Analysis
HTS 3402.42.90 covers other: other under heading 3402 (organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing…).
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, and 13 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 3.7%. It is also eligible under GSP, the developing-country programme, which Congress has to renew; check whether GSP is in force on the entry date.
The general duty rate is 3.7% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 34 (55th percentile of 41 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $370 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 25%, 6.8 times the general rate.
The other lines in the same group are 3402.42.10 (aromatic or modified aromatic, 4%) and 3402.42.20 (fatty substances of animal, vegetable or microbial origin, 4%).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 325613 (Surface Active Agent Manufacturing), an industry of 106 US establishments employing 6,174 people. That is the industry code a US manufacturer of the same product would normally use.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3402.42.10 | Aromatic or modified aromatic | 4% |
| 3402.42.20 | Fatty substances of animal, vegetable or microbial origin | 4% |