Brake Fluid Corrosion Inhibitor
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 |
| 3403195000 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824992900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π’οΈ Brake Fluid Corrosion Inhibitor
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Brake Fluid Additive"?
Brake Fluid Corrosion Inhibitors are specialized chemical additives used in automotive and industrial braking systems. Their primary function is to prevent corrosion and oxidation of metal components (calipers, master cylinders, lines) within the brake hydraulic system.
In international trade, these products are often classified based on their chemical nature and primary function: * Lubricating Preparations (Ch. 34): If viewed as a preparation enhancing the performance of the base fluid (brake fluid). * Chemical Products/Preparations (Ch. 38): If viewed primarily as an anti-corrosion agent or mixture of chemicals.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is primarily a lubricant additive or improves the physical properties of the brake fluid β Chapter 34
- If the product is primarily a general chemical anti-corrosion agent not specifically tied to lubrication mechanics β Chapter 38
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a chemical additive as a general "lubricant" without specifying its anti-corrosion function can lead to customs audits.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Basis for Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
3811.19.00.00 |
Anti-knock preparations, catalytic additives, and other preparations for mineral oils (including petrol) and other liquid fuels | Chemical mixtures intended to modify the properties of mineral oil-based brake fluids; general chemical additives | β Matches "Additives" for liquid fuels/oils |
3403.19.10.00 |
Lubricating preparations containing other petroleum oils or bituminous minerals, containing by weight 70% or more of such oils | Lubricating chemical preparations; assumes low petroleum content (<70%) or non-oil base chemical formulation | β Matches "Preparations" for lubrication/corrosion prevention |
3403.19.50.00 |
Other lubricating preparations | General chemical additives that function as lubricating/corrosion-preventing preparations | β Matches "Lubricating Preparations" |
3824.99.29.00 |
Other chemical products and preparations (not elsewhere specified or included) | General chemical corrosion inhibitors that do not fit specific lubricating or fuel additive categories | β Matches "Chemical Preparations" |
π Important Note:
- Chapter 34 focuses on lubricating preparations. Brake fluids are lubricating in nature (protecting seals and metal). - Chapter 38 focuses on general chemical products. If the additive is purely a corrosion inhibitor with no lubricating function, it may fall here. - Most Common:3403.19.50.00and3811.19.00.00are the most frequently cited codes for such additives due to their nature as "preparations."
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3811.19.00.00 ββ Anti-Knock/Other Additions for Mineral Oils
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3811.19.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- "USITC Surcharge 25%" is from the Section 301 trade law; - "IEEPA 10%" is the additional tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for Chinese products; - Total 41.5% is a high tariff rate, requiring advance cost assessment.
π― 2. 3403.19.10.00 ββ Lubricating Preparations (Petroleum Oil <70%)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.2% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3403.19.10.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This code applies if the product is classified as a lubricating preparation with less than 70% petroleum oil by weight. - Base tariff is very low (0.2%), but surcharges drive it up to 35.2%.
π― 3. 3403.19.50.00 ββ Other Lubricating Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.8% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3403.19.50.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This is a common classification for general lubricating additives. - The base rate (5.8%) is higher than3403.19.10.00, resulting in a higher total rate of 40.8%.
π― 4. 3824.99.29.00 ββ Other Chemical Products and Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3824.99.29.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Used if the product is deemed a general chemical preparation rather than a lubricant or fuel additive. - Matches the same high tariff tier as3811.19.00.00.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Required)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail composition, function (corrosion inhibitor), and compatibility with brake fluids |
| β Formula/Ingredients List | βοΈ | To determine if it qualifies as a lubricating preparation (Ch. 34) or general chemical (Ch. 38) |
| β Product Photos (Labeling) | βοΈ | Clear view of "Brake Fluid Additive" or "Corrosion Inhibitor" on the label |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Crucial for hazardous material classification and customs clearance |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Brake Fluid Corrosion Inhibitor" and HS Code |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If not from China, may qualify for preferential rates (but US surcharges still apply) |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Details of packaging to avoid misclassification as bulk chemicals |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βDeclare Function, Specify Composition, Choose Chapter Wisely, Tariff Varies by Half!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical additive for brake fluid | 3811.19.00.00 or 3824.99.29.00 |
Misdeclare as "Brake Fluid" itself β Different Tax |
| Lubricating corrosion inhibitor | 3403.19.50.00 |
Misdeclare as "General Chemical" β Higher Base Rate |
| Low petroleum content lubricant | 3403.19.10.00 |
Misdeclare as "High Petroleum Content" β Wrong Subheading |
| Generic chemical inhibitor | 3824.99.29.00 |
Misdeclare as "Lubricant" β Audit Risk |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Additives | Provide customer PO and technical specs to prove specific use (brake fluid) |
| Mixed with Base Oil | If >70% petroleum oil, may change code to 3403.10.xxx (not listed here, but verify) |
| Hazardous Material | If classified as hazardous, additional safety docs and fees may apply |
| Small Samples for Testing | Still subject to de minimis restrictions for China-origin goods under IEEPA |
π V. Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3403.19.50.00 |
40.8% (China) | SDS, DOT Compliance | High surcharges apply |
| π¨π³ China | 3811.19.00.00 |
~6.5% | None | No surcharges |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3824.99.99 |
~6.5% | REACH, CLP | No US-style surcharges |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3403.19.90 |
~5% | ADR, GHS | Moderate tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3403.99.00 |
~0-5% | JIS, GHS | Low tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes the highest total cost due toε ε surcharges (301 + IEEPA); - China origin products face 35%β41.5% tariffs in the US; - Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) to avoid US surcharges.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Brake Fluid" instead of "Additive"
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code (e.g., 3824.99 vs 3824.99), potential audit + penalty.
β Error 2: Ignoring the "Additive" nature
π Consequence: If declared as plain "Chemical," customs may reclassify to a higher base rate.
β Error 3: Not providing SDS
π Consequence: Customs may delay shipment for safety review, causing demurrage fees.
β Error 4: Assuming de minimis applies
π Consequence: De minimis is denied for China-origin goods under current IEEPA rules; full tax applies.
β Correct Action:
βBrake Fluid Corrosion Inhibitor, Chemical Additive, Compatible with DOT 3/4/5.1 Fluids, SDS Provided, Model XYZ, China Originβ
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βFunction First, Code Second, Surcharge Third, Cost is Clear!β
πΉ βHS Code is Destiny, Tax Differs by 6%, Declaration is Key, Savings are Real!β
π Pro Tip:
If your brake fluid additives are originated in Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may avoid IEEPA surcharges, reducing the total tariff to just Base Rate + 25% (Section 301 may still apply depending on subheading).
Recommendation: Apply for an Advance Ruling from US CBP to confirm the exact HS Code before shipment.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide SDS + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Efficient Global Trade, Profit Maximization!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Your 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.