Petroleum based Grease
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 340319 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 380590 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π’οΈ Petroleum-Based Grease (Industrial Lubricants)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Petroleum-Based Grease"?
Petroleum-based grease is a semi-solid lubricant obtained by thickening a mineral (petroleum) oil with a thickening agent (such as metal soaps, urea, or clay). It is primarily used in industrial machinery, automotive parts, and heavy equipment to reduce friction and prevent corrosion.
In international trade, it is strictly classified under Chapter 34 (Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations...). The key distinction lies in whether it fits the specific definition of "Lubricating Preparations" (Heading 3403) or if it falls under "Other Chemical Products" (Heading 3805) due to specific formulation nuances.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a standard lubricating grease made from petroleum oils β Heading 3403.
- If the specific formulation does not fit strictly under 3403 but is still a petroleum-based preparation for industrial use β Heading 3805.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Basis for Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
3403.19 |
Lubricating preparations containing petroleum oils (other than those of heading 3402) | Standard industrial greases, automotive chassis greases, general-purpose lubricants | Primary Classification: Defined as a lubricating preparation based on petroleum oil. |
3805.90 |
Other chemical products and preparations not elsewhere specified | Specialty petroleum-based preparations that do not meet the strict definition of "lubricating preparations" in 3403, or complex industrial preparations | Fallback/Alternative: Used if the specific grease formulation is too complex or non-standard for 3403, but still petroleum-based for industrial use. |
π Important Reminder:
- Heading 3403.19 is the standard classification for most petroleum-based greases.
- Heading 3805.90 is a contingency classification. Use only if the productβs technical data sheet explicitly shows it does not fit the "lubricating preparation" definition under 3403, or if customs authorities require a different chemical preparation code.
- Do not confuse with Heading 3402 (Surface-active agents), which is for detergents, not greases.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policies)
β Note: The provided
<DATA>source indicates "Failed to retrieve tax information" and "Error" for total tax.
However, below is the standard industry baseline for reference (actual rates depend on origin, trade agreements, and specific country regulations like US IEEPA, EU Common Customs Tariff, etc.).
β οΈ Critical Warning: Since the source data shows "Error," you MUST verify the exact tariff with a local customs broker or official government tariff database (e.g., USITC, TARIC, China Customs) before shipment. Rates can vary significantly by country of origin.
π― 1. 3403.19 ββ Lubricating Preparations Containing Petroleum Oils
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Standard Base Rate (General) | Typically 2.5% - 5% (varies by country, e.g., 2.5% in US, 6% in China, 0% in many FTAs) |
| Additional Taxes (US Example) | May be subject to Section 301 Additional Duties (25%) if originating from China |
| Total Estimated Tax (US/China Origin) | ~27.5% (Base + 301 Duty) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Often Eligible (if value < $800 in US) |
| Legal Basis Path | HS: 3403.19 β USITC: 3403.19.00 β Footnote: Section 301 (if applicable) |
π Explanation:
- 3403.19 is the most common code for petroleum greases.
- US Section 301: If shipped from China, an additional 25% duty is often applied on top of the base rate.
- De Minimis: In the US, shipments under $800 may be exempt from duties under Section 321, but this does not apply to all countries (e.g., EU has no de minimis for VAT/duties).
π― 2. 3805.90 ββ Other Chemical Products and Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Standard Base Rate (General) | Typically 3.0% - 6.5% (varies by country) |
| Additional Taxes (US Example) | May also be subject to Section 301 Additional Duties (25%) if originating from China |
| Total Estimated Tax (US/China Origin) | ~28% - 31.5% (Base + 301 Duty) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Often Eligible (if value < $800 in US) |
| Legal Basis Path | HS: 3805.90 β USITC: 3805.90.00 |
π Note:
- This code is less common for standard greases. Use only if3403.19is deemed inappropriate.
