HS Code 34.03 – Lubricating preparations and those used in oil or grease treatment of textile and similar materials; excluding preparations containing 70% or more (by weight) of petroleum or bituminous mineral oils

HS code 3403 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lubricating preparations and those used in oil or grease treatment of textile and similar materials; excluding preparations containing 70% or more (by weight) of petroleum or bituminous mineral oils. Heading 3403 covers a diverse range of lubricating preparations and those specifically used in the oil or grease treatment of textile and similar materials. A crucial boundary for this classification is the exclusion of preparations containing 70% or more by weight of petroleum or bituminous mineral oils, which typically fall under Chapter 27. This heading is thus primarily for synthetic lubricants, specialty greases, cutting fluids, anti-rust preparations, mold release agents, and other formulations where the lubricating or textile-treating component is not predominantly petroleum-based. It encompasses preparations where petroleum oils are present but constitute less than 70% by weight, or where non-petroleum bases (like synthetic oils, vegetable oils, or silicones) are primary. The scope is broad, serving industrial machinery, automotive applications (for specific synthetic blends), and the textile industry. For trade compliance, accurately determining the percentage of petroleum or bituminous mineral oils is paramount. This classification plays a vital role in industries requiring high-performance, specialized, or environmentally friendlier lubrication solutions. It is an integral part of Chapter 34, which groups various chemical preparations, highlighting the distinction between raw petroleum products and refined, formulated lubricating compounds.

Synthetic motor oils (<70% petroleum), industrial gear oils (synthetic), specialty greases for high temperature, cutting fluids (water-soluble), mold release agents (silicone-based), rust preventative coatings, anti-seize compounds, textile processing oils, drawing compounds for metalworking, dielectric greases, food-grade lubricants, hydraulic fluids (synthetic), brake fluids (synthetic), chain lubricants (non-petroleum), compressor oils (synthetic), bearing greases (non-petroleum), thread lubricants, vacuum pump oils (synthetic), wire rope lubricants, rock drill oils, turbine oils (synthetic), fire-resistant hydraulic fluids, conveyor lubricants, pneumatic tool lubricants.

The most common error is misclassifying lubricating oils containing 70% or more by weight of petroleum oils, which belong under 2710. Traders must meticulously verify the petroleum content. Another mistake is classifying certain silicone oils (3910) or other raw synthetic polymers when they are not formulated 'preparations' for lubrication. Additionally, some chemical preparations (3824) with incidental lubricating properties, but not primarily designed as lubricants, might be incorrectly placed here. The key is the 'lubricating preparation' or 'oil or grease treatment of textile' function and the 70% petroleum threshold.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3403 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.4B, 21% of world exports), the United States ($2.1B) and Japan ($1.2B). World exports came to about $11.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3403 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($736M) and Canada ($588M). World imports came to about $11.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 3403 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 34 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (34) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.