Find HS Code and trade information for detergent

Detergent

Detergent refers to a surfactant with cleaning properties, differing from soap in being synthetic rather than naturally derived. They are widely used in cleaning applications, encompassing household, industrial, and personal care products.

Material Composition

Detergents are primarily composed of the following:

• Surfactants: These are the active cleaning agents, reducing surface tension between water and dirt, allowing for emulsification and removal of soils. Common surfactant types include anionic, cationic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants.
• Builders: These enhance the effectiveness of surfactants by softening water, buffering pH, and preventing redeposition of dirt. Examples include phosphates (increasingly restricted due to environmental concerns), citrates, silicates, and carbonates.
• Enzymes: Added to break down specific types of stains (proteins, fats, starches). Proteases, amylases, lipases, and cellulases are common.
• Bleaches: Oxidizing agents used to remove colored stains and disinfect. Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) are frequently used.
• Foam Boosters/Suppressants: Control the amount of foam produced, depending on the application.
• Fragrances & Dyes: Added for aesthetic appeal.
• Other Additives: Include corrosion inhibitors, optical brighteners, and stabilizers.

Purpose

The primary purpose of detergent is to remove dirt, grime, and stains from surfaces, primarily through the action of surfactants. They accomplish this by:

• Wetting: Reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread more easily on the surface being cleaned.
• Emulsification: Breaking down oils and fats into smaller droplets that can be suspended in water.
• Suspension: Keeping dirt particles suspended in water to prevent redeposition.
• Dispersal: Breaking down and dispersing solid particles.

Function

Detergents function by interacting with both water and the soil to be removed. The surfactant molecules have both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) ends.

• The hydrophobic end attaches to the soil, while the hydrophilic end attaches to the water.
• This creates micelles, which encapsulate the dirt particles and allow them to be washed away with the water.

Usage Scenarios

Detergents are used in a wide range of applications:

• Laundry Detergents: For washing clothes and fabrics. Available in powder, liquid, pod, and sheet forms.
• Dishwashing Detergents: For cleaning dishes, either by hand or in a dishwasher.
• Household Cleaners: For cleaning floors, surfaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Industrial Cleaners: Used in manufacturing, automotive, and other industries for heavy-duty cleaning.
• Personal Care Products: Found in shampoos, body washes, and hand soaps.

Common Types

• Anionic Detergents: The most common type, effective for general cleaning. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are common examples.
• Cationic Detergents: Used as disinfectants and fabric softeners.
• Non-Ionic Detergents: Effective for removing oily soils and less affected by hard water. Often used in laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids.
• Enzyme Detergents: Contain enzymes to break down specific types of stains.
• Powder Detergents: Traditional form, generally less expensive but may leave residue.
• Liquid Detergents: Convenient and dissolve easily, often pre-mixed with enzymes and other additives.
• Pod/Tablet Detergents: Pre-measured doses, convenient but can be more expensive.
• Sheet Detergents: Dissolvable sheets, lightweight and convenient for travel.

Detergent, as a cleaning agent, can fall under several classifications depending on its specific composition and form. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 3402905010: This code covers organic surface-active agents (excluding soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401, specifically categorized as 'Washing preparations'. This is applicable to detergents intended for laundry or general washing purposes. The total tax rate is 58.7%, comprised of a 3.7% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 3402905030: This code also covers organic surface-active agents (excluding soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401, but is categorized as 'Other Cleaning preparations'. This would apply to detergents used for specific cleaning tasks beyond general washing, such as dishwashing or floor cleaning. The total tax rate is 58.7%, comprised of a 3.7% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 3401190000: This code covers soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for use as soap, in the form of bars, cakes, molded pieces or shapes, whether or not containing soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap; paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent, specifically categorized as 'Other'. This applies to detergents in bar, cake, or molded forms, or those specifically for skin washing in liquid or cream form. The total tax rate is 37.5%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff, a 7.5% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.

It is important to note that the specific classification depends on the detergent's composition and form.

Regarding these HS codes, please be aware of the additional tariffs of 25.0% currently in effect and the increase to 30% effective April 2, 2025.