When a surfactant is mixed with other ingredients — builders, fillers, perfumes, or optical brighteners — specifically to function as a finished cleaning product, it typically crosses into the washing or cleaning preparations heading. A pure or minimally blended surfactant intended as an industrial intermediate generally remains in the surface-active agents heading. CBP has issued rulings on this boundary, and a binding ruling is advisable for complex blends.

Certain organic surfactants sourced from specific countries have been subject to antidumping or countervailing duty orders; importers should check the CBP ADD/CVD portal and the USITC's active order list for the specific chemical type and country of origin before entry. Section 301 tariffs may also apply depending on the country of origin.