A non-retail cleaning preparation is a formulated, finished product designed to perform a cleaning function, typically containing surfactants combined with builders, solvents, or other functional additives. An organic surface-active agent, by contrast, is the active chemical ingredient itself, often traded as an industrial intermediate. If the product is a complete cleaning formulation — even in bulk — it belongs in the cleaning preparations heading.

Certain cleaning preparations containing regulated chemicals — such as those subject to TSCA reporting or products containing pesticide-active ingredients — may require EPA review or registration before importation. Importers should screen their formulations against the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory and EPA pesticide registration requirements, particularly for disinfectant or sanitizer products.