🛢️ Petroleum-Based Lubricating Greases (Petroleum Oils & Bituminous Minerals Preparations)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy

📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Petroleum-Based Lubricating Greases"?

In international trade, Lubricating Greases fall under the broader category of Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals. Specifically, these are preparations containing 70% or more by weight of petroleum oils, where these oils are the basic constituent of the preparation.

They are distinct from crude oil, waste oils, and biodiesel-containing products. Within this category, greases are further subdivided based on their chemical composition, specifically the presence and quantity of salts of fatty acids of animal or vegetable origin.

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If the grease contains no fatty acid salts or fatty acid salts > 10%, it falls under "Other Greases".
- If the grease contains ≤ 10% by weight of salts of fatty acids of animal/vegetable origin, it falls under a specific sub-category.
- Note: Biodiesel-containing products and waste oils are explicitly excluded.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)

Based on the provided data, there are two primary HS Codes for petroleum-based lubricating greases. Both have a 0% total tax rate in this specific trade context (likely China-US or specific bilateral agreements excluding additional tariffs for these items).

🔍 Key Clarification:
- The primary differentiator is the chemical content of fatty acid salts.
- 2710.19.40.00 is the "catch-all" for greases that do not meet the strict ≤10% fatty acid salt criterion (i.e., they have none, or they have more than 10%).
- 2710.19.35.00 is a niche category for greases specifically formulated with low concentrations (≤10%) of natural fatty acid salts.
- Both are considered "Preparations containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils".

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Additions)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Based on provided data)

🎯 1. 2710.19.40.00 —— Other Greases (General Petroleum Greases)

📌 Explanation:
- The 0% total tax indicates a highly competitive or strategically exempted category in the provided dataset.
- Crucial: Even with 0% tariff, these products are chemical preparations. They must comply with EPA TSCA inventory requirements and OSHA labeling standards (GHS).
- Waste Exclusion: Ensure the product is not classified as "waste oil." Waste oils have different, often stricter, environmental import controls.

🎯 2. 2710.19.35.00 —— Greases with ≤10% Fatty Acid Salts

📌 Explanation:
- This is a specialized sub-category. The low tariff (0%) is consistent with 2710.19.40.00.
- Verification Requirement: Customs may require a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to prove the fatty acid salt content is ≤10%. Incorrect declaration could lead to reclassification.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)

🔥 “Know Your Base, Check Your Salts, Don’t Call It Waste!”

✅ 3. Special Case Handling

🌍 V. Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA and China show 0% tariff in this specific dataset, making them highly competitive.
- EU/UK/Japan may have basic tariffs but offer GHS-compliant labeling frameworks.
- Chemical Compliance (TSCA/REACH/CSCL) is the biggest barrier, not tariff.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Grease" without specifying fatty acid salt content
👉 Consequence: Customs may default to 2710.19.40.00 or request detailed COA, causing delays.

❌ Mistake 2: Misclassifying as "Waste Oil"
👉 Consequence: Import ban or heavy fines. Waste oils are environmentally hazardous.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring Biodiesel Exclusion
👉 Consequence: If biodiesel is present, the product cannot use these HS codes. It may be classified as a fuel or chemical mixture, subject to different regulations.

❌ Mistake 4: Failing to provide TSCA/REACH Compliance
👉 Consequence: Cargo seizure or return. Chemicals must be registered in the destination country’s inventory.

✅ Correct Practice:

“Petroleum-Based Lubricating Grease, Synthetic Blend, Base Oil Content ≥70%, Fatty Acid Salts <10%, TSCA Compliant, GHS Labelled, Model XYZ”

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Smooth Clearance!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 “Base Oil >70%, Fatty Salts ≤10% is Special, Otherwise it’s General.”
🔹 “No Biodiesel, No Waste Oil, Chemical Compliance is Key.”
🔹 “0% Tariff is Sweet, But TSCA is the Real Hurdle.”

📌 Pro Tip:

If your grease is food-grade or high-temp, ensure it meets NSF H1 or NLGI standards. While this doesn’t change HS Code, it adds value and reduces customs scrutiny by showing specialized industrial use.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a Customs Broker + Provide COA + Verify TSCA/REACH Status
🚀 Let your lubricating grease clear customs smoothly, avoid penalties, and maximize profit!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every percentage of tariff matters, but every chemical regulation defines your entry!