Non petroleum based Brake Fluid
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3820000000 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824999330 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3819000010 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3819000090 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3403990000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Non-Petroleum Based Brake Fluid (Hydraulic Brake Fluid)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Entry Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Non-Petroleum Brake Fluid"?
Non-petroleum-based brake fluid is a specialized hydraulic fluid used in vehicle braking systems, specifically designed to operate without relying on petroleum-derived oil as the primary base. In international trade, its classification is critical because it falls under various chemical preparations depending on its exact composition, functional intent, and petroleum content percentage.
There are two main categories in the provided data:
1. Antifreeze/De-icing Mixtures (HS 3820.00.00.00):
If the brake fluid is formulated primarily as a liquid preparation for de-icing or antifreeze purposes, it may be classified here. This is a niche classification for brake fluids that double as temperature-regulating agents.
2. Chemical Preparations & Hydraulic Fluids (HS 3824, 3819, 3403):
Most non-petroleum brake fluids fall under chemical mixtures. The key differentiator is the petroleum oil content and the specific hydraulic application:
* HS 3824.99.93.30: General chemical preparations not elsewhere specified.
* HS 3819.00.00.10 / 3819.00.00.90: Specifically for hydraulic brake fluids. The distinction here is often based on the exact weight percentage of petroleum oils (e.g., β€70%).
* HS 3403.99.00.00: Lubricating preparations excluding those with β₯70% petroleum oil.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is marketed strictly as a de-icing/antifreeze liquid β 3820.00.00.00
- If it is a standard hydraulic brake fluid with <70% petroleum content β 3819.00.00.90 (Lowest Tax)
- If it is a general chemical mix or lubricant β 3824.99.93.30, 3819.00.00.10, or 3403.99.00.00 (Higher Tax)
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Petroleum Content Limit | Total Tax | Tax Detail Breakdown |
|--------|----------|----------|----------|----------|
| 3820.00.00.00 | Non-petroleum based brake fluid, classified as antifreeze/de-icing liquid preparation. | Niche: Brake fluids also functioning as antifreeze. | Not specified (Functional focus) | 24.0% | Base: 6.5%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
| 3824.99.93.30 | Non-petroleum based brake oil, classified as a chemical preparation/mixture. | General chemical mix where petroleum/non-petroleum attributes don't conflict. | Not specified | 40.0% | Base: 5.0%, Section 301: 25.0%, Section 122: 10% |
| 3819.00.00.10 | Non-petroleum based brake oil, matched for hydraulic brake fluid use, meeting petroleum content limits. | Standard hydraulic brake fluid. | Implied <70% (Specific subtype) | 41.5% | Base: 6.5%, Section 301: 25.0%, Section 122: 10% |
| 3819.00.00.90 | Non-petroleum based brake oil, meeting the material limit of β€70% petroleum oil by weight, for hydraulic brake fluid use. | Optimal Classification for most standard non-petroleum brake fluids. | β€ 70% by weight | 16.5% | Base: 6.5%, Section 301: 0.0%, Section 122: 10% |
| 3403.99.00.00 | Non-petroleum based brake oil, classified as a lubricating/functional oil preparation (excluding β₯70% petroleum). | Lubricant-focused classification. | < 70% by weight | 41.5% | Base: 6.5%, Section 301: 25.0%, Section 122: 10% |
π Key Reminder:
- HS 3819.00.00.90 offers the lowest total tax (16.5%) because it has 0% Section 301 tariff (likely due to specific exclusions or lower risk category), while others incur 25% Section 301 tariffs.
- HS 3820.00.00.00 is an alternative if the product has significant antifreeze properties, costing 24%.
- HS 3819.00.00.10, 3824.99.93.30, and 3403.99.00.00 all carry high penalties (40-41.5%) due to the 25% Section 301 tariff.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Analysis (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Current Section 122 & 301 rules apply)
π― 1. 3819.00.00.90 ββ RECOMMENDED: Hydraulic Brake Fluid (β€70% Petroleum)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% (Exempt from the 25% penalty for this specific subheading) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Specific provision for certain chemical/liquid preparations) |
| Total Tariff | 16.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 16.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High-value chemical goods usually not eligible) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3819.00.00.90 β Section 122 Statute |
π Explanation:
- This is the most cost-effective classification for standard non-petroleum brake fluids.
- The 0% Section 301 is crucial, saving you 25% compared to other chemical preparations.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is a specific levy on certain imports, likely targeting non-essential chemicals.
π― 2. 3820.00.00.00 ββ Antifreeze/De-icing Liquid Preparation
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% (Lower rate than general chemicals) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 24.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3820.00.00.00 β Section 122 Statute |
π Explanation:
- Only applicable if the brake fluid is explicitly marketed/formulated as an antifreeze or de-icing agent.
