U.S. exports of Cationic Organic Surface-Active Agents (HS 340241) totaled $7.7M in August 2026.
Importers of Cationic Organic Surface-Active Agents paid $470K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 10.09% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Cationic Organic Surface-Active Agents imports of $4.7M in August 2026 ran 25% above the year-to-date monthly average of $3.7M.
Last updated: August 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.
174 import shipments a month
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.
Subheading 6 of 7 in heading 3402
Subheading 340241 · $7.7M of $333.3M
ImportsExports
Imports
$4.7MYoY · free account
Exports
$7.7MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $45.1M of Cationic Organic Surface-Active Agents and exported $79.9M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 340241 — Cationic Organic Surface-Active Agents, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402419000 | Cationic Organic Surf Act Agents, NESOI | $4.2M | 10.43% | 60.23% | $440K |
| 3402411000 | Aromatic/Mod Arom Cationic Organic Surf-Act Agents | $443K | 6.88% | 26.83% | $30K |
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 | $7.4M |
| 3402411000 | Aromatic/Mod Arom Cationic Organic Surf-Act Agents | $341K |
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.
Exports · August 2026
destination
Canada and Brazil together take 77% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
42.9% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 10.09% of imports for consumption.