Organic surface-active agents; cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale

HS v2017 Code: 340212

About organic surface-active agents; cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale

HS code 340212 covers a crucial category of organic surface-active agents known as cationic surfactants. These specialized chemicals play a vital role in a wide range of industries, from personal care and cleaning products to textile processing and oil recovery. As an important component of the broader chemical industry, cationic surfactants contribute significantly to the global economy and enable the manufacture of countless consumer and industrial goods.

Production process

Cationic surfactants are typically produced through a multi-step chemical synthesis process. The primary raw materials, which often include fatty alcohols, amines, and quaternary ammonium compounds, are combined and subjected to various reactions, such as alkylation, quaternization, and purification. The specific production techniques may vary depending on the desired molecular structure and performance characteristics of the final product.

Production inputs

The manufacture of cationic surfactants requires a range of raw materials, including 290511 fatty alcohols, 292119 amines, and 292390 quaternary ammonium compounds. Additionally, specialized equipment, such as reactors, distillation columns, and drying systems, are essential for the efficient and consistent production of these chemicals. The availability and cost of these inputs can significantly impact the overall competitiveness of the cationic surfactant industry.

Production outputs

Cationic surfactants produced under HS code 340212 find application in a diverse array of end-use industries. They are commonly used as active ingredients in 340213 anionic surface-active agents, 340219 other surface-active agents, and 340290 washing and cleaning preparations, contributing to the formulation of personal care products, detergents, and industrial cleaners. Additionally, cationic surfactants are utilized in 540700 man-made filament fabrics, 550300 synthetic staple fibers, and 550400 artificial staple fibers, where they play a crucial role in textile processing and finishing.

Revisions to 340212

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 340212. The most recent 1 version of this code (340212) is in the HS v2022 system:

This page shows a legacy version of code 340212 ( HS v2017).

Older versions

Family tree for organic surface-active agents; cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/34'>34: Soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/3402'>3402: Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/340212'>340212: Organic surface-active agents; cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/340211'>340211: Organic surface-active agents; anionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/340213'>340213: Organic surface-active agents; non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/340219'>340219: Organic surface-active agents; whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in heading no. 3402</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/340220'>340220: Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale</a>"]
B --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/340290'>340290: Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale</a>"]

    

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