Oil Brightness Enhancer
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3824994900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824997510 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3403114000 | 41.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3403911000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8487900040 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8487900080 | 88.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 38089490 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 38129090 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
โจ Oil Brightness Enhancer (Prepared Chemical Products for Oil Treatment)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Oil Brightness Enhancer"?
Oil Brightness Enhancers are specialized chemical preparations used in the treatment or processing of petroleum oils, lubricants, or industrial greases. They are designed to improve the visual clarity, color, and perceived purity of oils, often by removing impurities, neutralizing acidic components, or stabilizing the oilโs appearance during refining or blending.
โ ๏ธ Key Classification Challenge:
These products are not "pure chemicals" nor simple "mixtures." They are classified based on their specific application (oil treatment) and composition. Misclassification leads to severe duty penalties, especially under US 301/IEEPA tariffs.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Authorized Reference from DATA)
Based on the provided <DATA>, two primary HS Codes apply to Oil Brightness Enhancers, depending on their exact chemical nature and intended use.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
3808.94.90 |
Other chemical products not elsewhere specified or included, including mixtures for enhancing oil brightness, used in the treatment or processing of oils. | General purpose oil brightness enhancers where the specific composition doesn't fit 3824.99 or 3403. | Status: Tax info failed in source. Likely higher duty base. |
3824.99.49.00 |
Prepared binders for foundry molds or cores; chemical products... not elsewhere specified or included: ... Mixtures that are in whole or in part of hydrocarbons derived in whole or in part from petroleum, shale oil or natural gas. | Enhancers based on petroleum-derived hydrocarbons used in oil treatment. | Status: Taxable. Total Tax: 31.5%. |
๐ Critical Note:
- If the enhancer is a naphthenic acid derivative or ester, it may fall under3824.99.75.10(Naphthenic acids) with a total tax of 28.7%.
- If the enhancer is based on petroleum oil and used for oil treatment, it might be misclassified. Check if it fits 3403.11.40.00 (Preparations for treatment of textile materials, leather, etc., based on petroleum oil โฅ70%) โ But note: 3403 is for textile/leather treatment, not oil refining.
- Most Likely Correct Code:3824.99.49.00for petroleum-hydrocarbon-based mixtures used in oil processing, with a total tariff of 31.5%.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: USA (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards (for subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 3824.99.49.00 โโ Hydrocarbon-based Mixtures for Oil Treatment
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Total Tax Rate | 31.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 31.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3824.99.49.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 โ IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
๐ Explanation:
- This product is classified as a "chemical product not elsewhere specified."
- The 25% Section 301 tariff applies because it is a Chinese-origin chemical mixture.
- The base rate is 6.5%, leading to a total effective duty of 31.5%.
- No IEEPA 10% additional tax is listed for this specific code in the provided data (only 3.9% base for 8487.90 and 8487.90 with 78.9% for steel/aluminum/copper). For 3824.99.49.00, only 301 surcharge applies per the provided tax detail.
๐ฏ 2. 3824.99.75.10 โโ Naphthenic Acids (If Applicable)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 28.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3824.99.75.10 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Note:
- Only applies if the enhancer is primarily naphthenic acid or its derivatives.
- Slightly lower total duty (28.7%) compared to general hydrocarbon mixtures (31.5%).
โ ๏ธ 3808.94.90 โโ General Chemical Product
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | Unknown (Failed to retrieve) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | Unknown |
| Total Tax Rate | Error |
| Recommendation | Avoid this code unless you have a valid customs ruling. High risk of misclassification and penalty. |
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Pitfall Avoidance)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Formulation Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must list all ingredients and percentages. Critical for proving itโs a "mixture" and not a "pure chemical." |
| โ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | โ๏ธ | Shows pH, viscosity, and brightness improvement metrics. |
| โ Intended Use Statement | โ๏ธ | Explicitly state: "Used for enhancing oil brightness in petroleum refining/lubricant blending." |
| โ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | โ๏ธ | Must comply with OSHA/GHS standards. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Clearly describe as "Oil Brightness Enhancer - Chemical Preparation," not generic "Chemical." |
| โ Origin Certificate | โ๏ธ | To prove CN origin and apply correct 301 tariffs. |
โ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
๐ฅ "Declare by Composition, Not Just Function!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Product is a hydrocarbon mixture | 3824.99.49.00 - "Hydrocarbon mixture for oil treatment" |
"Chemical Additive" โ Risk of reclassification |
| Product is naphthenic acid-based | 3824.99.75.10 - "Naphthenic acid preparation" |
"Oil Brightness Enhancer" โ May still be correct if composition matches |
| Product is generic "chemical" | โ Avoid 3808.94.90 |
High risk of audit and penalty due to missing tax data |
โ 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Customs Audit | Have your chemical structure diagram and MSDS ready. Be prepared to explain the hydrocarbon origin. |
| Partial Petroleum Content | If <70% petroleum oil, do not use 3403.11.40.00 (which is for textile/leather). Use 3824.99.49.00 instead. |
| Import from Vietnam/Mexico | Can apply for IEEPA Exemption if eligible. Tariff may drop to 0-5%. Check eligibility with your broker. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | โ Not Available. These are chemical preparations, not low-value consumer goods. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 3824.99.49.00 |
31.5% | SDS, EPA Registration (if applicable) | High tariff due to 301 Section. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 3824.99.49.00 |
6.5% | None | No surcharge. Lower cost base. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 3824.99.49 |
6.5% | REACH Registration | No additional surcharges. |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 3824.99.49 |
6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit alignment with EU. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA has the highest effective tariff (31.5%) due to Section 301.
- China, EU, UK have lower base rates (6.5% or less).
- Strategic Recommendation: If possible, consider sourcing from non-China origins to avoid the 25% surcharge.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring as "Lubricant" (3403.11.40.00)
๐ Consequence: Incorrect classification. 3403 is for textile/leather treatment. This leads to rejection, penalties, and possible seizure.
โ Mistake 2: Using "Chemical Product" generic code (3808.94.90)
๐ Consequence: Customs cannot verify tax rate. Delays, audits, and potential retroactive duties.
โ Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 301 Surcharge
๐ Consequence: Underpayment of 25%. Customs will demand back taxes + interest + penalties.
โ Correct Approach:
"Oil Brightness Enhancer, Hydrocarbon-based Mixture, for Petroleum Oil Treatment, Model XYZ, SDS Provided, Chinese Origin"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
๐ฏ Remember:
๐น "Composition Dictates Code, Function Follows."
๐น "3824.99.49.00 = 31.5% Total Duty for China Origin."
๐น "Never use 3403 for oil refining chemicals!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your Oil Brightness Enhancer is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemption, reducing the tariff to 0-5%.
Recommendation: Apply for a Pre-่ฃๅฎ (Advance Ruling) from US Customs to confirm classification and avoid unexpected costs.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide SDS + Submit for HS Code Pre-Ruling
๐ Ensure your Oil Brightness Enhancer clears smoothly, avoids penalties, and maximizes profit!
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.