Oil containing Lubricant Anti knock Agent
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3811190000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3811115000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824994900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2909191800 | 40.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2909496000 | 40.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π’οΈ Oil-Containing Lubricant Anti-Knock Agent (Gasoline Anti-Knock Additives)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is an "Anti-Knock Agent"?
An Anti-Knock Agent (specifically for gasoline/petroleum) is a chemical additive designed to prevent engine knocking (premature detonation) by raising the fuel's octane rating. In international trade, these are not classified as simple lubricants but as chemical mixtures or organic compounds depending on their molecular structure.
Because the prompt specifies "Oil containing Lubricant Anti-knock Agent," we must look at the chemical composition of the additive itself, as the HS Code is determined by the principal material of the additive, not just its application in oil.
β οΈ Critical Distinction: - If the product is a mixture of hydrocarbons used to boost octane β It falls under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products). - If the product is a specific ether or alcohol derivative (e.g., MTBE, ETBE) β It may fall under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the 5 specific HS Codes applicable to gasoline anti-knock agents, categorized by their chemical nature.
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Chemical Nature | Key Identification Point |
|---|---|---|---|
3811.19.00.00 |
Gasoline Anti-Knock Agent: Matches mineral oil category & anti-knock purpose | Mineral Oil-Based Mixture | Base tariff 6.5%; Used for general mineral-oil-soluble additives |
3811.11.50.00 |
Gasoline Anti-Knock Agent: Matches chemical formulation additives | Chemical Formulation | Base tariff 0.0%; Specific "chemical modulation" additives |
3824.99.49.00 |
Gasoline Anti-Knock Agent: Matches mixtures composed of hydrocarbons | Hydrocarbon Mixture | Base tariff 6.5%; Complex hydrocarbon blends |
2909.19.18.00 |
Gasoline Anti-Knock Agent: Matches ether materials of monohydric alcohols | Ether (Monohydric) | Base tariff 5.5%; Specific ethers like MTBE/ETBE |
2909.49.60.00 |
Gasoline Anti-Knock Agent: Matches ethers & alcohols & their derivatives | Ether-Alcohol Derivative | Base tariff 5.5%; Broader category for alcohol-ether blends |
π Selection Logic: - Is it a hydrocarbon blend? β
3824.99.49.00- Is it a specific ether (like MTBE)? β2909.19.18.00or2909.49.60.00- Is it a general mineral-oil-based additive? β3811.19.00.00- Is it a specialized chemical formulation? β3811.11.50.00
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Import from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 Nov 10 (Subsequent Imports)
All five HS Codes below are subject to Section 301 Tariffs and Section 122 Tariffs due to geopolitical trade policies.
π― 1. 3811.19.00.00 & 3824.99.49.00 & 3811.11.50.00
(Note: 3811.11.50.00 has a different base rate, but the total is aligned in the data provided)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% - 6.5% (Varies by specific subheading) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% (Add-on tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (China-specific add-on) |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% - 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High-value chemical imports usually excluded) |
| Legal Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β Specific HS Code |
π Explanation: -
3811.11.50.00has 0% base, but +35% total. -3811.19.00.00&3824.99.49.00have 6.5% base, but +35% additional = 41.5% total. - These are high-cost imports. Do not assume low base rates mean low total cost.
π― 2. 2909.19.18.00 & 2909.49.60.00
(Ether-based anti-knock agents)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β Specific HS Code |
π Note: - Ether-based additives are slightly cheaper than mineral-based ones (40.5% vs 41.5%). - 5% savings can be significant for bulk shipments.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | β Mandatory | Proves chemical composition & hazard class |
| Formula Composition Breakdown | β Mandatory | Customs needs to know % of ethers vs. hydrocarbons to assign correct HS |
| Product Specification Sheet | β Mandatory | Must state "Gasoline Anti-Knock Additive" and "Not a Lubricant Base" |
| Certificate of Origin (CO) | β Mandatory | Required for Section 122 enforcement |
| Commercial Invoice | β Mandatory | Must clearly describe chemical nature, not just "Additive" |
| Packing List | β Mandatory | Net/Gross weight, container type (e.g., IBC Tank, Drum) |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ Golden Rule: "Declare by Chemical Nature, Not Just By Use!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ether-based (MTBE) | "Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether, HS 2909.19.18.00" | "Fuel Additive" (Vague) | Audit Risk: Customs may reclassify & charge 41.5% instead of 40.5% |
| Hydrocarbon Blend | "Hydrocarbon Mixture for Octane Boost, HS 3824.99.49.00" | "Lubricant" | Wrong Category: Lubricants are usually Ch. 27/34, leading to delays |
| Mineral Oil Base | "Anti-Knock Agent in Mineral Oil Base, HS 3811.19.00.00" | "Petroleum Product" | Misclassification: Could be seen as crude/refined oil (higher scrutiny) |
β 3. Special Handling Notes
- Hazardous Material: Most anti-knock agents are flammable liquids. Ensure proper UN Packaging (e.g., UN 1993 for Flammable Liquids, n.o.s.).
- Section 122 Enforcement: The 10% tariff is specifically for goods from China. If the product is manufactured in Vietnam but contains Chinese raw materials, verify the Substantial Transformation rule to avoid penalties.
- EPA Registration: Before importing into the US, ensure the anti-knock agent is registered with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) if itβs considered a pesticide or new chemical substance. Note: Most common anti-knock agents are pre-registered, but new formulations require scrutiny.
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | See Table Above (2909/3811/3824) | 35.0% - 41.5% | EPA Reg + Section 301/122 Compliance |
| π¨π³ China | 2909/3811/3824 (Local HS) | 5.0% - 13.0% | N/A (Import Duty) |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2909/3811/3824 (CN Code) | 6.5% | REACH Registration (Chemical Safety) |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2909/3811/3824 (HS) | 6.0% | Fire Service Act Compliance |
π Conclusion: - The US market is the most expensive due to Section 301 (+25%) and Section 122 (+10%). - EU and Japan are more favorable, but have strict chemical safety regulations (REACH in EU). - Optimization Tip: If you can source ether-based additives (
2909.49.60.00), you save 1.0% compared to mineral-based ones.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls
β Error 1: Declaring as "Lubricant Oil" (HS 2710) π Result: Wrong HS Code. Anti-knock agents are additives, not base lubricants. Risk of 100% penalty for misdeclaration.
β Error 2: Ignoring Section 122 π Result: Underpayment of 10%. Customs will assess back taxes + interest upon audit.
β Error 3: Vague Description "Fuel Additive" π Result: Customs officer will choose the highest possible rate (41.5%) to protect revenue. Always specify chemical type.
β Error 4: Not Separating Ethers from Hydrocarbons π Result: If you blend them, you must classify based on the principal character. If ether > 50%, use Chapter 29. If hydrocarbon > 50%, use Chapter 38.
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Importing for High-Tariff Chemicals
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Base Rate + 25% (301) + 10% (122) = Total Cost" πΉ "Specify Chemicals, Not Uses. Save 1% by Choosing Ethers." πΉ "Don't Call it Lubricant. It's an Additive. Avoid 100% Penalty."
π Pro Tip:
If your volume is large, consider Applying for an HTS Exclusion (if available for specific chemical types) or Restructuring Supply Chain to source from non-China origins to avoid Section 301/122 tariffs entirely.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Licensed Customs Broker to verify the exact chemical composition on your MSDS. π Prepare EPA Documentation in advance to avoid port holds.
β¨ Precision in Classification Saves Thousands in Tariffs! πΌ Your Chemical Supply Chain Deserves Accuracy!
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.