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HSChapter 34
U.S. exports of cationic organic surface-active agents (HS 340241) totaled $8.1M in July 2026.
Importers of Cationic Organic Surface-Active Agents paid $234K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 15% on $1.6M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: July 2026 dataCationic surfactants carry a positive charge in solution, giving them antimicrobial, fabric-softening, and antistatic properties that distinguish them commercially from anionic and nonionic counterparts. The US schedule divides heading 340241 into aromatic or modified-aromatic cationic agents (3402411000) and all other cationic agents (3402419000); quaternary ammonium compounds — widely used in disinfectants, hair conditioners, and industrial biocides — are the dominant trade items in this heading. Importers of quaternary ammonium-based disinfectant actives should be aware that EPA registration requirements under FIFRA may apply when the product is imported with pesticidal claims.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
139 shipments/mo
Yes, if the product is imported with pesticidal or antimicrobial claims (e.g., for use as a disinfectant or sanitizer), it is subject to EPA registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Bulk active ingredients intended for formulation into registered end-use products may qualify for an exemption, but importers should confirm EPA's current guidance on active ingredient imports before shipment. Classification is complex; consult a licensed customs broker or EPA's pesticide import requirements.
Heading 340241 covers the pure or substantially pure cationic surface-active agent itself, whether or not in retail packaging. Heading 340290 covers formulated preparations — mixtures containing cationic agents combined with other ingredients (builders, solvents, fragrances) — that are not put up for retail sale. A single-active quat compound is 340241; a blended industrial disinfectant concentrate containing that quat is more likely 340290.
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402419000 | Cationic Organic Surf Act Agents,NESOI | $3.2M | 6.57% | 43.47% | $212K |
| 3402411000 | Aromatic/Mod Arom Cationic Organic Surf-Act Agents | $368K | 5.99% | 50.51% | $22K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3402419000 | Cationic Organic Surf Act Agents,NESOI | $7.8M |
| 3402411000 | Aromatic/Mod Arom Cationic Organic Surf-Act Agents | $328K |
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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$3.6MYoY · Pro
Exports
$8.1MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Exports · July 2026
destination
Canada and Brazil together take 72% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
55.8% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 6.51%.