Oil Lubricant
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3811290000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3403112000 | 35.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3403191000 | 35.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π’οΈ Oil Lubricant (Anti-Corrosion Additives for Lubricants)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is this Product?
Oil Lubricant (Specifically Anti-Corrosion Additives) represents a critical category in industrial maintenance and machinery protection. In international trade, these are classified as additives or specialized preparations designed to enhance the performance of base lubricants. They are not simply "base oils" but functional chemicals added to prevent rust, corrosion, and degradation of metal surfaces in contact with lubricants.
International customs authorities distinguish between: Pure Lubricating Oils/Base Stocks: The primary fluid used for friction reduction (typically classified under Chapter 27). Lubricant Additives/Preparations: Chemical formulations added to base oils to provide specific functions like anti-corrosion, anti-wear, or viscosity improvement (typically classified under Chapter 34).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a chemical additive (e.g., rust inhibitor, corrosion preventive) intended to be mixed with oil β Chapter 34 applies.
- If the product is the base lubricant itself without specific additive formulations highlighted as the primary feature β Chapter 27 may apply (though less common for specific anti-corrosion products).
- Crucial Note: The provided data focuses on Chapter 34 codes, indicating these are classified as "Preparations for Lubricating Purposes."
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Justification from Data |
|---|---|---|---|
3811.29.00.00 |
Anti-corrosion agents for lubricants | Industrial machinery protection, marine equipment, metal storage | Direct Match: Summary explicitly states "Anti-corrosion agents for lubricants...符εηΌη δΈε ³δΊι²θ θεηη¨ιζθΏ°" (Matches the description of anti-corrosion agents). |
3403.11.20.00 |
Lubricating preparations containing petroleum oils or bituminous substances | General lubricating preparations, grease, oils with anti-corrosion properties | Inferred Match: Summary states "Belongs to lubricating preparations... inferred based on the nature of oil lubricant anti-corrosion agents." |
3403.19.10.00 |
Other lubricating preparations | Multi-purpose lubricants, complex formulations | Broader Category: Summary states "Product name includes lubricating and anti-corrosion uses... inferred material contains petroleum oil." |
π Priority Analysis:
-3811.29.00.00is the most precise fit if the product is primarily an additive (a chemical substance added to oil). The summary directly confirms it matches "anti-corrosion agents."
-3403.11.20.00and3403.19.10.00are broader categories for lubricating preparations. Use these if the product is a ready-to-use lubricant blend that includes anti-corrosion properties as a secondary feature, rather than a pure additive.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 (Includes current trade war tariffs)
π― 1. 3811.29.00.00 ββ Anti-corrosion Agents for Lubricants (Most Precise Fit)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 6.5% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge (Trump Tariffs) | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Tariff Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | β NO (High tariff rates exclude this from $800 de minimis benefits for many Chinese goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS 3811.29.00 β Section 301 Footnote 9903.88.01 β Section 122 Authority |
π Explanation:
- The 6.5% base rate is standard for non-lubricating chemical preparations.
- The 25% Section 301 tariff is a punitive surcharge on many Chinese industrial chemicals.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is a national security surcharge on imports that threaten US supply chains.
- Total: 41.5%. This is a high-cost category. Proper classification is vital to avoid misclassification penalties.
π― 2. 3403.11.20.00 ββ Lubricating Preparations (Petroleum-based)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.2% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Tariff Rate | 35.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | β NO |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS 3403.11.20.00 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- The base rate is significantly lower (0.2%) because Chapter 34 covers "Lubricating Preparations," which enjoy preferential base rates.
- However, Section 301 and 122 tariffs still apply, bringing the total to 35.2%.
- Advantage: This code offers a 6.3% tariff savings compared to3811.29.00.00(35.2% vs 41.5%).
π― 3. 3403.19.10.00 ββ Other Lubricating Preparations
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.2% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Tariff Rate | 35.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | β NO |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS 3403.19.10.00 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Same tariff structure as3403.11.20.00.
