3402.49 - Other:

This HTS category, 3402.49, encompasses "Other" organic surface-active agents that are not specifically categorized as cationic or non-ionic. It serves as a residual category for surface-active agents and related preparations when their specific chemical structure or mode of action does not align with the defined cationic (3402.41) or non-ionic (3402.42) classifications. This includes a broad spectrum of compounds that exhibit surface activity, facilitating the mixing of immiscible liquids or solids with liquids.

Distinguishing 3402.49 from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. While 3402.41 covers agents that carry a positive electrical charge in aqueous solution and 3402.42 includes agents with a neutral hydrophilic group, this category is for those that do not fit these distinct ionic or non-ionic definitions. This may include anionic surface-active agents or amphoteric surface-active agents, which possess both positive and negative charges depending on the pH.

The subcategories within 3402.49 further refine the classification based on specific chemical characteristics. 3402.49.10.00 specifically covers aromatic or modified aromatic organic surface-active agents, indicating that the core chemical structure of these agents contains an aromatic ring. In contrast, 3402.49.90.00 captures all other organic surface-active agents that fall under the "Other" umbrella but do not possess an aromatic or modified aromatic structure.