Quaternary Ammonium Fabric Softener Base from China
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.
Duty Rate — China → United States
39%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
Import Tips
• Provide fiber content incompatibility warnings if marketed for textiles
• Test and certify as cationic via zeta potential or similar methods
• Watch for bulk vs retail packing to avoid 3402.20 subheading