Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
SLES is a widely used anionic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol, providing rich foam in shampoos and body washes. It satisfies heading 3402 criteria by forming translucent emulsions and lowering water surface tension below 45 dyne/cm. Falls under 3402.90.10 as a synthetic detergent for personal care formulations.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If purely anionic and specifically soap-like in form
Certain anionic agents formulated as soap substitutes may fall under 3402.11 if meeting specific criteria.
If imported as unfinished alcohol ethoxylate precursor
Pre-sulfonated intermediates are classified by chemical structure in Chapter 29 as acyclic alcohols.
If pre-mixed into shampoo preparations
Shampoos containing these agents are excluded per Chapter notes and go to 3305.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Include ethoxylation degree (e.g
• 2-3 moles) in technical specs to confirm as surface-active agent
• Avoid packaging confusion with finished shampoos, which go to 3405; bulk shipments require bulk certs
• Test for insolubles per Chapter note to prevent reclassification as non-qualifying preparation
Related Products under HTS 3402.90.10.00
Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS)
LAS is a primary anionic synthetic surfactant used in laundry and dishwashing detergents for its excellent foaming and cleaning properties. It meets the Chapter 34 definition for organic surface-active agents by reducing surface tension in water solutions and forming stable emulsions. Classified under 3402.90.10 as a synthetic detergent, distinct from soap.
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, nonionic synthetic surfactant from glucose and decyl alcohol, used in natural baby shampoos. Qualifies under 3402 by standard surface tension and emulsion tests despite bio-based origin. Synthetic detergent per 3402.90.10.
Polyether Siloxane Surfactant
Silicone-based synthetic nonionic surfactant for defoaming in industrial cleaners and agrochemicals. Meets 3402 organic surface-active definition through emulsification properties. 3402.90.10 as synthetic detergent.
Branched Alkylbenzene Sulfonate
Synthetic anionic surfactant for heavy-duty detergents, less biodegradable than linear types. Complies with heading 3402 tests for synthetic detergents. HTS 3402.90.10.
Sulfosuccinate Ester Surfactant
Anionic diester surfactant for wetting in textiles and emulsifiers. Synthetic detergent under 3402.90.10.
APG Alkyl Polyglucoside
Nonionic from glucose/fatty alcohols for eco-detergents. 3402.90.10 synthetic.