3402.39.90 - Other

This HTS subheading, 3402.39.90, encompasses anionic organic surface-active agents that do not fall under the more specific subcategories of aromatic or modified aromatic compounds. Anionic surface-active agents are characterized by their negatively charged hydrophilic head group. This category broadly covers such agents that are neither soap nor specifically defined by their aromatic structure, serving a wide range of industrial and consumer applications where a negatively charged surface-active molecule is required for emulsification, wetting, foaming, or detergency.

The primary distinction of 3402.39.90 lies in its exclusion of "aromatic or modified aromatic" anionic surface-active agents, which are classified under 3402.39.10. Therefore, this category primarily deals with anionic surface-active agents derived from aliphatic (non-aromatic) sources, such as fatty alcohols or polyethers, which are common ingredients in detergents, cleaning products, and industrial processing aids.

Within this "Other" category, further subdivisions exist to provide greater specificity. Subheading 3402.39.90.10 covers salts derived from sulfated alcohols, a common class of anionic surfactants. Similarly, 3402.39.90.20 addresses salts of sulfated polyethers, another group of anionic surfactants with diverse applications. The residual category, 3402.39.90.50, captures any remaining anionic organic surface-active agents that do not fit into the more detailed subheadings, ensuring comprehensive classification of these versatile chemical compounds.