3402 - Organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401:
Sub-classifications
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3402 39
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3402 90
Overview
Heading 3402 encompasses a broad range of organic surface-active agents and preparations, excluding those classified as soap under heading 3401. This category includes synthetic detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants that function by altering the surface tension of liquids. It also covers cleaning and washing preparations, including auxiliary products, that rely on these organic surface-active agents for their efficacy, regardless of whether soap is a minor component.
Unlike agricultural products in earlier chapters or other chemical compounds in Section VI, heading 3402 is specifically concerned with substances and mixtures designed to interact with surfaces and interfaces. This distinguishes it from unrelated sibling categories such as live animals (Chapter 01) or basic inorganic chemicals. The focus is on the functional properties derived from the organic molecular structure of these agents and their application in cleaning, washing, and various industrial processes.
To further refine classification within heading 3402, subheadings are utilized. These subdivisions differentiate organic surface-active agents based on their ionic charge, categorizing them as anionic or other (non-ionic, cationic, or amphoteric). Additionally, preparations are distinguished based on whether they are presented for retail sale, often in consumer-ready packaging, or if they are industrial or bulk formulations, further detailed under 3402.50 and 3402.90 respectively.