Order K12 powder at 92% active matter in 20kg or 25kg PP bags with PE liner for toothpaste, detergent and shampoo production. Check COA: active matter 92% min, unsulphonated matter 2% max, sodium chloride 1% max, colour white. It is a non-dangerous general cargo under HS 3402.11, about 20-24 tons per 20ft container, and shipping runs 20-45 days depending on your port.
K12 is the trade name for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the most widely used anionic foaming surfactant in the world. It is the ingredient that makes toothpaste foam, shampoo lather and washing powder bubble. It is also used as a foaming agent in oil drilling and as an emulsifier in industrial cleaners. China is the largest global producer, and buyers across Africa and South America import K12 from Chinese plants for their personal-care and detergent lines. This guide covers the grade to order, the lab values that decide quality, and the practical import details.
1. Which grade to order
K12 is sold by active matter content. The commercial standard is:
| Grade | Active matter | Who should order it |
|---|---|---|
| K12 powder | 92% min | Standard for toothpaste, shampoo and detergent plants |
| K12 needle | 92% min | Plants that prefer low-dust handling and easy dissolution |
| K12 paste / liquid | 28–30% | Liquid detergent and shampoo lines that batch from solution |
Most African and South American buyers order 92% powder. Needle form costs a little more but is dust-free and dissolves just as fast — worth it if your plant mixes by hand. If your line runs liquid detergent, K12 paste (28-30%) can cut your dissolving step, but it ships in drums, not bags.
2. The COA values to check before payment
- Active matter ≥ 92% — the number that sets your foaming strength. Low active quietly raises your cost per kilo of finished product.
- Unsulphonated matter ≤ 2% — unreacted alcohol dulls foam and leaves an oily feel; keep it low for personal care.
- Sodium chloride ≤ 1% — high salt lowers viscosity in liquid batches and can irritate the skin in toothpastes.
- Colour: white — yellowish powder usually means oxidation or poor washing during production.
For every shipment, ask for the batch COA (not just a type certificate) plus a sealed sample before loading, so your own lab can cross-check active matter.
3. HS code, packaging and container loads
K12 is classified under HS 3402.11 (anionic organic surface-active agents), the same heading as LABSA. It is a non-dangerous, general chemical cargo — no DG booking needed. Packaging:
- 20 kg or 25 kg PP woven bags with PE liner — the standard for personal-care and detergent plants
- 1000 kg jumbo bags — for large detergent lines with mixing silos
A 20ft container holds roughly 20–24 tons. K12 powder is fine and slightly dusty, so lined bags and dry, cool storage matter — humidity makes the powder cake.
4. Shipping time to your port
- West Africa (Lagos, Tema, Abidjan, Cotonou): about 25–35 days
- East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam): about 20–30 days
- South America (Callao, Santos, Cartagena): about 35–45 days
Because K12 is not a dangerous good, freight is straightforward — but confirm the packing list shows the PE liner, because a few customs offices check bag construction for food-adjacent products.
5. The three most common problems
(1) Low active matter — cheaper lots are blended with sodium sulfate filler; always cross-check the batch COA. (2) Caking from humidity — insist on PE-lined bags and dry container survey before loading. (3) Dark or off-white colour — oxidation or old stock; reject yellowish powder for personal-care use.
SAIFENG supplies K12 92% powder alongside LABSA 96%, caustic soda flakes and soda ash — the complete raw-material package for detergent, soap and personal-care factories — to buyers across Africa and South America. Every inquiry is answered within 2 working hours.
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