, is used in formulating laundry softeners. It meets heading 3402 tests for surface activity and is not soap-based. HTS 3402.41.90.00 covers such other cationics.
Cationic Emulsifier for Bitumen
Cationic emulsifiers like Armac T are organic surface-active agents used to emulsify asphalt for road construction. They form stable emulsions per 3402 note and reduce surface tension effectively. 3402.41.90.00 applies to these other cationics.
Dialkyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride
Dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride serves as a cationic surfactant in antimicrobial formulations and phase transfer catalysts. Meets precise 3402 definition through water tests. Other cationic under 3402.41.90.00.
Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride
A cationic derivative from coconut oil used in conditioning shampoos and body washes as a surfactant. Complies with heading 3402 organic surface-active criteria. 3402.41.90.00 for other cationics.