C12-C14 Alcohol Ethoxylate Polyether Surfactant
This non-ionic polyether surfactant derived from fatty alcohols of vegetable origin (C12-C14 chain) is used in laundry detergents and household cleaners. It meets the Chapter 34 definition for organic surface-active agents by reducing surface tension in water solutions to below 45 dyne/cm. Classified under 3402.42.20.10 as a polyether fatty substance of vegetable origin, not put up for retail sale.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If anionic rather than non-ionic
Anionic organic surface-active agents from natural fatty substances fall under 3402.11, based on charge type rather than polyether structure.
If chemically modified beyond surface-active classification
Heavily processed preparations not qualifying as pure surface-active agents are classified as chemical preparations in 3824.
If synthetic hydrocarbon-based rather than from natural fatty substances
Synthetic non-soap surface-active agents shift to 3402.90, excluding those derived from animal/vegetable/microbial fatty origins.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify surfactant meets technical definition via lab testing (surface tension <45 dyne/cm at 0.5% concentration) for proper classification
• Provide Certificates of Analysis confirming vegetable-origin fatty alcohol base and polyether structure to avoid reclassification
Related Products under HTS 3402.42.20.10
Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate (LAE-7) Polyether
Non-ionic polyether surfactant from lauryl alcohol (C12 fatty chain of palm kernel origin), with 7 ethylene oxide units for wetting and emulsifying in industrial cleaners. Complies with heading 3402 criteria for organic surface-active agents from vegetable fatty substances. HTS 3402.42.20.10 applies to this 'other' polyether form.
Tallow Alcohol Ethoxylate Polyether
Non-ionic polyether from tallow-derived fatty alcohols (animal origin C16-C18), used in agricultural spray adjuvants and heavy-duty cleaners. Qualifies under heading 3402 as it meets emulsion and surface tension tests from note 2. HTS 3402.42.20.10 covers these 'other' polyethers from animal fatty substances.
Soybean Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate Polyether
Biobased polyether non-ionic surfactant from soybean oil-derived fatty alcohols, for eco-detergents and emulsifiers. Meets 3402 criteria with stable 0.5% aqueous solutions and low surface tension from vegetable fatty origin. HTS 3402.42.20.10 for these polyether types.
Castor Oil Ethoxylate Polyether (CRE-9)
Polyricinoleic polyether from castor oil (vegetable triglyceride), non-ionic for textile lubricants and polish bases. Stable emulsion former with tension reduction, as vegetable fatty polyether. HTS 3402.42.20.10 specific.
Rapeseed Alcohol Polyether Surfactant
Non-ionic polyether from rapeseed (canola) fatty alcohols, for low-temp detergents. Vegetable fatty origin polyether per 3402.42.20.10 criteria.
Coco Glucoside Polyether Surfactant
A mild, vegetable-derived polyether non-ionic surfactant from coconut fatty alcohols, used in personal care cleansers and eco-friendly detergents. It forms stable emulsions and lowers surface tension per Chapter 34 note 2, qualifying as an organic surface-active agent. Falls under 3402.42.20.10 due to its polyether composition from microbial/vegetable fatty substances.