- Higher than3819.00.00.90but significantly lower than other chemical categories.
π― 3. 3824.99.93.30 / 3819.00.00.10 / 3403.99.00.00 ββ HIGH TAX RISKS
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% (3824) or 6.5% (3819/3403) |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% (Full penalty applies) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 40.0% (3824) or 41.5% (3819/3403) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40-41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3824.99.93.30 / 3819.00.00.10 / 3403.99.00.00 β Section 301 Statute |
π Warning:
- These classifications attract the full 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Avoid these unless your product cannot meet the criteria for3819.00.00.90(e.g., if petroleum content is >70% but still labeled "non-petroleum" by marketing, or if itβs a lubricant rather than a brake fluid).
- Misclassification here can lead to massive cost increases and potential customs audits.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Non-Petroleum Based" and list chemical composition. |
| β Petroleum Oil Content Report | βοΈ | Critical: Must prove petroleum content is β€70% by weight to qualify for 3819.00.00.90. |
| β Product Photos (Label & Container) | βοΈ | Show brand, model, and any "Antifreeze" or "Brake Fluid" labeling. |
| β Third-Party Lab Test | βοΈ | SGS or Intertek report confirming chemical composition and petroleum content. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly describe product as "Non-Petroleum Based Hydraulic Brake Fluid". |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for US customs origin verification. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Details volume, weight, and packaging type. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Prove β€70%, Claim 3819.90, Avoid 301 Penalty!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard non-petroleum brake fluid | 3819.00.00.90 |
Declaring as 3824 or 3403 β 40-41.5% Tax |
| Brake fluid with antifreeze properties | 3820.00.00.00 |
Declaring as 3819.00.00.90 if not strictly brake fluid β Audit Risk |
| Petroleum content >70% | 3819.00.00.10 or 3403.99.00.00 |
Claiming non-petroleum if >70% β False Declaration |
| Mixed with other chemicals | 3824.99.93.30 |
Hiding secondary components β Penalty |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Brake Fluid | Provide formulation sheet proving petroleum content. Avoid vague terms like "synthetic mix" without data. |
| Multi-Function Fluid (Brake + Antifreeze) | If marketed primarily as brake fluid, use 3819.00.00.90. If marketed as antifreeze, use 3820.00.00.00. |
| High Petroleum Content (>70%) | Must use 3819.00.00.10 or 3403.99.00.00. Accept 41.5% tax. Do not misdeclare as non-petroleum. |
| Military/Industrial Brake Fluid | If for non-road vehicles, ensure documentation specifies "Industrial Use" to potentially avoid some consumer product regulations, but tax rate remains the same. |
π Part 5: Global Main Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3819.00.00.90 |
16.5% | DOT, SAE J1703, FMVSS 116 | Lowest Tax. Must prove β€70% petroleum. |
| π¨π³ China | 3819.00.00.00 (Similar) |
~6.5% | GB 12981 | Lower base tariff, but different subheadings. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3819.00.00 |
4.5% + VAT | ECE R24, DOT | No Section 301, but higher VAT. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3819.00.00 |
4.5% + VAT | ECE R24 | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3819.00.00 |
5% + GST | ADR | No Section 301. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to Section 301 and Section 122 tariffs.
- Correct classification (3819.00.00.90) saves up to 25% in taxes compared to misclassification.
- Documentation is key: You must have lab reports proving petroleum content.
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring all brake fluids as 3824.99.93.30 (General Chemical)
π Consequence: 40% Tax instead of 16.5%. Lost Profit!
β Mistake 2: Claiming "Non-Petroleum" without lab report
π Consequence: Customs requests proof. If petroleum >70%, reclassified to 3819.00.00.10 (41.5%) + Penalty.
β Mistake 3: Using "Antifreeze" as primary descriptor for standard brake fluid
π Consequence: Misclassification to 3820.00.00.00 (24%) is okay, but if audited, may be deemed false advertising if not primary function.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: All these items incur 10% Section 122. Ensure your price quotation includes this cost.
β Correct Action:
βNon-Petroleum Based Hydraulic Brake Fluid, DOT 3/4 Certified, Petroleum Content β€70% by Weight, Model XYZ, SGS Report Attachedβ
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time-Saving, Cost-Effective!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Prove β€70%, Claim 3819.90, Avoid 301 Penalty!"
πΉ "HS Code Determines Fate, Tax Rate Difference 25%, Declaration Step Matters, Overpayment Thousands!"
π Pro Tip:
If your brake fluid contains more than 70% petroleum oil, it cannot be classified under 3819.00.00.90. You must use 3819.00.00.10 or 3403.99.00.00, incurring 41.5% tax.
Recommend pre-classification ruling with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if your product is on the borderline of 70% petroleum content.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide Lab Report + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your brake fluid pass customs smoothly, maximize profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Your Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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.