alkylbenzene preservative
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402311000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402905030 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Alkylbenzene Preservative β HS Code Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π One, Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Alkylbenzene Preservative"?
In international trade, surface-active agents (surfactants) and cleaning preparations are classified under Heading 3402 of the Harmonized System. However, not all "alkylbenzene" compounds are the same. The classification hinges on whether the substance is a pure chemical intermediate (acid/salt) or a finished cleaning preparation.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) or its salts (used as raw materials for soap/detergent manufacturing) β It falls under 3402.31.10.00.
- If the product is a mixed preparation (e.g., diluted, combined with other surfactants, fragrances, or packaged for retail/industrial cleaning use) β It may fall under 3402.90.50.30.
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, two distinct HS Codes apply depending on the product's physical form and intended use:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Identification Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.31.10.00 |
Anionic organic surface-active agents: Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and their salts | Raw material supplier, soap manufacturing, industrial chemical blending | Pure Chemical: LABSA or LABS. Not for direct retail cleaning. |
3402.90.50.30 |
Other surface-active preparations; Other cleaning preparations | Finished cleaning products, household cleaners, industrial degreasers | Preparation/Mixture: Contains other ingredients or is put up for use as a cleaner. |
π Critical Note:
- 3402.31.10.00 specifically targets Anionic agents derived from Aromatic or modified aromatic sources (i.e., Linear Alkylbenzene).
- 3402.90.50.30 is a "catch-all" for Other Cleaning Preparations that do not fit specific headings like 3401 (Soap) or 3402.31 (LABSA/LABS).
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a LABSA bulk tank as a "Cleaning Preparation" can lead to duty discrepancies and customs delays.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on context of high tariff analysis)
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 Period
π― 1. 3402.31.10.00 β Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acids and Salts
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 31.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 31.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Deny De Minimis for HS 3402.31.10.00 from China) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3402.31.10.00 β USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 (Section 301) |
π Explanation:
- LABSA and its salts are considered intermediate chemicals.
- Despite being a "surface-active agent," it is not a finished consumer product.
- The 31.5% total tariff is high due to the 25% Section 301 retaliation tariff on Chinese chemical intermediates.
π― 2. 3402.90.50.30 β Other Cleaning Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Likely eligible for $800 de minimis entry if packaged for retail) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3402.90.50.30 β No Section 301 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- If the product is classified as a "Cleaning Preparation" (even if it contains alkylbenzene derivatives), it may benefit from a 0% tariff.
- This is a significant cost advantage if the product can be legally declared as a finished preparation rather than a raw chemical.
- Caution: Customs may challenge this if the product is clearly a bulk acid or salt without cleaning additives.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Must specify chemical composition: Is it LABSA? LABS? Or a mixture? |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Identify if the product is a "Preparation" or "Chemical Intermediate." |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid" OR "Cleaning Preparation". Do not use vague terms like "Alkylbenzene Preservative." |
| β Process Flow Chart | βοΈ | Prove whether the product is synthesized (Chemical) or mixed/formulated (Preparation). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show packaging: Bulk drum (Chemical) vs. Retail bottle (Preparation). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Acid = 31.5%, Clean = 0%. Know Your Form!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Duty Rate | Risk of Misdeclaration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk Tank of LABSA (Raw Material) | 3402.31.10.00 |
31.5% | Low (Highly specific HS) |
| LABS Salt (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate) | 3402.31.10.00 |
31.5% | Low |
| Mixed Detergent (With Fragrance, Dye, Surfactants) | 3402.90.50.30 |
0.0% | Medium (Must prove "Preparation" status) |
| Household Cleaner Bottle | 3402.90.50.30 |
0.0% | Low (Retail pack = Preparation) |
π Warning:
- Do NOT declare LABSA as "Cleaning Preparation" to save taxes unless it is explicitly formulated as a cleaner.
- Customs will request a COA. If the COA shows >90% LABSA with no other cleaning agents, they will reclassify to3402.31.10.00and backdate duties + penalties.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Suggestion |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Cleaning Mix | Provide formula sheet proving it is a "Preparation." Use HS 3402.90.50.30. |
| Pure LABSA for Soap Factory | Use HS 3402.31.10.00. Accept the 31.5% duty. |
| Hybrid Product (Acid + Surfactant) | Consult a customs broker. Likely 3402.90.50.30 if primarily for cleaning. |
| De Minimis Shipment ( <$800) | If classified as 3402.90.50.30 (Cleaning Prep), it may enter duty-free under Section 321. If 3402.31.10.00, it is subject to duty. |
π Five, Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3402.31.10.00 |
31.5% | TSCA Compliance | High tariff on LABSA. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3402.90.50.30 |
0.0% | TSCA Compliance | 0% on cleaning preps. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3402.31.00 |
6.5% | REACH Registration | No additional retaliatory tariff. |
| π¨π³ China | 3402.31.10.00 |
6.5% | N/A | Base rate only. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3402.31.00 |
5.0% | AICIS Registration | Lower duty than US. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market has the highest barrier due to Section 301 tariffs on chemical intermediates.
- 0% duty is available only if the product is clearly a finished cleaning preparation.
π Six, Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring LABSA as "Cleaning Agent" to get 0% duty
π Consequence: Customs audit β Reclassification β 31.5% back-duties + 50% penalty.
β Error 2: Using "Alkylbenzene Preservative" as a generic name
π Consequence: Vague description β Customs rejection β Shipment detained.
β Error 3: Assuming all "3402" items are duty-free
π Consequence: LABSA is NOT duty-free. Only 0.0%-rated preparations are.
β Error 4: Ignoring TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) in the US
π Consequence: Chemicals cannot enter without TSCA certification.
β Correct Approach:
"Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA), 90% purity, for industrial soap manufacturing. HS: 3402.31.10.00."
OR
"Multi-purpose Cleaning Spray, contains surfactants. HS: 3402.90.50.30."
π― Seven, Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Costs, Avoid Risks!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "LABSA = 31.5% (Raw Material)"
πΉ "Cleaner = 0.0% (Finished Product)"
πΉ "Name Matters, COA Proves, Avoid 301 Tariffs!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is a mixture designed for cleaning, ensure your COA lists other ingredients (fragrances, thickeners, etc.) to support the 3402.90.50.30 classification.
If it is pure LABSA/LABS, accept the 31.5% duty and focus on supply chain efficiency.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Engage a licensed customs broker.
π Submit COA and SDS for pre-clearance review.
π Compliance First, Cost Second.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved Starts with the Right HS Code!
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) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β 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 β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β 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.