High performance hydraulic transmission fluid
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2710193080 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3403191000 | 35.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2710193020 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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๐ High Performance Hydraulic Transmission Fluid
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
๐ One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "High Performance Hydraulic Fluid"?
High Performance Hydraulic Transmission Fluid is a specialized lubricant designed for power transmission in hydraulic systems. In international trade, its classification hinges on its chemical composition and primary function. It generally falls into two main categories based on the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS):
- Petroleum Oils (Base Fluids): If the fluid is primarily considered a processed petroleum oil used as a lubricant base, it may fall under Chapter 27.
- Lubricating Preparations (Finished Products): If it is a formulated mixture containing additives (anti-wear, viscosity index improvers) specifically classified as a "preparation," it typically falls under Chapter 34.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- If classified as a Petroleum Oil โ HTS 2710 (Subject to specific volumetric + ad valorem taxes).
- If classified as a Lubricating Preparation โ HTS 3403 (Subject to primarily ad valorem taxes).
๐ฆ Two, Detailed HS Code Classification (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Base Type |
|---|---|---|---|
2710.19.30.80 |
Petroleum oils & oils obtained from bituminous minerals, other than crude; Other: Oils other than from heavy oil or residue: Other: Oils other than from heavy oil or residue (Specific Subheading for Lubricants/Oils not elsewhere specified) | High-performance hydraulic fluids classified under petroleum oils; functional inference applies. | Volumetric (ยข/bbl) + Ad Valorem (%) |
3403.19.10.00 |
Lubricating preparations containing petroleum oil or oil obtained from bituminous minerals as base constituents (weight โฅ70% of total weight): Other: Other | Formulated hydraulic fluids where the primary definition is "lubricating preparation" made from petroleum/mineral oil. | Ad Valorem (%) |
2710.19.30.20 |
Petroleum oils & oils obtained from bituminous minerals, other than crude; Other: Oils other than from heavy oil or residue: Other | Petroleum-based hydraulic fluids aligning with non-crude petroleum material attributes and lubrication category usage. | Volumetric (ยข/bbl) + Ad Valorem (%) |
๐ Key Reminder:
- 2710 Codes are often chosen when the fluid is viewed primarily as a petroleum derivative with specific functional exclusions not met by other chapters.
- 3403.19.10.00 is the standard for finished lubricating preparations.
- Both categories attract significant Section 301 and IEEPA surcharges due to their origin (likely China).
๐ฐ Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Time: 2025/2026 Import Cycle
๐ฏ 1. 2710.19.30.80 & 2710.19.30.20 โ Petroleum Oil Classification
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 84ยข/bbl (Volumetric duty per barrel) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Ad valorem, against China) |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122/301 related) | +10% (Specific 122 clause tariff applied to this category) |
| Total Ad Valorem Rate | 35.0% (in addition to the 84ยข/bbl) |
| Total Tax Structure | 84ยข/bbl + 35.0% |
| Tax Detail | Base Tariff: 84ยข/bbl, Section 301 Tariff: 25.0%, Section 122 Tariff: 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No |
๐ Explanation:
- The 84ยข/bbl is a fixed volume-based fee applied to all petroleum oils.
- The 35% is a compound surcharge: 25% from standard Section 301 trade remedies + 10% from specific Section 122 or related emergency powers.
- This structure makes the cost highly sensitive to both volume and value.
๐ฏ 2. 3403.19.10.00 โ Lubricating Preparation Classification
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.2% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Ad valorem, against China) |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122/301 related) | +10% (Specific 122 clause tariff applied) |
| Total Rate | 35.2% |
| Tax Detail | Base Tariff: 0.2%, Section 301 Tariff: 25.0%, Section 122 Tariff: 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No |
๐ Explanation:
- This is the pure ad valorem route.
- The base duty is negligible (0.2%), but the 35% surcharge brings the total to 35.2%.
- This classification is often preferred for finished, additive-rich hydraulic fluids where the "preparation" aspect dominates the "raw oil" aspect.