- Use this if the product does not strictly contain petroleum oil/bitumen (e.g., synthetic-based lubricant additives) but still functions as a lubricating preparation.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Anti-corrosion additive," "Function," "Composition." |
| β Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Shows chemical composition and intended use (mixing with oil). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must describe as "Lubricant Anti-Corrosion Additive" or "Lubricating Preparation." Avoid vague terms like "Oil." |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Required for origin verification and tariff application. |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for hazardous material assessment (if applicable). |
| β Packaging Label Photos | βοΈ | Must show HS Code recommendation, batch number, and hazard symbols. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Additive vs. Lubricant: Define the Function, Not Just the Liquid!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure anti-corrosion chemical powder/liquid | 3811.29.00.00 |
Call it "Lubricant Oil" β Risk of audit for misclassification. |
| Ready-to-use oil with anti-corrosion additives | 3403.11.20.00 |
Call it "Chemical Additive" β Unnecessary scrutiny. |
| Synthetic lubricant without petroleum | 3403.19.10.00 |
Use 3403.11 (requires petroleum) β Classification error. |
π Critical Rule:
- If the product is sold as an additive to be mixed by the buyer β Use3811(or3403if it's a pre-blended preparation).
- If the product is sold as a final lubricant that happens to have anti-corrosion properties β Use3403.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Products (Additive + Base Oil) | Classify as 3403.11.20.00 if the base oil is the primary component. The 0.2% base rate saves money. |
| High-Value Specialized Additives | Provide detailed TDS to justify 3811.29.00.00 if it doesn't fit 3403. Be prepared to defend the "anti-corrosion" function. |
| Mixed Containers | If shipping both additives and base oils, separate declarations are required. Do not combine in one HS Code. |
| Section 301 Exemptions | Check if your specific product was excluded from Section 301 tariffs in 2025-2026. Some chemical additives may have exemptions. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Total Tariff (China) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3811.29.00.00 or 3403.11.20.00 |
6.5% or 0.2% | 41.5% or 35.2% | Heavy Section 301 & 122 tariffs. |
| π¨π³ China | 3811.29.00 |
5-6% | 5-6% | No surcharges. Favorable for imports. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3811.29 |
6.5% | 6.5% | No additional surcharges. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3811.29 |
6.5% | 6.5% | Post-Brexit, follows UK GI. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3811.29 |
6% | 6% | No surcharges. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs.
- China/EU/UK/Japan offer significantly lower duties (6-7%).
- Strategy: If exporting to the US, consider duty drawback or foreign trade zone (FTZ) usage to mitigate costs.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring "Anti-Corrosion Additive" as "Lubricating Oil" (2710)
π Consequence: Incorrect chapter. Base oil tariffs differ. May trigger customs audit for misclassification.
π Correct: Use Chapter 38 or 34 as per data.
β Error 2: Ignoring Section 122 Tariffs
π Consequence: Underpaying duties by 10%. Penalties + Back Taxes + Interest.
π Correct: Always include +10% for Section 122.
β Error 3: Misclassifying "Ready-to-Use Lubricant" as "Additive"
π Consequence: While 3811 has a higher base rate (6.5% vs 0.2%), the total with surcharges is similar. However, documentation mismatch can cause delays.
π Correct: If it's a pre-blended oil, use 3403. If it's a pure additive, use 3811.
β Error 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) Applies
π Consequence: Customs will seize or tax the shipment. High tariffs exclude most Chinese goods from de minimis benefits.
π Correct: Plan for full duty payment.
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Additive is 3811 (6.5% base), Lubricant Prep is 3403 (0.2% base).
πΉ "301 adds 25%, 122 adds 10%βTotal is 35.2% or 41.5%!"
πΉ "Base rate matters, but surcharges kill the profit!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your product is a complex mixture, consider applying for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or US Customs Ruling before shipment.
- For US exports, calculate the Total Landed Cost including the 35.2%-41.5% tariff.
- Documentation is key: Clear SDS and TDS can prevent costly audits.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the product's Technical Data Sheet.
π Request an HS Code pre-classification ruling if shipping large volumes.
π Optimize your supply chain to absorb or mitigate the Section 301/122 tariffs.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tariff is your profit margin!
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.