HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3811.21 – Lubricating oil additives; containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals
HS code 3811.21 is the 6-digit subheading for lubricating oil additives, containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. It is used for viscosity index improvers (oil-based), pour point depressants (oil-based), anti-wear additives (oil-based carrier), corrosion inhibitors (oil-based carrier) and dispersants (oil-based carrier).
What HS 3811.21 covers
This HS code covers lubricating oil additives that are formulated with a base of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. These additives are essential components blended into base oils to enhance their performance characteristics, such as improving viscosity index, reducing wear, preventing corrosion, and dispersing contaminants. They are critical for producing high-performance engine oils, industrial lubricants, and transmission fluids that meet the demanding requirements of modern machinery. Key participants in this trade include lubricant blenders, petroleum refiners, and specialized chemical manufacturers. The market is influenced by advancements in engine technology, stringent environmental regulations, and the increasing demand for extended drain intervals and improved fuel efficiency in various sectors.
- Covers
- Viscosity index improvers (oil-based)
- Pour point depressants (oil-based)
- Anti-wear additives (oil-based carrier)
- Corrosion inhibitors (oil-based carrier)
- Dispersants (oil-based carrier)
- Detergents (oil-based carrier)
- Antioxidants (oil-based carrier)
- Examples
- Lubrizol Additives
- Afton Chemical HiTEC
- Chevron Oronite OLOA
- Infineum Additives
- BASF Irgalube
Codes often confused with 3811.21
Common mistake. This code is differentiated from 381129 by the presence of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals as a base, whereas 381129 covers additives without such bases.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 381121, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 381121 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.5% 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 France $2.2B 23% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $2.0B 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.9B 20% of world exports
World total: $9.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $881M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 China $867M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $697M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $10.4B 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 codes for 3811.21 6
Brazil splits HS 3811.21 into 6 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3811.21.10 Viscosity index improvers for lubricating oilsMelhoradores do índice de viscosidade
- 3811.21.20 Zinc dithiophosphate anti-wear oil additivesAntidesgastes, anticorrosivos ou antioxidantes, que contenham dialquilditiofosfato de zinco ou diarilditiofosfato de zinco
- 3811.21.30 Ashless dispersants with petroleum oilsDispersantes sem cinzas
- 3811.21.40 Metallic detergents with petroleum oilsDetergentes metálicos
- 3811.21.50 Lube oil additive blends with petroleum oilsOutras preparações que contenham, pelo menos, um de quaisquer dos produtos compreendidos nos itens 3811.21.10, 3811.21.20, 3811.21.30 e 3811.21.40
- 3811.21.90 Other lube oil additives with petroleum oilsOutros
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 3811.21
What is HS code 381121?
HS code 381121 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lubricating oil additives; containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. This HS code covers lubricating oil additives that are formulated with a base of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. These additives are essential components blended into base oils to enhance their performance characteristics, such as improving viscosity index, reducing wear, preventing corrosion, and dispersing contaminants. They are critical for producing high-performance engine oils, industrial lubricants, and transmission fluids that meet the demanding requirements of modern machinery. Key participants in this trade include lubricant blenders, petroleum refiners, and specialized chemical manufacturers. The market is influenced by advancements in engine technology, stringent environmental regulations, and the increasing demand for extended drain intervals and improved fuel efficiency in various sectors.
What products fall under HS code 381121?
Viscosity index improvers (oil-based), Pour point depressants (oil-based), Anti-wear additives (oil-based carrier), Corrosion inhibitors (oil-based carrier), Dispersants (oil-based carrier), Detergents (oil-based carrier), Antioxidants (oil-based carrier)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 381121?
This code is differentiated from 381129 by the presence of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals as a base, whereas 381129 covers additives without such bases.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 381121?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 381121 in UN Comtrade data were France ($2.2B, 23% of world exports), Singapore ($2.0B) and the United States ($1.9B). World exports came to about $9.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 381121?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 381121 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($881M, 8.5% of world imports), China ($867M) and Singapore ($697M). World imports came to about $10.4B, 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.
How is HS code 381121 structured?
HS code 381121 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 381121?
Brazil splits HS code 381121 into 6 NCM codes: 3811.21.10 (Viscosity index improvers for lubricating oils), 3811.21.20 (Zinc dithiophosphate anti-wear oil additives), 3811.21.30 (Ashless dispersants with petroleum oils), 3811.21.40 (Metallic detergents with petroleum oils), 3811.21.50 (Lube oil additive blends with petroleum oils), 3811.21.90 (Other lube oil additives with petroleum oils). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.