Sorbitan Monooleate Emulsifier
Sorbitan monooleate is a non-ionic surfactant derived from sorbitol (a polyhydric alcohol) esterified with oleic acid from vegetable oils. It functions as an emulsifier in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Classified under HTS 3402.42.20.20 as an ester of polyhydric alcohol from fatty substances of vegetable origin.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If derived from synthetic petroleum-based fatty acids
Synthetic organic surface-active agents fall under 3402.43, excluding those from natural fatty substances.
If when imported as formulated industrial preparations containing <95% active surfactant
Mixtures with significant non-surfactant additives shift from pure agents (3402) to chemical preparations (3823).
If put up in consumer packages for retail sale
Retail-packaged surface-active preparations, even pure agents, classify under 3402.90 rather than bulk 3402.42.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify fatty acid origin documentation to confirm animal/vegetable/microbial source for proper subheading classification
• Obtain safety data sheets (SDS) as required for chemical imports; ensure REACH compliance if transshipping through EU
• Avoid misclassification as soap (3401) by confirming water-solubility test per Chapter 34 notes
Related Products under HTS 3402.42.20.20
Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR)
PGPR is an ester of polymerized glycerol (polyhydric alcohol) with ricinoleic acid from castor oil, used as a chocolate emulsifier. It meets non-ionic surfactant criteria per Chapter 34 note 2. Falls under HTS 3402.42.20.20 due to vegetable fatty substance ether-ester structure.
Sucrose Stearate Surfactant
Sucrose stearate consists of sucrose (polyhydric alcohol) esterified with stearic acid from vegetable tallow or palm. Used in cosmetics as mild emulsifier and stabilizer. HTS 3402.42.20.20 covers these non-ionic esters from vegetable fatty substances.
Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS) Type I
GMS Type I is glycerol (polyhydric alcohol) monoesterified with stearic acid from vegetable sources, self-emulsifying grade. Primarily used in margarine and whipped toppings. Qualifies under HTS 3402.42.20.20 as non-ionic vegetable-derived ester.
PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate
This ethoxylated sorbitan laurate combines sorbitan laurate ether-ester with polyethylene glycol chains. Derived from coconut lauric acid (vegetable). Used in personal care cleansers; HTS 3402.42.20.20 for polyhydric alcohol ether-esters.
Decaglycerol Decaoleate
Decaglycerol decaoleate is a polyglycerol ester with 10 oleic acid chains from vegetable oils. Functions as water-in-oil emulsifier in creams and lotions. HTS 3402.42.20.20 applies to these complex polyhydric alcohol esters.
Pentaerythritol Tetrastearate
Pentaerythritol (tetrahydroxy polyhydric alcohol) fully esterified with stearic acid from palm/veg sources. Used as lubricant and stabilizer in plastics/PVC. Non-ionic surfactant properties qualify under HTS 3402.42.20.20.