Antifreeze
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3819000090 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3820000000 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3403191000 | 35.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824999330 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824999310 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Antifreeze (Engine Coolant / Brake Fluid)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Antifreeze"?
In the automotive and industrial sectors, "Antifreeze" is a broad term often referring to two distinct but related liquid chemicals:
1. Engine Coolant/Antifreeze: Prevents freezing in winter and boiling in summer, protecting the engine block.
2. Hydraulic Brake Fluid: A specialized hydraulic fluid used in braking systems, often grouped with antifreeze in common parlance due to similar chemical bases (glycol-based).
The classification depends heavily on the specific functional application and chemical composition. Below is the authoritative mapping for 2026.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scope | Key Material Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
3819.00.00.90 |
Hydraulic Brake Fluids | Automotive braking systems, industrial hydraulic presses | Liquid state, hydraulic transmission properties, no material conflict with "Other" category. |
3820.00.00.00 |
Antifreezes and De-icing Fluids | Engine cooling systems, windscreen de-icing | Liquid state, anti-freeze purpose, matches "Anti-freeze/De-icing liquid" definition. |
3403.19.10.00 |
Lubricating Preparations Containing Petroleum Oils | General-purpose lubricants, multi-functional fluids | Contains petroleum/mineral oil components, matches "Lubricating preparations" definition. |
3824.99.93.30 |
Other Chemical Products and Preparations | General chemical mixtures, non-specific functional alcohols | ChemicalεΆε (Preparation), fits "Other chemical products" material attribute. |
3824.99.93.10 |
Other Chemical Products and Preparations (Alcohol-based) | Chemical industry mixed preparations containing alcohol components | Chemical preparation with alcohol components, matches "Other chemical products" attribute. |
π Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is specifically for braking systems, it falls under3819.00.00.90.
- If the product is specifically for engine cooling/de-icing, it falls under3820.00.00.00.
- If the product is a general-purpose lubricant with oil content, it may fall under3403.19.10.00.
- If the product is a generic chemical mixture without specific functional designation, it falls under3824.99.93.x0.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3819.00.00.90 ββ Hydraulic Brake Fluids
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Added Tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 3819.00.00.90 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 6.5%" is the standard MFN rate for hydraulic brake fluids.
- "Section 301 Surcharge 25%" is imposed on Chinese goods under U.S. Trade Law Section 301.
- "Section 122 Tariff 10%" is an additional tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
- Total 41.5% is a high tariff, requiring careful cost planning.
π― 2. 3820.00.00.00 ββ Antifreezes and De-icing Fluids
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 24.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 3820.00.00.00 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- This category is for engine coolants and de-icing fluids.
- The Section 301 rate is lower (7.5%) compared to brake fluids (25%).
- Total 24.0% is moderate but still significant.
π― 3. 3403.19.10.00 ββ Lubricating Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 35.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 3403.19.10.00 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- If the product contains petroleum oils and is used for lubrication, it falls here.
- Base rate is very low (0.2%), but the 25% Section 301 surcharge dominates.
- Total 35.2% is high.
π― 4. 3824.99.93.30 & 3824.99.93.10 ββ Other Chemical Products
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 3824.99.93.x0 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- If the product is a generic chemical preparation (e.g., alcohol-based mixtures) without specific functional designation, it falls here.
- Total 40.0% is high.
- Note:3824.99.93.30is for general chemical preparations, while3824.99.93.10is for alcohol-containing preparations.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must include chemical composition, viscosity, freezing/boiling points. |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Critical for identifying hazardous materials and proper handling. |
| β Product Photos (Label) | βοΈ | Must clearly show product name, usage (e.g., "For Brake Systems" or "Engine Coolant"). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify exact HS Code and product description. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If not from China, may apply for preferential rates. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight, volume. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βFunction First, Name Accurate, Tax Rate Clear!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Fluid | 3819.00.00.90 + "Hydraulic Brake Fluid" |
Misdeclare as "Engine Coolant" β 24% instead of 41.5% |
| Engine Coolant | 3820.00.00.00 + "Antifreeze for Engines" |
Misdeclare as "Chemical Preparation" β 40% instead of 24% |
| Lubricating Oil Mix | 3403.19.10.00 + "Lubricating Preparation" |
Misdeclare as "Antifreeze" β 24% instead of 35.2% |
| Generic Chemical | 3824.99.93.30 + "Chemical Preparation" |
Misdeclare as specific function β Risk of audit & penalty |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Antifreeze | Provide customer order + formulation details to justify HS Code. |
| Multi-purpose Fluid | If it serves both braking and cooling, declare based on primary function or consult customs broker. |
| Hazardous Material | Ensure SDS is provided; some antifreezes are flammable or toxic. |
| Pre-ruling Application | Strongly Recommended: Apply for an Advance Ruling from U.S. Customs to lock in the HS Code and avoid disputes. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3820.00.00.00 (Coolant) |
24.0% | SDS, EPA Approval (if applicable) | High tariffs due to Section 301 & 122. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3819.00.00.90 (Brake Fluid) |
41.5% | DOT Compliance (FMVSS) | Even higher tariffs. |
| π¨π³ China | 3820.00.00.00 |
Low (0-5%) | CCC (if applicable) | No Section 301 surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3820.00.00.00 |
0% - 6.5% | REACH Registration | No Section 301/122. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3820.00.00.00 |
0% - 6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit regulations apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest tariffs for Chinese-origin antifreeze/brake fluids due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) surcharges.
- EU and UK have lower tariffs but strict REACH/UK REACH chemical registration requirements.
- China origin goods to USA face significant cost disadvantages. Consider supply chain diversification or advance ruling applications.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Brake Fluid" as "Engine Coolant" to save tax.
π Consequence: Customs audit, penalty, back taxes, and potential shipment detention.
β Mistake 2: Omitting SDS for chemical products.
π Consequence: Shipment held at port for hazardous material review, causing delays.
β Mistake 3: Using vague names like "Car Liquid" on the invoice.
π Consequence: Customs assigns arbitrary HS Code, likely with higher tariffs.
β Mistake 4: Assuming all antifreezes are the same.
π Consequence: Misclassification between 3820 (Coolant) and 3819 (Brake Fluid) leads to incorrect duty payment.
β Correct Approach:
"Ethylene Glycol-Based Engine Coolant, for Automotive Use, Model XYZ, SDS Available"
"Hydraulic Brake Fluid, DOT 3/4/5.1 Compliant, Model ABC, SDS Available"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Cost Control, Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Function Dictates Code, Name Dictates Rate!"
πΉ "24% vs 41.5%, One Mistake, Huge Cost!"
πΉ "SDS is Key, Pre-ruling is Smart!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may apply for IEEPA Exemption or USMCA Preferences, reducing tariffs to 0%~5%.
Strongly Recommend: Applying for an Advance Ruling from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before shipment to ensure correct HS Code classification and avoid unexpected duties.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Cost Efficiency, and Profit Maximization!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny of Cost Deserves Precision!
Customer Reviews
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.