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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of quaternary ammonium salts & hydroxides; lecithins & phosphoaminolipids (SITC 51481) totaled $23.1M in April 2026, traded with 32 countries.
Importers of Quaternary Ammonium Salts & Hydroxides; Lecithins & Phosphoaminolipids paid $2.0M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $19.2M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Quaternary Ammonium Salts & Hydroxides; Lecithins & Phosphoaminolipids imports of $23.1M in April 2026 ran 19% above the year-to-date monthly average of $19.4M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataQuaternary ammonium compounds (quats) and lecithins represent two commercially distinct product families grouped under this heading: quats are widely used as industrial disinfectants, fabric softeners, and surfactants, while lecithins — derived primarily from soy or sunflower — serve as emulsifiers in food, feed, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The disinfectant applications of quaternary ammonium salts can trigger EPA registration requirements under FIFRA for products making pesticidal claims, while food-grade lecithins are subject to FDA GRAS status and labeling rules. Importers handling both product types under this heading should maintain separate compliance tracks given the divergent regulatory frameworks.
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Quaternary ammonium products marketed with pesticidal or antimicrobial claims must be registered with the EPA under FIFRA before importation. Unregistered products making such claims can be refused entry. Importers should confirm registration status and ensure labeling complies with EPA requirements prior to shipment.
Food-grade lecithin must meet FDA purity and labeling standards and is subject to FDA admissibility review at entry. Industrial-grade lecithin used in non-food applications does not carry the same FDA requirements but may still require accurate end-use documentation to support the classification and avoid scrutiny. Consult a licensed customs broker or FDA regulatory specialist to confirm the applicable admissibility pathway for your specific product.
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Monthly import values over time