U.S. imports of Anionic Organic Surface-Active Agents (Other Than Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates) (HS 340239) totaled $21.2M in August 2026, imported from 44 countries.
Importers of Anionic Organic Surface-Active Agents (Other Than Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates) paid $2.5M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 11.63% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Anionic Organic Surface-Active Agents (Other Than Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates) imports of $21.2M in August 2026 ran 39% above the year-to-date monthly average of $15.3M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataAnionic surfactants beyond the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate family — including sulfated alcohols, sulfated polyethers, and other non-aromatic anionic actives — are classified under heading 340239, which the US schedule subdivides into aromatic/modified-aromatic types (3402391000) and several non-aromatic lines covering salts of sulfated alcohols (3402399010), salts of sulfated polyethers (3402399020), and a residual NESOI category (3402399050). These compounds serve as key actives in shampoos, emulsifiers, and industrial cleaners, and the aromatic vs. non-aromatic distinction drives the 10-digit classification. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), two of the most widely traded anionic surfactants globally, typically fall within the non-aromatic sulfated-alcohol and sulfated-polyether lines respectively.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
737 import shipments a month
SLES is an ethoxylated (polyether) sulfate, so it generally falls under 3402399020 — salts of sulfated polyethers — rather than the sulfated-alcohol line. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which lacks the ethylene oxide chain, is typically classified under 3402399010 as a salt of a sulfated alcohol. Confirming the degree of ethoxylation in the product specification is essential for correct line selection.
A technical data sheet or certificate of analysis showing the molecular structure — specifically whether the compound contains a benzene ring or modified aromatic nucleus — is the primary evidence. Supplier-issued product specifications, REACH registration dossiers, or CAS number cross-references can support the aromatic determination. CBP may request a laboratory analysis if the aromatic character is not evident from commercial documents.
Subheading 4 of 7 in heading 3402
Subheading 340239 · $21.2M of $199.9M
ImportsExports
Imports
$21.2MYoY · free account
Exports
$22.7MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $169.1M of Anionic Organic Surface-Active Agents (Other Than Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates) and exported $295.3M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402399050 | Anionic Org Surf-Act Agents Notarom/Mod Ar NESOI | $13.3M | 11.96% | 92.56% | $1.6M |
| 3402399010 | Salts of Sulfated Alcohols | $5.1M | 11.23% | 98.92% | $571K |
| 3402399020 | Salts of Sulfated Polyethers | $1.5M | 14.05% | 93.94% | $204K |
| 3402391000 | Arom/Mod Ar Anionic Organic Surf-Act Agents NESOI | $1.4M | 7.20% | 39.91% | $98K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3402399000 | Anionic Organic Surf-Act Agents Except Soap, NESOI | $17.4M |
| 3402391000 | Arom/Mod Ar Anionic Organic Surf-Act Agents NESOI | $5.3M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
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Imports · August 2026
origin
customs district
destination
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rate provision · imports
9.2% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 11.63% of imports for consumption.