HS 340242 Non-ionic
Quick Answer: Non-ionic surfactants imported under HS 340242 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00% (though some lines may be 0.00%), and the US at 4% ad valorem or 15.4¢/kg + 53.5% depending on the specific product and origin. This HS code specifically covers non-ionic surface-active agents, which are compounds that reduce surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid, without carrying an electrical charge. These are commonly used in detergents, emulsifiers, and wetting agents. Importers should carefully review the specific subheadings within each jurisdiction, as duty rates can vary significantly, particularly in the US based on origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist with compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402420010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402420090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402420000 | — | — | — |
| 3402420020 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402420010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3402420090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3402420000 | — | — | — |
| 3402420020 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402421000 | 4% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 3402422010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 3402422050 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 340242 | — | — | — |
| 34024220 | 4% | Free (18 programs) | — |
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 3402.42?
Imports of Non-ionic 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 15 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 340242 cover?
This subheading covers non-ionic surface-active agents, whether or not put up for retail sale, specifically those that do not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes a wide array of surfactants like ethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, which are essential components in detergents, emulsifiers, and wetting agents. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU TARIC database provide detailed descriptions and examples, confirming their use in industrial cleaning, textiles, and personal care products.
What falls outside HS 340242?
The following products are excluded from HS 340242: anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surface-active agents, which exhibit different ionic behaviors in solution. For instance, soaps (HS 3401), which are typically anionic, are classified separately. Also excluded are surface-active preparations and washing preparations containing soap or anionic surface-active agents, even if they also contain non-ionic agents, as the primary classification is determined by the dominant functional component. Products primarily intended for other uses, such as lubricants or textile finishing agents that happen to contain non-ionic surfactants, would be classified according to their principal function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 340242?
A common error is misinterpreting the "non-ionic" characteristic, leading to the classification of products that are actually anionic, cationic, or amphoteric under this subheading. Another frequent mistake involves classifying complex formulations where the non-ionic surfactant is not the principal component or the primary driver of the product's function; in such cases, General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3 would apply, often leading to classification under a heading for the mixture's essential character. Importers may also incorrectly classify finished cleaning products under this heading instead of a more specific subheading for detergents or cleaning preparations.
How should importers classify products under HS 340242?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 340242 involves a thorough examination of the product's chemical composition and its primary function. Importers and customs brokers must consult the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff), and any available technical data sheets. The key is to confirm that the product is indeed a non-ionic surface-active agent and that it is not specifically excluded by a more specific heading or subheading, ensuring compliance with GRI 1 and GRI 6.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 340242?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of nonylphenol ethoxylate, a non-ionic surfactant, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.03 = $150.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 3402.42.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 340242?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 340242, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program allows for reduced or Free duties for eligible goods from designated developing countries, such as India or Thailand. To claim these preferences, importers typically need to provide a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific requirements of the importing jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 340242 (Non-ionic surfactants)?
Import duty rates for HS code 340242, which covers non-ionic surfactants, vary significantly by country and trade agreement. For example, the United States applies a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 4.00% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC system often has a rate of 2.5% ad valorem, though this can be subject to specific regulations. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also lists a standard rate, typically around 4.00% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment. Many trade agreements offer preferential rates, such as 'Free' (0.00%) for certain partner countries (e.g., under agreements with Australia, Chile, South Korea, etc., as indicated by specific flags like A, AU, CL, KR). Always verify the origin of the goods and the applicable preferential treatment.
How is the duty calculated for HS 340242 if the rate is 4.00% ad valorem and the goods are valued at $10,000?
For an ad valorem duty rate, the calculation is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. If the import duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem and the customs value of the non-ionic surfactants (HS 340242) is $10,000, the duty amount would be calculated as follows: Duty = Customs Value × Duty Rate. Duty = $10,000 × 4.00% = $10,000 × 0.04 = $400. In this example, the import duty would be $400.
What are the key classification criteria for non-ionic surfactants under HS code 340242?
HS code 340242 specifically covers 'Non-ionic surfactants'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical nature of the surfactant, which must not possess ionic properties (neither cationic nor anionic) in aqueous solution. These surfactants typically contain a hydrophilic (water-attracting) group that is a polyoxyalkylene chain (like polyethylene glycol) or a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene chain, and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) group, often a fatty alcohol or alkylphenol. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes to Chapter 34 provide detailed guidance on distinguishing these from other types of surfactants. Importers must ensure the product's chemical composition aligns with the definition of non-ionic surfactants to avoid misclassification.
What documentation is typically required for importing non-ionic surfactants (HS 340242)?
Standard import documentation for HS code 340242 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, importers may need to provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that confirms the chemical composition and properties of the non-ionic surfactants, verifying their classification under 340242 and compliance with any chemical import regulations. If claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a Certificate of Origin is mandatory.
How do trade agreements, like USMCA or EU trade deals, impact duty rates for HS 340242?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods originating from partner countries. For instance, if non-ionic surfactants (HS 340242) are imported into the United States from Canada or Mexico under the USMCA, and they meet the rules of origin, they may qualify for a 0.00% duty rate. Similarly, the EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries worldwide; if the surfactants originate in a country with an FTA with the EU, and meet the specific origin criteria, they could benefit from reduced or zero tariffs under the EU TARIC system. Importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter and ensure the goods meet the product-specific rules of origin outlined in the relevant trade agreement to claim these preferential rates.