Hydraulic Oil and Additives
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3824994900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3819000090 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3811290000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3811210000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824992900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π’οΈ Hydraulic Oil & Additives (Viscosity Improvers & Transmission Fluids)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Hydraulic Additives"?
Hydraulic oils and their additives are the "blood" of industrial machinery. In international trade, they are often confused due to overlapping functions. They are primarily categorized into three distinct logical groups based on chemical composition, primary function, and end-use application:
1. Hydraulic System Additives (Hydraulic Transmission Fluids)
Chemical preparations designed specifically for hydraulic systems to improve performance. They fall under the category of "prepared liquids for hydraulic transmission."
π Key Characteristic: Formulated for the hydraulic circuit's pressure and lubrication requirements.
2. Viscosity Modifiers (Thickening Agents)
Chemical agents added to base oils to alter viscosity. They are classified as "lubricating oil additives" or "chemical preparations for the petroleum industry."
π Key Characteristic: Their primary role is to adjust the flow characteristics (thickness) of the oil.
3. General Chemical Preparations (Industrial Chemicals)
Miscellaneous chemical additives that do not fit strictly into lubricant or hydraulic fluid categories but are used in industrial chemical processes.
π Key Characteristic: Broad chemical definition, often used as modifiers or auxiliary agents in chemical manufacturing.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point:
- If the product is a finished hydraulic fluid or a specific hydraulic system additive βε½ε ₯ 3819.00.00.90
- If the product is a viscosity modifier/thickener for lubricants βε½ε ₯ 3811.29.00.00 or 3811.21.00.00
- If the product is a general chemical preparation without specific lubricant/hydraulic definition βε½ε ₯ 3824.99.49.00 or 3824.99.29.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Function/Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
3819.00.00.90 |
Hydraulic System Additives / Prepared Liquids | Specific to hydraulic transmission systems | Fits "prepared liquids for hydraulic transmission" |
3811.29.00.00 |
Viscosity Modifiers (Other) | Lubricating oil additives (non-paraffinic base) | Improves viscosity of lubricating oils |
3811.21.00.00 |
Viscosity Modifiers (Paraffinic Base) | Lubricating oil additives (paraffinic base) | Mineral oil-based viscosity improvement |
3824.99.49.00 |
General Chemical Preparations (Other) | Chemical industry additives | Fulfills general chemical preparation definition |
3824.99.29.00 |
Other Chemical Preparations | Chemical additives/modifiers | Industrial chemical additives, not specific to lubricants |
π Key Reminder:
-3819.00.00.90is for hydraulic-specific formulations.
-3811.2x.00.00is for lubricant viscosity modifiers (paraffinic vs. non-paraffinic matters).
-3824.99.xxxxxxis for general chemical preparations if the product doesn't strictly fit the lubricant/hydraulic definitions.
- Do not mix up "Hydraulic Fluid" with "Lubricant Additive." While related, their HS codes differ based on primary function and chemical classification.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3819.00.00.90 ββ Hydraulic System Additives
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Due to Section 301 Trade Remedy) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% (Specific to certain chemical preparations from China) |
| Total Duty Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High duty rate exceeds de minimis threshold implications) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3819.00.00.90 β 301 Footnote β 122 Clause |
π Explanation:
- The 6.5% base duty is the standard MFN rate for prepared lubricating oils/additives.
- The 25% Section 301 surcharge applies to most Chinese-origin chemical products.
- The 10% Section 122 duty is an additional tariff for specific chemical preparations.
- Total 41.5% is a high tariff, requiring careful cost calculation.
π― 2. 3811.29.00.00 & 3811.21.00.00 ββ Viscosity Modifiers (Lubricant Additives)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3811.2x.00.00 β 301 Footnote β 122 Clause |
π Note:
- Whether classified as 3811.29.00.00 (non-paraffinic) or 3811.21.00.00 (paraffinic), the duty rate is identical (41.5%).
- The distinction lies in the chemical base (paraffinic vs. non-paraffinic), not the tariff rate.
- Ensure your Product Specification Sheet clearly states the base oil type to avoid customs disputes.
π― 3. 3824.99.49.00 & 3824.99.29.00 ββ General Chemical Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3824.99.xxxxxx β 301 Footnote β 122 Clause |
π Important:
- Even if classified under 3824 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products), the duty remains 41.5%.
- This category is used when the product does not fit the specific definitions of hydraulic fluids (3819) or lubricant additives (3811).
