Benzalkonium Chloride
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402411000 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402491000 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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๐งช Benzalkonium Chloride (Organic Surface-Active Agents)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What is Benzalkonium Chloride?
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK) is a widely used cationic surfactant and antiseptic agent. In international trade, it falls under Chapter 34 (Soap, Organic Surface-Active Agents, Washing Preparations...).
It is not classified as "Soap" (Heading 3401) because its chemical structure and function differ from traditional fatty acid salts. Instead, it is categorized as an "Other Organic Surface-Active Agent."
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction:
- BAK is a Cationic surfactant (positively charged nitrogen atom).
- It is often described as "Aromatic" or "Modified Aromatic" because its chemical structure typically includes benzyl groups or modified alkyl benzyl chains.
- If it is not put up for retail sale (e.g., bulk industrial chemical), it follows specific subheadings for non-retail cationic agents.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Book)
Based on the provided data, Benzalkonium Chloride is classified under two specific HS Codes depending on whether it is explicitly labeled as "Cationic" or broadly as "Other" aromatic agents. Both carry the same tax rate.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristics | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.41.10.00 |
Other organic surface-active agents: Cationic: Aromatic or modified aromatic | Specifically identified as Cationic surfactants with aromatic structures. BAK is the primary example here. | 0.0% |
3402.49.10.00 |
Other organic surface-active agents: Other: Aromatic or modified aromatic | A broader category for aromatic surfactants that may not be explicitly labeled as "Cationic" in documentation, but fall under the aromatic group. | 0.0% |
๐ Classification Logic:
- Why 3402? It is an organic surface-active agent not being soap.
- Why .41 or .49? It is "Other" (not anionic, non-ionic, etc.).
- Why .10 (Aromatic)? Benzalkonium chloride contains benzyl groups, making it "aromatic or modified aromatic."
- Why not 3401? Heading 3401 is strictly for "Soap." BAK is a synthetic cationic surfactant.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: Likely China (CN) or other major chemical producers
โ Effective Time: Current 2026 Tariff Schedule
๐ฏ 1. 3402.41.10.00 โโ Cationic Aromatic Surface-Active Agents
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% (Note: Most chemical inputs often have exemptions, but check specific footnotes. Per provided data: 0.0%) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% (Per provided data: 0.0%) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Yes (Generally, 0% duty items are eligible for de minimis if under $800, but verify current CBP rules) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3402.41.10.00 โ Section 99/USITC (Check for specific footnote exemptions if any) |
๐ Explanation:
- Zero Duty Advantage: Unlike many electronics or manufactured goods, certain chemical intermediates like BAK often enter at 0% duty.
- No Section 301 Penalty: According to the provided data, there is no additional 25% tariff applied to this specific HS code. This is a significant cost advantage compared to many other Chinese imports.
- No IEEPA Penalty: No additional 10% tariff applies based on the provided text.
๐ฏ 2. 3402.49.10.00 โโ Other Aromatic Surface-Active Agents
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Yes |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3402.49.10.00 |
๐ Note:
- Even if classified under "Other" instead of "Cationic," the tax rate remains 0.0%.
- This provides flexibility in documentation if the chemical classification is ambiguous, without increasing duty costs.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state "Benzalkonium Chloride," CAS No. (8001-54-5), and concentration. |
| โ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | โ๏ธ | Confirms purity and active ingredient content. |
| โ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | โ๏ธ | Required for chemical imports. Must comply with OSHA/GHS standards. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Describe as "Benzalkonium Chloride, Cationic Surfactant, Aromatic." Avoid vague terms like "Cleaning Chemical." |
| โ Manufacturerโs Declaration | โ๏ธ | Confirm origin and that it is not soap (excluded from 3401). |
| โ FDCA Registration (if applicable) | โ๏ธ | If used in cosmetics/drugs, FDA registration may be required in addition to customs. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
๐ฅ โCationic Aromatic, Zero Duty, Donโt Call It Soap!โ
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk BAK (Industrial Grade) | 3402.41.10.00 - Benzalkonium Chloride, Cationic Surfactant |
"Soap" or "Detergent" |
| BAK in Solution | 3402.41.10.00 - Aqueous solution of Benzalkonium Chloride |
"Disinfectant" (vague) |
| Retail Packaged BAK | Check if "Put up for Retail" โ May fall under 3402.90 or remain 3402.41 depending on packaging. |
Assume itโs soap because itโs in a bottle. |
๐ Critical Warning:
- Never classify as Heading 3401 (Soap). Customs will reject this because BAK is a synthetic cationic surfactant, not a fatty acid salt.
- Use CAS Number: Include CAS No. 8001-54-5 in the description to prevent misclassification.
โ 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| High Purity (>99%) | Still classified under 3402.41.10.00. Duty remains 0%. |
| Diluted Solutions | If <10% active ingredient, may be classified as "Preparation" under 3402.90. Verify with Customs Broker as duty rates may differ. |
| Cosmetic Use | If imported for cosmetics, ensure FDA Prior Notice is filed before arrival. Customs may hold if FDA clearance is missing. |
| Industrial Cleaning | Standard 3402.41.10.00 applies. No special licenses needed. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 3402.41.10.00 |
0.0% | FDA (if cosmetic/drug), SDS | Best Duty Rate |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 3402.41.10.00 |
~1% | CCC (if applicable) | Low duty, stable trade |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 3402.41.10.00 |
0% | REACH Registration | REACH is mandatory for chemical imports |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 3402.41.10.00 |
0% | PRTR Notification | Monitor chemical regulations |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 3402.41.10.00 |
Varies | BIS Standard | Check anti-dumping duties |
๐ Conclusion:
- The USA offers 0% duty for Benzalkonium Chloride under3402.41.10.00.
- No Section 301 or IEEPA penalties apply per the provided data, making it a cost-effective import.
- Compliance Focus: Ensure SDS and CAS Number are clear to avoid customs delays.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
โ Mistake 1: Classifying as "Soap" (Heading 3401)
๐ Consequence: Rejection by Customs, delay, potential penalty. BAK is not soap.
โ Mistake 2: Omitting CAS Number
๐ Consequence: Customs cannot verify the chemical identity โ Hold for examination โ Demurrage fees.
โ Mistake 3: Assuming "Cleaning Preparation" means Heading 3402.10
๐ Consequence: If itโs a pure active agent, it should be 3402.41. Misclassification can lead to duty audits.
โ Mistake 4: Ignoring FDA Requirements for Cosmetic Use
๐ Consequence: Product detained by FDA before Customs release. FDA Prior Notice is mandatory.
โ Correct Practice:
"Benzalkonium Chloride, CAS No. 8001-54-5, Cationic Surfactant, Aromatic, Industrial Grade, Not for Retail Sale"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Zero Duty, High Efficiency
๐ฏ Remember:
๐น "Cationic Aromatic, Zero Duty, CAS Number is Key!"
๐น "No 301 Tax, No IEEPA Tax, Save 25%+ vs. Electronics!"
๐น "Donโt Call It Soap, Or Customs Will Stop!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider applying for a Binding Ruling from CBP to confirm the HS Code 3402.41.10.00 is correct for your specific batch. This provides legal certainty and avoids future disputes.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact your Customs Broker + Provide SDS + Include CAS Number in Invoice
๐ Import Benzalkonium Chloride with 0% Duty and Smooth Clearance!
โจ Professional Customs Clearance, Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Your Cost Savings Are Worth the Detail!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.