Palm Kernel Alcohol Polyether (C12-15 Pareth-3)
Low EO (3 moles) polyether surfactant from palm kernel fatty alcohols, providing degreasing in hard-surface cleaners. As a non-ionic agent from vegetable fatty substances, it passes Chapter 34 note 2 tests for transparency and tension reduction. Classified in 3402.42.20.10 as polyethers, other than sulfates.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If higher ethoxylation >10 EO units
EO chain length influences subcategory; longer chains may use 3402.43 for specific polyethers.
If formulated into shampoos
Chapter note excludes shampoo preps containing these agents, moving to 3305.
If mixed with >50% non-surface-active solvents
Blends become chemical preps in 3824 if surfactant concentration drops below principal function.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• RSPO or equivalent sustainability certs facilitate customs clearance for palm-derived imports
• Specify Pareth nomenclature (INCI) in invoices to align with cosmetic/chemical naming conventions
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.
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.