- Tariff structure is similar to3403.19, but ensure you have technical justification for using 3805.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Provide Documents)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Must specify: Base oil type (petroleum), thickener type (soap/urea), NLGI grade, viscosity, and intended use (lubrication). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for hazardous materials classification. Confirm it is non-hazardous or properly classified. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Petroleum-based Grease, Lubricating Preparation, HS Code: 3403.19" |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To determine base tariff rate and eligibility for FTAs (e.g., USMCA, RCEP). |
| β Bill of Lading (B/L) | βοΈ | Ensure consistent description with invoice. |
| β Import License (if applicable) | βοΈ | Some countries require licenses for petroleum-derived chemicals. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Clear Description, Accurate HS, No Ambiguity!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration Method | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Industrial Grease | Petroleum-based Lubricating Grease, NLGI 2, HS: 3403.19 |
Vague: "Grease" or "Lubricant" β High risk of misclassification |
| Specialty Non-Standard Grease | Chemical Preparation for Industrial Use, HS: 3805.90 |
Using 3403 without justification β Audit risk |
| Small Samples (<$800 US) | Declare as "Sample for Testing, Value <$800" | Over-declaring value β Unnecessary duties |
| Mixed Package (Grease + Tools) | Declare Grease Separately | Combining with unrelated items β Misclassification of entire shipment |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| US Origin | Base rate may be lower (0-2.5%). No Section 301 if not China-origin. |
| China Origin to US | Expect 25% additional duty under Section 301. Calculate total cost accordingly. |
| EU Import | VAT (19-27%) + Duty (0-6%). No de minimis. Ensure REACH compliance. |
| Hazardous Classification | If the grease contains hazardous additives, declare as UN Number (e.g., UN 3082). Additional fees may apply. |
| OEM/White Label | Provide letter of authorization to avoid IP issues at customs. |
π V. Global Major Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3403.19.00 |
~27.5% (Base 2.5% + 25% 301) | No major certification for standard grease | De minimis ($800) applies for low-value shipments |
| π¨π³ China | 3403.19.00 |
6% | None for standard grease | Check for environmental taxes |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3403.19.00 |
0% (Many origins) + VAT 19-27% | REACH Registration is critical for chemicals | No Section 301. VAT is significant. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3403.19.00 |
0-5% + VAT 20% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3403.19.00 |
5% | AICIS (Industrial Chemicals) | Strict chemical reporting |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3403.19.00 |
6% | None for standard grease | Low risk |
π Conclusion:
- USA: Highest duty burden due to Section 301. Cost impact is significant.
- EU/UK: VAT is the main cost driver. REACH compliance is mandatory.
- China: Moderate duty. Simplest clearance if documents are complete.
- Australia: AICIS registration is a key hurdle for chemical imports.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Lubricant" without specifying "Petroleum-Based"
π Consequence: Customs may misclassify as 3402 (Surface Active Agents) or 3824 (Other Chemicals), leading to incorrect duty assessment.
β Error 2: Ignoring Section 301 for China-origin goods to the US
π Consequence: 25% penalty + back duties + potential seizure. Always declare origin accurately.
β Error 3: Using vague descriptions like "Industrial Chemical"
π Consequence: Customs hold for inspection. Delays of 2-4 weeks.
β Error 4: Mixing hazardous and non-hazardous greases in one shipment
π Consequence: Hazmat fees applied to the entire shipment. Separate shipments recommended.
β Correct Practice:
"Petroleum-Based Lubricating Grease, NLGI Grade 2, Thickener: Lithium Soap, Base Oil: Mineral Oil, HS Code: 3403.19, For Industrial Machinery Lubrication"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money and Time!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Petroleum Grease = 3403.19 (Standard)"
πΉ "Check Origin for Section 301 (US +25%)"
πΉ "SDS & TDS are Your Best Friends"
πΉ "Vague Descriptions = Customs Nightmares"
π Pro Tip:
- For US imports, calculate the 27.5% total duty (if from China) in your margin analysis.
- For EU imports, ensure REACH compliance before shipping to avoid storage fees.
- Always apply for an Advance Ruling if the product is unique or borderline between 3403 and 3805.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide TDS/SDS + Verify HS Code with local customs
π Ensure smooth clearance, accurate taxation, and timely delivery!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved in Duties is Pure Profit!
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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.