Non-ionic

Non-ionic organic surface-active agents (surfactants)

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 3402 42 00 (Non-ionic surface-active agents) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), with compliance required under General Note 4(D) of Schedule I of the ITC (HS) 2022 for designated food-import entry points where applicable.

What this is

HSN code

3402 42 00

Chapter

34 · Soaps, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, waxes

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 34

Customs documentation

ITC (HS) policy declaration from DGFT
General Note 4(D) compliance from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Verify the ITC (HS) import policy classification for this tariff line at the time of filing. Ensure any applicable ITC (HS) policy conditions under Chapter 34 are met and documented at the bill of entry.
ITC (HS) Schedule I, Chapter 34 · DGFT import policy
2
Where the consignment is routed through a food-import entry point, confirm compliance with General Note 4(D) of Schedule I of the ITC (HS) 2022 governing designated food-import ports.
General Note 4(D) of Schedule I of the ITC (HS) 2022

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is overlooking General Note 4(D) when shipments transit through or are consigned to designated food-import ports — a requirement that applies regardless of whether the surface-active agent itself is a food product. Importers should confirm the entry-point designation of the intended port of discharge before vessel departure to avoid detention and demurrage at port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3402 42 00 require BIS certification?

No, non-ionic surface-active agents are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with the General Note 4(D) food-import entry-point condition as the primary compliance overlay.

When does General Note 4(D) of the ITC (HS) 2022 apply to this HSN?

General Note 4(D) applies where the consignment is imported through a designated food-import entry point; importers should verify the port designation against the ITC (HS) 2022 Schedule I Annexure before filing the bill of entry.

Is the import of non-ionic surfactants under HSN 3402 42 00 freely permitted?

Import status should be confirmed against the current ITC (HS) policy for Chapter 34 at the time of filing; where no Restricted or Prohibited condition applies, import proceeds as Free subject to General Note 4(D) entry-point compliance.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.