Alkylbenzene Base Oil
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2710193080 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2710199000 | 42.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π’οΈ Alkylbenzene Base Oil (Petroleum-Based Lubricants & Specialty Oils)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Alkylbenzene"?
Alkylbenzene Base Oil is a synthetic or semi-synthetic hydrocarbon fluid widely used in high-performance applications, including transformer fluids, heat transfer fluids, and specialized lubricants. In international trade, it falls under Chapter 27: Mineral Fuels, Mineral Oils and Products of Their Distillation.
However, the key to correct classification lies in its composition and intended use: * Is it a basic constituent (>70% by weight)? β It falls under Heading 2710. * Is it a lubricant? β It is classified under Subheading 2710.19. * Is it waste oil? β NO. (Waste oils are excluded from this heading). * Does it contain biodiesel? β NO. (Biodiesel blends have different codes).
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point:
- If Alkylbenzene is the basic constituent (β₯70% by weight) and used as a lubricant, it goes to 2710.19.30.80.
- If it is not primarily a lubricant (e.g., used as a solvent, raw material, or heat transfer fluid without lubricating additives), it may fall under 2710.19.90.00.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariffε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
2710.19.30.80 |
Lubricating oils and greases, with or without additives: Oils Other | Primary Lubricants: Used in engines, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, or industrial machinery where friction reduction is the main function. | β
Lubricating Function β β₯70% Petroleum/Oil Base β Not Waste |
2710.19.90.00 |
Other Petroleum Oils and Oils Obtained from Bituminous Minerals: Other: Other | Non-Lubricating Uses: Used as solvents, heat transfer fluids, raw materials for chemical synthesis, or specialized industrial fluids where lubrication is not the primary purpose. | β Not Primarily Lubricating β β₯70% Petroleum/Oil Base β Not Waste |
π Important Note:
- Alkylbenzene is often classified as a synthetic base oil. If it is blended with additives to create a lubricating oil, it falls under 2710.19.30.80.
- If it is sold as a pure chemical intermediate or solvent (no lubricating additives), it falls under 2710.19.90.00.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a lubricant as "other oil" (90.00) to avoid higher specific duties is a common customs violation.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Import from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Subject to ongoing Section 301 tariffs)
π― 1. 2710.19.30.80 ββ Lubricating Oils (Including Alkylbenzene Lubricants)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 84Β’/bbl (Specific Duty per Barrel) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25% (Ad Valorem) |
| Total Effective Rate | 84Β’/bbl + 25% Ad Valorem |
| Tax Calculation | 1. Specific Duty: $0.84 per barrel 2. Ad Valorem: 25% of CIF Value |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Commercial shipments only) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:2710.19.30.80 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- Lubricating oils have a specific duty (per barrel) plus an ad valorem duty (percentage of value).
- The 25% Section 301 surcharge applies to the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight).
- Example: If 1 barrel of Alkylbenzene lubricant has a CIF value of $100:
- Specific Duty: $0.84
- Ad Valorem Duty: $25.00
- Total Tax: $25.84 per barrel.
π― 2. 2710.19.90.00 ββ Other Petroleum Oils (Non-Lubricating Alkylbenzene)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25% (Ad Valorem) |
| Total Effective Rate | 32.0% (Flat Ad Valorem) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 32% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:2710.19.90.00 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- This code applies a flat 32% tariff on the total value.
- Crucial Difference: This rate is purely ad valorem. There is no specific duty per barrel.
- High-Value Scenario: If the oil is very expensive (e.g., high-purity specialty alkylbenzene), the 32% ad valorem may be higher than the 84Β’/bbl + 25% combination of the lubricant code.
- Low-Value Scenario: If the oil is cheap (e.g., used solvent), the 32% may be lower than the specific duty impact.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: Chemical name, CAS number, % purity, viscosity, flash point. |
| β Formula/Composition Certificate | βοΈ | Proves that Alkylbenzene is β₯70% by weight. |
| β Intended Use Statement | βοΈ | Critical: Declare if it is for lubrication or non-lubricating use. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Alkylbenzene Base Oil" not just "Mineral Oil". |
| β MSDS/SDS | βοΈ | For safety and classification verification. |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Standard shipping document. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Lubrication? 30.80. Non-Lube? 90.00. Be Precise or Pay the Price!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Way | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alkylbenzene used as engine oil base | 2710.19.30.80 |
Misdeclare as "Other Oil" (90.00) | Penalty + Back Duties |
| Alkylbenzene used as solvent | 2710.19.90.00 |
Misdeclare as "Lubricant" (30.80) | Overpayment of Duty (if specific duty > 25%) |
| Mixture with Biodiesel | Wrong Chapter | Declare under 2710 | Rejection + Fine (Biodiesel has different rules) |
| Waste Alkylbenzene | Wrong Chapter (2710.19.30/90 excludes waste) | Declare under 2710 | Smuggling Charge |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Blends | Provide recipe sheet. If additives >30%, ensure base oil is still β₯70%. |
| Heat Transfer Fluids | If marketed as "Heat Transfer Oil" with no lubricating claim, use 2710.19.90.00. |
| Transformer Oil | Often classified under 2710.19.30.80 if it has insulating and cooling properties (lumping function). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Overview)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2710.19.30.80 or 2710.19.90.00 |
84Β’/bbl+25% or 32% | Section 301 tariffs apply. |
| π¨π³ China | 2710.19.99.00 |
~5-7% | Lower base duty, no Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2710.19.70 |
0-6.5% | Varies by member state; check EUCOM. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 2710.19.30.00 |
MFN Rate ~0-5% | CUSMA may apply if origin is NA. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to the dual duty system (specific + ad valorem) and Section 301.
- Classification accuracy is vital because 2710.19.30.80 and 2710.19.90.00 have different tax structures, not just different rates.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Declaring all Alkylbenzene under 2710.19.90.00 to simplify.
π Consequence: If itβs used as a lubricant, customs will assess 2710.19.30.80 rates + penalties.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the 70% threshold.
π Consequence: If Alkylbenzene is <70% by weight, it may fall under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products) β Different Tariff.
β Mistake 3: Confusing Alkylbenzene with Mineral Spirits.
π Consequence: Mineral spirits often fall under 2710.12 or 2710.19.90.00 but have different flash point classifications.
β Correct Approach:
"Alkylbenzene Base Oil (Synthetic), CAS #61789-74-8, Viscosity XX cSt, Flash Point XXΒ°C, Intended for Lubrication/Non-Lubricating Use."
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Lubricant? Check 30.80. Non-Lube? Check 90.00. 70% is the Key!"
πΉ "Specific Duty vs. Ad Valorem: Know the Difference!"
π Pro Tip:
If your Alkylbenzene is high-purity and used in electronics or aerospace, ensure the non-lubricating declaration is backed by technical data. Misdeclaration can lead to 25% additional penalties.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a customs broker + Provide SDS + Use Case + Apply for Advance Ruling if volume is high.
π Clear Customs, Clear Profit!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved is a Dollar Earned!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.