Brake Fluid Additive Pack
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3811190000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3403191000 | 35.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3403195000 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824992900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π’οΈ Brake Fluid Additive Pack (Hydraulic Brake Fluid Modifiers)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Brake Fluid Additive"?)
A Brake Fluid Additive Pack is a specialized chemical formulation designed to enhance the performance of hydraulic brake fluids. It is not a standalone lubricant but a modifier intended to improve viscosity, boiling points, or anti-corrosion properties within existing mineral-oil-based or synthetic brake systems.
In international trade, these products are often misclassified due to ambiguity between "chemical preparations" and "lubricating preparations." The classification hinges on: 1. Primary Function: Is it primarily a lubricant for mechanical parts (Code 3403) or a chemical additive for a specific fluid system (Code 3811/3824)? 2. Composition: Does it exceed 70% petroleum oil content? (If yes, it leans toward 3403; if no, it leans toward 38xx).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - If the product is primarily a chemical mixture to modify existing brake fluid properties (anti-boil, anti-corrosion) β Chapter 38 (Chemical Products). - If the product is primarily a lubricating preparation for moving parts (less common for brake fluid additives, more common for grease/oil) β Chapter 34 (Lubricating Preparations).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (CNβUS) | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3811.19.00.00 |
Antiknock preparations and detonation inhibitors; other liquid preparations used as additives for mineral oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals | Brake fluid additives based on mineral oil categories; chemical modifiers for fluid systems | 41.5% | IEEPA + Section 301 |
3403.19.10.00 |
Lubricating preparations containing other products of chapter 29 (petroleum oils, etc.) | Brake fluid additives inferred as "lubricating chemicals"; assumes non-petroleum dominant composition | 35.2% | IEEPA + Section 301 |
3403.19.50.00 |
Other lubricating preparations (not containing petroleum oils β₯70%) | General chemical additives inferred as lubricant preparations; broad "chemicalεΆε" category | 40.8% | IEEPA + Section 301 |
3824.99.29.00 |
Other chemical products and preparations (not elsewhere specified) | Generic "chemical additives"; broad chemical mixture classification | 41.5% | IEEPA + Section 301 |
π Critical Note: -
3811.19.00.00is often the most precise fit for fluid additives because it specifically covers liquid preparations for mineral oils. -3403.19.10.00may be considered if the additive is viewed as a "lubricating preparation" under Chapter 34, especially if it contains specific chemical compounds of Chapter 29. -3824.99.29.00is a fallback "catch-all" for chemical preparations not specified elsewhere.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: November 10, 2025 (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3811.19.00.00 ββ Liquid Preparations for Mineral Oils (Additives)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% (Targeting China/HK products) |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3811.19.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation: - This code is highly specific to fluid modifiers. Since brake fluid is a mineral-oil-based liquid, additives are classified here. - The 41.5% rate is punitive, reflecting the high cost of importing chemical additives from China.
π― 2. 3403.19.10.00 ββ Lubricating Preparations (Specific Chemical Mix)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.2% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3403.19.10.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note: - This rate is lower (35.2%) than
3811. - It applies if the additive is interpreted as a "lubricating preparation" with specific chemical constituents (<70% petroleum oil). - Risk: Customs may challenge this if the primary function is fluid modification, not lubrication.
π― 3. 3403.19.50.00 ββ Other Lubricating Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.8% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3403.19.50.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note: - A broader "lubricant" category. - 40.8% is close to
3811(41.5%). - Used if the product is a general chemical additive not fitting specific fluid categories.
π― 4. 3824.99.29.00 ββ Other Chemical Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3824.99.29.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note: - Generic "chemical mix" classification. - Often used when the specific chemical nature is complex or mixed. - 41.5% is the highest common rate for these additives.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail chemical composition, function (additive vs. lubricant), and application. |
| β Ingredient List (INCI/SDS) | βοΈ | Critical for determining Chapter 38 vs. 34. Shows % of petroleum vs. other chemicals. |
| β Product Photos (Label & Container) | βοΈ | Clear view of warnings, usage instructions, and brand. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Brake Fluid Additive" or "Chemical Modifier," not just "Fluid." |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | If non-China, to check for exemptions. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show net/gross weight and volume. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
π₯ βFunction is King, Composition is Queen, Donβt Split, Donβt Lie!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Chemical Additive | 3811.19.00.00 (Brake Fluid Additive) |
Misdeclare as "Oil" β 41.5% vs 35.2%? |
| Lubricant-like Additive | 3403.19.10.00 (Lubricating Prep) |
Misdeclare as "Chemical" β 41.5% vs 35.2%? |
| Mixed Chemical Pack | 3824.99.29.00 (Other Chemicals) |
Split components β Each taxed separately! |
| Brake Fluid + Additive | Ship Separately | Mix together β Complex classification risk |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Provide client order + formula sheet to prove "additive" nature. |
| High Petroleum Content (>70%) | Likely 3403 but must prove <70% for 3403.19.10. If β₯70%, different rules apply. |
| Used in Racing | Still chemical additive; no special duty relief. |
| Small Quantity Samples | NO De Minimis Exemption for China-origin goods under IEEPA/301. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3811.19.00.00 |
41.5% | TSCA, EPA | High tariff due to IEEPA/301 |
| π¨π³ China | 3811.19.00.00 |
6.5% | No major surcharges | Lower base duty |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3811.10.00 |
~6.5% | REACH, CLP | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¬π§ UK | 3811.10.00 |
~6.5% | UKCA, REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3811.10.00 |
~6.5% | JIS | No surcharges |
π Conclusion: - USA is the most expensive market for brake fluid additives due to 41.5% effective rate. - EU/Asia offer much lower duties (~6.5%), making them preferred destinations for Chinese exports.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Engine Oil" or "Transmission Fluid"
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code β 100% Penalty + Seizure! Brake fluid β Engine oil.
β Mistake 2: Claiming "De Minimis" for packages < $800
π Consequence: Rejected! China-origin goods under IEEPA/301 are not exempt from de minimis.
β Mistake 3: Using vague terms like "Chemical Mix" without SDS
π Consequence: Customs delays β Audit & Retroactive Tax!
β Correct Practice:
"Brake Fluid Additive, Chemical Formulation, For Hydraulic Brake Systems, Contains No More Than 70% Petroleum Oil, SDS Attached, Model XYZ"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Additive vs. Lubricant: One letter changes the rate!"
πΉ "41.5% vs 35.2%: That's $6.30 per $100 saved!"
πΉ "No De Minimis for China: Always declare properly!"
π Tip:
If your product is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may apply for IEEPA Exemption, reducing tariffs to 0%~5%.
Recommend Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) to confirm 3811 vs 3403.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Consult a Customs Broker + Provide SDS + Apply for Advance Ruling
π Ensure your Brake Fluid Additive Pack clears smoothly, efficiently, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Classification Starts Here!
πΌ Every Cent Counts in Global Trade!
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.