HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3811.11 – Anti-knock preparations; based on lead compounds
HS code 3811.11 is the 6-digit subheading for anti-knock preparations, based on lead compounds. It is used for tetraethyl lead (TEL), tetramethyl lead (TML), ethyl fluid (TEL blend), aviation gasoline additive (lead-based) and leaded fuel octane booster.
What HS 3811.11 covers
This HS code specifically covers anti-knock preparations for internal combustion engines that are based on lead compounds. Historically, these additives, primarily tetraethyl lead (TEL), were widely used to increase the octane rating of gasoline, thereby preventing engine knocking and improving engine performance. However, due to severe environmental and health concerns associated with lead emissions, the use of leaded gasoline has been largely phased out globally. Consequently, trade in these products is now extremely limited, primarily confined to niche applications such as aviation fuel for piston-engine aircraft or in a few countries with less stringent environmental regulations. Importers and exporters are highly specialized chemical companies and fuel distributors serving these specific, dwindling markets.
- Covers
- Tetraethyl lead (TEL)
- Tetramethyl lead (TML)
- Ethyl fluid (TEL blend)
- Aviation gasoline additive (lead-based)
- Leaded fuel octane booster
- Examples
- Octel (historical)
- Innospec (historical/niche aviation)
- Ethyl Corporation (historical)
Codes often confused with 3811.11
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 381119, which covers all other anti-knock preparations not based on lead compounds, reflecting the global shift away from leaded fuels.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 381111, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 381111 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.1M 44% of world exports
- 2 United States $3.1M 33% of world exports
- 3 Germany $748K 8.0% of world exports
World total: $9.3M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $13M 23% of world imports
- 2 Poland $13M 22% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $8.3M 14% of world imports
World total: $58M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 3811.11
Brazil does not split HS 3811.11: its NCM code is 3811.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3811.11
What is HS code 381111?
HS code 381111 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Anti-knock preparations; based on lead compounds. This HS code specifically covers anti-knock preparations for internal combustion engines that are based on lead compounds. Historically, these additives, primarily tetraethyl lead (TEL), were widely used to increase the octane rating of gasoline, thereby preventing engine knocking and improving engine performance. However, due to severe environmental and health concerns associated with lead emissions, the use of leaded gasoline has been largely phased out globally. Consequently, trade in these products is now extremely limited, primarily confined to niche applications such as aviation fuel for piston-engine aircraft or in a few countries with less stringent environmental regulations. Importers and exporters are highly specialized chemical companies and fuel distributors serving these specific, dwindling markets.
What products fall under HS code 381111?
Tetraethyl lead (TEL), Tetramethyl lead (TML), Ethyl fluid (TEL blend), Aviation gasoline additive (lead-based), Leaded fuel octane booster
What are common misclassifications for HS code 381111?
This code is distinct from 381119, which covers all other anti-knock preparations not based on lead compounds, reflecting the global shift away from leaded fuels.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 381111?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 381111 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.1M, 44% of world exports), the United States ($3.1M) and Germany ($748K). World exports came to about $9.3M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 381111?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 381111 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($13M, 23% of world imports), Poland ($13M) and the Netherlands ($8.3M). World imports came to about $58M, 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.
How is HS code 381111 structured?
HS code 381111 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 381111?
In Brazil, HS code 381111 is NCM 3811.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.