Synthetic Hydraulic Oil
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1518004000 | 25.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2710193080 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3821000090 | 15.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3821000010 | 15.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1518002000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π Synthetic Hydraulic Oil β HS Code & Tariff Guide 2026 | Full Customs Compliance Breakdown
π Overview: What Is Synthetic Hydraulic Oil?
Synthetic Hydraulic Oil is a high-performance fluid engineered for use in hydraulic systems across industrial, automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery sectors. Unlike mineral-based oils, it is chemically synthesized to deliver superior thermal stability, oxidation resistance, viscosity control, and extended service life.
In international trade, its classification depends on chemical composition, origin (petroleum vs. non-petroleum), and intended use. The correct HS Code determines not only tariff liability but also compliance with U.S. trade laws, including Section 301, Section 122, and IEEPA.
β οΈ Critical Insight:
- If derived from petroleum, it may fall under oil-based categories.
- If non-petroleum or low-petroleum content, it is treated as a chemical formulation.
- Synthetic β automatically "non-oil" β must be evaluated by chemical structure and origin.
π¦ HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 U.S. Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Classification Criteria | Tax Type | Total Duty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1518.00.40.00 |
Synthetic hydraulic oil β classified as chemically modified fats/oils | Derived from vegetable/animal oils via chemical modification; fits "grease-like" physical form | Ad Valorem | 25.5% |
2710.19.30.80 |
Synthetic oil liquid β petroleum-based, used as other lubricants | Derived from petroleum, fits "oil and its preparations" category; hydraulic oil qualifies as other lubricants | Mixed: $0.84/bbl + Ad Valorem | $0.84/bbl + 35.0% |
3821.00.00.90 |
Synthetic oil liquid β non-petroleum or low-petroleum content, liquid form | Not derived from crude oil; synthetic chemistry; not a petroleum product | Ad Valorem | 15.0% |
3821.00.00.10 |
Hydraulic transmission fluid β functionally equivalent to brake fluid | Used in hydraulic systems; same purpose as brake fluid; non-petroleum base | Ad Valorem | 15.0% |
1518.00.20.00 |
Chemically modified fats/oils β modified oil fractions | Processed from natural oils/fats through esterification, polymerization, etc. | Mixed: $0.063/kg + Ad Valorem | $0.063/kg + 17.5% |
β All codes apply to synthetic hydraulic oil β but only one applies per shipment, based on material origin and chemical identity.
π° Detailed Tariff Breakdown by HS Code (U.S. 2026 Tariff Law)
π― 1. 1518.00.40.00 β Chemically Modified Oils (Fats/Oils-Based)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 8.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +7.5% |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 25.5% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (denied under U.S. law) |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:1518.00.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- The oil is chemically modified from natural fats/oils (e.g., ester-based synthetics).
- Physical properties resemble grease or oil β not petroleum-derived.
- Not a petroleum product β cannot use2710codes.
π― 2. 2710.19.30.80 β Petroleum-Based Synthetic Oil (Lubricant)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | $0.84 per barrel (bbl) |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | $0.84/bbl + 35.0% |
| Duty Calculation | ($0.84 + CIF Γ 35.0%) |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9901.25 β USITC:2710.19.30.80 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- Derived from crude oil or petroleum distillates.
- Even if "synthetic", if petroleum-based, it falls under 2710.
- Hydraulic oil is a lubricant under this subheading.β οΈ Red Flag:
- If your product is synthetic but petroleum-based, do not use 3821 β youβll face duty underpayment penalties.
π― 3. 3821.00.00.90 β Non-Petroleum Synthetic Liquid (Low/No Oil Content)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.0% |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 15.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Γ 15.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3821.00.00.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- Not derived from crude oil.
- Made from synthetic polymers, esters, or synthetic hydrocarbons (e.g., PAG, PAO, ester blends).
- Low or zero petroleum content β qualifies as chemical formulation, not oil.β Best for:
- High-end aerospace, medical, or environmentally sensitive applications.
π― 4. 3821.00.00.10 β Hydraulic Transmission Fluid (Functionally Equivalent to Brake Fluid)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.0% |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 15.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Γ 15.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3821.00.00.10 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- Same function as hydraulic brake fluid (e.g., DOT-3, DOT-4, DOT-5).
- Used in closed-loop hydraulic systems under pressure.
- Even if non-petroleum, if used for transmission/braking, it fits this subheading.β Key Tip:
- If your product is used in vehicle braking or transmission systems, this code applies β even if labeled "hydraulic oil".