๐ ๏ธ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (ๅฎๆ้ฟๅๆๅ)
โ 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must state base oil type (petroleum/mineral), viscosity grade, and additive package. |
| โ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | โ๏ธ | Critical for determining hazardous material status and proper HS code (petroleum vs. preparation). |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must clearly describe the goods as "High Performance Hydraulic Fluid" and specify the HS Code. |
| โ Certificate of Origin | โ๏ธ | Required to confirm CN origin and apply correct surcharges. |
| โ Formulation Detail (Optional but Recommended) | โ๏ธ | If disputing 2710 vs. 3403, a brief note on additive weight % can support the 3403 classification. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
๐ฅ "Material Defines HS, Surcharge Defines Cost!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid is primarily processed oil | 2710.19.30.x0 |
Misdeclaring as non-petroleum โ Audit Risk |
| Fluid is a formulated mixture (>70% oil base) | 3403.19.10.00 |
Misdeclaring as raw crude โ Wrong Tax Base |
| Both Codes | Expect ~35% Surcharge | Assuming low duty โ Cash Flow Crisis |
โ 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Origin Diversification | If shipped from Vietnam or Malaysia, check for IEEPA Exemptions. Rates may drop significantly. |
| Pre-Ruling | Apply for a US Customs Ruling if unsure between 2710 and 3403. Saves costly re-classification fees. |
| Packaging | Ensure drums/containers are UN-certified if flammable limits are exceeded. |
๐ Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Approx. Tariff (CN Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 3403.19.10.00 or 2710.19.30.xx |
35.0% - 35.2% + Volumetric (if 2710) | High surcharges due to Section 301 & 122. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 2710.19.30.99 / 3403.19.90.90 |
~1-6% | Lower base duties, no US-style surcharges. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 2710.19.69 / 3403.90.00 |
~6.5% | Standard MFN rates, no heavy surcharges. |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 2710.19.69 / 3403.90.00 |
~6.5% | Post-Brexit rates similar to EU. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese-sourced hydraulic fluids due to layered tariffs.
- 3403.19.10.00 is generally cleaner (pure %), while 2710 adds a volumetric tax layer.
- Supply Chain Shift: Many buyers now source from SEA (Vietnam/Thailand) to avoid the 35%+ US surcharge.
๐ Six, Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Mistake 1: Assuming all "oils" are taxed equally.
๐ Result: Using 2710 when 3403 is more accurate (or vice versa) leads to CBP audits and penalties.
โ Mistake 2: Ignoring the Volumetric Tax in 2710 codes.
๐ Result: Budgeting only for the % rate misses the 84ยข/bbl cost, which adds up on large volumes.
โ Mistake 3: Failing to declare the Section 122 Tariff.
๐ Result: Both provided HS codes in DATA carry a +10% specific tariff. Underpaying this leads to duties owed + interest.
โ Mistake 4: Using "Generic Oil" on the invoice.
๐ Result: Customs cannot determine if it's petroleum-based or synthetic, leading to detention.
โ Correct Action:
"High Performance Hydraulic Transmission Fluid, Petroleum-Based, Formulated with Additives, 5 Gallon Drum, Model H-200, Made in China"
๐ฏ Seven, Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Millions!
๐ฏ Remember the Formula:
๐น "Petroleum Base = 2710 (Vol + 35%) | Formulated Prep = 3403 (35.2%)"
๐น "Total Cost = Duty + 25% (301) + 10% (122) + Volumetric (if 2710)"
๐น "China Origin = High Tax; SEA Origin = Lower Tax"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your supplier can prove the fluid is non-petroleum based (e.g., synthetic ester), you might escape the Chapter 27/34 specific surcharges entirely. Check the MSDS!
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Get a Pre-Ruling from US CBP for your specific product.
๐ Verify SDS to confirm base oil percentage.
๐ Optimize Supply Chain to consider non-China origins if margin is tight.
โจ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every Percentage Point Matters 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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.