- Customs may challenge this classification if the product is clearly a lubricant additive. Provide Technical Data Sheets (TDS) to justify the "general chemical preparation" status.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Must detail chemical composition, function (viscosity modifier vs. hydraulic fluid), and base oil type (paraffinic/non-paraffinic). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for chemical classification and safety compliance. |
| β Product Photo (Label/Container) | βοΈ | Must show product name, manufacturer, and usage instructions. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the product (e.g., "Hydraulic Additive" vs. "Viscosity Improver"). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include weight, dimensions, and quantity. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If not from China, may reduce/eliminate Section 301/122 duties. |
| β Formula/Composition Report | βοΈ | Critical for HS Code determination. Prove if itβs a "lubricant additive" or "general chemical." |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Function First, Base Second, Name Accurate, Tariff Correct!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Product is a Hydraulic System Additive | 3819.00.00.90Name: "Hydraulic System Additive" |
Misdeclare as "General Chemical" β Risk of audit |
| Product is a Viscosity Modifier (Paraffinic) | 3811.21.00.00Name: "Viscosity Modifier for Lubricating Oils" |
Misdeclare as "Hydraulic Fluid" β Wrong HS Code |
| Product is a Viscosity Modifier (Non-Paraffinic) | 3811.29.00.00Name: "Viscosity Improver" |
Fail to specify base type β Customs dispute |
| Product is a General Chemical Preparation | 3824.99.49.00 or 3824.99.29.00Name: "Chemical Preparation for Industrial Use" |
Overstate lubricant function β Misclassification |
π Note:
- Be precise in the commercial invoice. Use terms like "Hydraulic Additive" for 3819 and "Viscosity Modifier" for 3811.
- Do not use vague terms like "Oil Additive" without specifying the type and function.
- If the product is a blend, ensure the primary function determines the HS Code.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Additives | Provide customer contract + formulation specs to prove intended use. |
| Hydraulic Fluid + Additive Blend | If marketed as a complete hydraulic fluid, classify under 3819.00.00.90. |
| Viscosity Modifier with Unknown Base | Provide chemical analysis report to determine if paraffinic (3811.21) or non-paraffinic (3811.29). |
| General Chemical with Lubricant Properties | If it doesnβt meet the strict definition of "lubricant additive," use 3824.99.xxxxxx. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 3819.00.00.90 / 3811.2x.00.00 |
41.5% | EPA, OSHA (if applicable) | High tariff due to 301 & 122. |
| π¨π³ China | 3819.00.00.90 / 3811.2x.00.00 |
~6.5% (Import Duty) | CCC (if applicable) | Low duty, no surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 3819.00.00.90 / 3811.2x.00.00 |
~6.5% | REACH, CLP | No Section 301/122 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | 3819.00.00.90 / 3811.2x.00.00 |
~6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3819.00.00.90 / 3811.2x.00.00 |
~6.5% | JIS, PSE (if applicable) | Low tariff, strict chemical regs. |
π Conclusion:
- The US imposes a massive 41.5% tariff on these products from China.
- Other markets (EU, UK, Japan) only charge base duties (~6.5%), making them more cost-effective for Chinese exporters.
- Consider supply chain diversification if targeting the US market.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood-Tested Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Calling "Viscosity Modifier" a "Hydraulic Fluid"
π Consequence: HS Code misclassification (3819 vs 3811) β Potential penalties + delay.
β Mistake 2: Omitting "Paraffinic/Non-Paraffinic" specification
π Consequence: Customs may classify under the wrong sub-heading (3811.21 vs 3811.29) β Audit risk.
β Mistake 3: Using vague names like "Oil Additive" on Invoice
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine function β Hold for inspection β Delayed clearance.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring Section 122 Duty
π Consequence: Underpaying 10% β Back taxes + interest.
β Correct Practice:
"Hydraulic System Additive, Prepared for Transmission Systems, HS Code 3819.00.00.90"
OR
"Viscosity Improver for Lubricating Oils, Paraffinic Base, HS Code 3811.21.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Function Determines HS, Base Determines Sub-Code, 41.5% is the US Reality!"
πΉ "Clear TDS, Accurate Name, Avoid 41.5% Shock!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product can be classified under 3811 (Lubricant Additive) vs. 3819 (Hydraulic Additive), ensure the Technical Data Sheet supports the classification. Misclassification can lead to retroactive duties and penalties.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide TDS/SDS + Apply for Advance Ruling
π Ensure your Hydraulic Additives clear customs smoothly, avoid 41.5% shocks, and maximize profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Duty Must Be Precisely Calculated!
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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.