3402.41.10.00 - Aromatic or modified aromatic 🖩

This HTS classification, 3402.41.10.00, specifically covers **aromatic or modified aromatic cationic surface-active agents**. These are organic compounds that, when dissolved in water, possess cationic (positively charged) hydrophilic groups and a long hydrophobic carbon chain. The "aromatic or modified aromatic" designation indicates that the molecule contains an aromatic ring structure, which influences its chemical properties and applications. These agents are utilized in a variety of industrial and commercial products where their specific surface-active properties, driven by the cationic charge and aromatic nature, are beneficial, such as in fabric softeners, disinfectants, corrosion inhibitors, and asphalt emulsifiers.

This category is distinct from its sibling, 3402.41.90.00, which encompasses "Other" cationic surface-active agents. The key difference lies in the chemical structure; 3402.41.10.00 is restricted to those cationic agents that are explicitly aromatic or derived from aromatic compounds, while the "Other" category would include cationic agents with non-aromatic (e.g., aliphatic) hydrophobic tails. Therefore, the presence or absence of an aromatic ring system in the molecule is the primary criterion for distinguishing between these two sibling classifications.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories under 3402.41.10.00. Classification at this level signifies a specific type of cationic organic surface-active agent. Consequently, precise identification of the chemical structure, confirming the presence of a cationic hydrophilic group and an aromatic hydrophobic component, is paramount for accurate classification into this particular code.