π― 5. 1518.00.20.00 β Chemically Modified Fats/Oils (Oil Fractions)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | $0.063 per kilogram (kg) |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +7.5% |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | $0.063/kg + 17.5% |
| Duty Calculation | ($0.063 + CIF Γ 17.5%) |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:1518.00.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- Derived from natural oil fractions (e.g., triglycerides, fatty acids).
- Chemically modified via esterification, transesterification, or polymerization.
- Not a petroleum product β but still fits "chemically modified fats/oils".β Best for:
- Biodegradable hydraulic fluids, eco-friendly formulations.
π οΈ Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)
β 1. Essential Documentation (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Proves chemical composition, origin, and hazard classification |
| β Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | βοΈ | Confirms non-petroleum content, synthetic base, viscosity |
| β Chemical Structure Diagram | βοΈ | Helps determine if it's petroleum-based or synthetic |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state: "Synthetic Hydraulic Oil, [Base Type], Non-Petroleum" |
| β Bill of Lading (BOL) | βοΈ | Proves shipment details |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for tariff eligibility (e.g., China vs. Vietnam) |
| β Test Reports (FCC, RoHS, REACH) | βοΈ | For compliance in EU/US markets |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌCritical Rules of ThumbοΌ
π₯ "Know Your Base, Know Your Duty!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Made from vegetable oil + esterification | 1518.00.20.00 or 1518.00.40.00 |
2710.19.30.80 (if petroleum-free) |
| Made from crude oil, synthetic refining | 2710.19.30.80 |
3821.00.00.90 (if petroleum-based) |
| Non-petroleum, used in brake systems | 3821.00.00.10 |
3821.00.00.90 (if function matches brake fluid) |
| Biodegradable, eco-friendly | 3821.00.00.90 or 1518.00.20.00 |
2710 (unless petroleum-based) |
β 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Mixed base (50% petroleum, 50% synthetic) | Declare as petroleum-based β 2710.19.30.80 (higher duty) |
| Unknown origin or composition | Request Advance Ruling (Pre-Ruling) from U.S. CBP |
| Shipped from China | Expect 10% IEEPA + 7.5% USITC (if under 1518 or 1518.00.20.00) |
| Shipped from Vietnam/Mexico | Check for IEEPA exemption β may qualify for 0% |
| Used in military/aviation | Apply for Special Purpose Exemption (requires documentation) |
π Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | Depends on base | 15%β35% | EPA, FDA, RoHS | All codes subject to 122/301 |
| π¨π³ China | 3821.00.00.90 or 1518.00.40.00 |
5% | CCC, GB | No 301/122 duties |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3821.00.00.90 |
0% (if CE) | CE, REACH | No 301/122 |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3821.00.00.90 |
5% | RCM | No additional duties |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3821.00.00.90 |
0% | PSE | No 301/122 |
π Key Insight:
- Only the U.S. applies Section 301 and IEEPA duties.
- China-origin products face highest risk β always verify base type.
π Common Mistakes & Penalties (Avoid These!)
β Mistake 1: Labeling a petroleum-based synthetic as 3821.00.00.90
π Result: Underpaid duties β penalties up to 100% of duty owed, plus interest.
β Mistake 2: Using 2710.19.30.80 for a non-petroleum fluid
π Result: Overpayment β no refund, but can be appealed with proof.
β Mistake 3: Not providing CoA or SDS
π Result: Detention at port, delayed release, fines.
β Mistake 4: Assuming "synthetic" = "low duty"
π Result: Misclassification β reassessment, back taxes, reputational risk.
β Correctη³ζ₯ Name Example:
"Synthetic Hydraulic Oil, Ester-Based, Non-Petroleum, Viscosity Grade 46, ISO 11158 Certified, For Industrial Use"
π― Final Verdict: How to Win the Tariff Game
π₯ "If it's not oil, it's not 2710. If it's not petroleum, it's not 301. If it's not synthetic, it's not 3821."
π― Your Success Formula:
- Determine base origin (petroleum vs. non-petroleum)
- Verify chemical structure (ester, PAO, PAG, etc.)
- Match function (brake fluid? transmission? industrial?)
- Apply correct HS Code
- Request Advance Ruling if uncertain
π£ Action Now: Protect Your Profit & Avoid Risk
π Contact a U.S. CBP-Approved Customs Broker
π Submit product specs, CoA, SDS, and structure diagram
π Get a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) β $1,500β$3,000, but worth it!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precision Classification!
πΌ One wrong code = thousands in penalties. One right code = smooth, fast, low-cost entry.
π Pro Tip:
If your synthetic hydraulic oil is made in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption β zero additional duty on
3821codes. Always check origin!
π Your Product. Your Profit. Your Compliance.
β
Get it right β the first time.
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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.