3402.42.10.00 - Aromatic or modified aromatic

This HTS category, 3402.42.10.00, specifically covers aromatic or modified aromatic organic surface-active agents. These are compounds that, when added to another substance, fundamentally alter its surface tension. Aromatic surface-active agents are characterized by the presence of at least one benzene ring or a fused ring system derived from benzene within their molecular structure. Modified aromatic types may include modifications or substitutions on these aromatic rings that retain their essential aromatic character while influencing their surface-active properties.

Within the broader heading for "Other organic surface-active agents," this category is distinguished by its focus on the aromatic nature of the molecule. Its sibling category, "Other," encompasses organic surface-active agents that do not possess aromatic characteristics. Therefore, the key differentiator for classification into 3402.42.10.00 lies in the chemical structure, specifically the presence of aromatic groups, which imparts unique solubility, emulsifying, or wetting properties compared to purely aliphatic or other non-aromatic organic surface-active agents.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, it represents a specific, detailed classification. Goods falling under this subcategory are typically used in a wide array of industrial applications, including as emulsifiers, dispersants, wetting agents, or detergents in formulations for textiles, paints, agricultural chemicals, and cosmetics where their specific aromatic or modified aromatic properties are leveraged for performance. The classification relies on the chemical identification of the substance as containing aromatic functionalities.