HS 340239 Other
Quick Answer: Organic surface-active agents, not for retail sale, imported under HS 340239 enter the UK at rates up to 4.00%, the EU at rates up to 4.00%, and the US at rates up to 4% or 15.4¢/kg + 53.5%. This residual classification applies to organic surface-active agents, whether or not containing soap, that are not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 3402. These are typically industrial-grade products used in various manufacturing processes. Importers should consult specific trade agreements and the detailed tariff schedules for each jurisdiction, as rates can vary significantly based on the specific chemical composition and intended use, as aggregated by CustomTariffs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402391000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3402399010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402390000 | — | — | — |
| 3402399000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402399090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402390000 | — | — | — |
| 3402399000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402391000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3402399010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402399090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402391000 | 4% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 3402399010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 340239 | — | — | — |
| 34023990 | 3.7% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 3402399020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 3402.39?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 340239 cover?
This subheading covers "Other" organic surface-active agents, not specified or included elsewhere in heading 3402. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC, this category encompasses a broad range of surface-active agents that do not fit into the more specific subheadings for anionic, cationic, non-ionic, or amphoteric agents. These are typically compounds that reduce the surface tension of liquids, facilitating mixing or cleaning, and are used in various industrial and consumer applications.
What falls outside HS 340239?
The following products are excluded from HS 340239: specifically enumerated anionic, cationic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surface-active agents, as well as prepared לנוזל (liquid) detergents and preparations containing soap or detergents of heading 3401. For instance, soaps (HS 3401), and specific types of surfactants like alkylbenzenesulfonates (often classified under 3402.31) or ethoxylated fatty alcohols (often classified under 3402.33) are not included here. Products that are primarily intended for use as disinfectants or cleaning preparations, even if they contain surface-active agents, may also be classified elsewhere based on their principal function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 340239?
A common error is misinterpreting the "Other" designation, leading to the incorrect classification of products that actually fit into more specific subheadings within heading 3402. For example, a product that is clearly anionic or non-ionic should not be classified here. This often stems from a lack of detailed product knowledge or failure to consult the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedule's General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, particularly GRI 3, which dictates classification of goods put up in sets or mixed for retail sale, and GRI 6, which governs classification at the subheading level.
How should importers classify products under HS 340239?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 340239 involves a thorough analysis of the product's chemical composition and function. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the product is an organic surface-active agent. If it is, they must then ascertain its specific type (anionic, cationic, non-ionic, amphoteric). If it does not precisely fit into these categories and is not otherwise excluded, then HS 340239 becomes the appropriate classification. Consulting the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and the official tariff schedule's chapter and heading notes is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 340239?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of a specialized non-ionic surfactant blend, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for a comparable product under HS 340239 is 3.7% ad valorem, the duty would be calculated as 3.7% of $5,000 USD, resulting in a duty of $185.00. This calculation is based on the ad valorem rate applied to the declared customs value, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 340239?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 340239, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods may be eligible for a 0% duty rate. For example, a product originating from Canada or Mexico could benefit from this preferential rate. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is typically required. Other agreements, like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for certain developing countries, might also offer reduced rates, often requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 340239, and how do preferential rates apply?
HS code 340239, covering 'Other' organic surface-active agents, has a standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 4.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential rates significantly reduce this for imports from certain trade partners. For example, goods from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may enter duty-free (0.00%). It's crucial to consult the specific trade agreement and verify eligibility for these reduced rates, as documentation and origin rules apply. Always refer to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the most current and precise rates applicable to your country of origin.
What specific criteria determine if a product falls under HS code 340239 ('Other') within the broader category of organic surface-active agents?
HS code 340399 covers organic surface-active agents that are not specifically classified under other headings within Chapter 34, such as soaps (3401), detergents (3402.11-3402.19), or surface-active preparations and washing preparations (3402.20). If an organic surface-active agent does not fit the descriptions for anionic, cationic, non-ionic, or amphoteric surface-active agents (3402.11-3402.19), and is not a finished preparation for retail sale (3402.20), it would likely be classified as 'Other' under 3402.39. Classification relies on the chemical nature and function of the substance, as defined by the WCO's Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 340239?
For imports under HS code 340239, standard documentation includes a commercial invoice detailing the product, quantity, value, and origin; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, importers must provide a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the specific product and its intended use, additional documentation such as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or a manufacturer's declaration confirming the chemical composition might be requested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to verify classification and compliance with chemical regulations.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 340239 when it involves a specific duty rate like 15.4¢/kg + 53.5%?
While the standard rate for 340399 is often ad valorem (a percentage of the value), some specific tariff lines can include compound duties. For example, if a hypothetical scenario presented a rate of '15.4¢/kg + 53.5% ad valorem' for a specific product under this code, the duty calculation would involve two parts: a specific duty based on weight and an ad valorem duty based on value. Let's say you import 1,000 kilograms of a product valued at $5,000 USD. The specific duty would be 1,000 kg * $0.154/kg = $154. The ad valorem duty would be 53.5% of $5,000, which is $2,675. The total duty would be $154 + $2,675 = $2,829. It is essential to confirm the exact duty structure from the HTSUS, as the 'Other' classification can encompass diverse products with varying duty assessments.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty treatment for HS code 340239, and what are the general requirements to benefit?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty treatment for goods classified under HS code 340239. Key examples include the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), and bilateral agreements with countries like Chile, South Korea, and Australia. To benefit from these agreements, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin specific to each agreement, meaning they must be 'wholly obtained' or sufficiently transformed within the territory of the partner country. A valid Certificate of Origin, issued by the exporter or producer and containing specific information required by the agreement, is mandatory for claiming preferential treatment at the time of import.