HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3811.29 – Lubricating oil additives; not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals
HS code 3811.29 is the 6-digit subheading for lubricating oil additives, not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. It is used for synthetic ester-based viscosity modifiers, polyalphaolefin (PAO) based dispersants, phosphate ester anti-wear additives, molybdenum disulfide friction modifiers and silicone anti-foam agents.
What HS 3811.29 covers
This category includes lubricating oil additives that are formulated without petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. These advanced additives are crucial for enhancing the performance of various lubricants, including synthetic oils, bio-based lubricants, and specialty fluids used in demanding applications. They provide properties such as extreme pressure resistance, friction modification, anti-foaming, and demulsification, enabling lubricants to perform optimally under severe conditions. Key players are specialized chemical companies, manufacturers of synthetic lubricants, and industries requiring high-performance or environmentally friendly lubrication solutions. The trade is driven by demand for advanced lubrication, stringent environmental standards, and the growth of sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy, which often require non-mineral oil-based solutions.
- Covers
- Synthetic ester-based viscosity modifiers
- Polyalphaolefin (PAO) based dispersants
- Phosphate ester anti-wear additives
- Molybdenum disulfide friction modifiers
- Silicone anti-foam agents
- Bio-based corrosion inhibitors
- Ionic liquid additives
- Examples
- Lubrizol Additives
- Afton Chemical HiTEC
- Infineum Additives
- BASF Irgalube
- Evonik Additives
Codes often confused with 3811.29
Common mistake. This code is distinguished from 381121 by the absence of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals as a base, focusing on synthetic or other non-mineral oil-based carriers.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 381129, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 381129 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 20% 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 United States $307M 34% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $101M 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $76M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $898M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $268M 20% of world imports
- 2 United States $162M 12% of world imports
- 3 France $133M 10% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 3811.29 3
Brazil splits HS 3811.29 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3811.29.10 Ashless dispersants without petroleum oilsDispersantes sem cinzas
- 3811.29.20 Metallic detergents without petroleum oilsDetergentes metálicos
- 3811.29.90 Other lube oil additives without 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 3811.29
What is HS code 381129?
HS code 381129 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lubricating oil additives; not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. This category includes lubricating oil additives that are formulated without petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. These advanced additives are crucial for enhancing the performance of various lubricants, including synthetic oils, bio-based lubricants, and specialty fluids used in demanding applications. They provide properties such as extreme pressure resistance, friction modification, anti-foaming, and demulsification, enabling lubricants to perform optimally under severe conditions. Key players are specialized chemical companies, manufacturers of synthetic lubricants, and industries requiring high-performance or environmentally friendly lubrication solutions. The trade is driven by demand for advanced lubrication, stringent environmental standards, and the growth of sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy, which often require non-mineral oil-based solutions.
What products fall under HS code 381129?
Synthetic ester-based viscosity modifiers, Polyalphaolefin (PAO) based dispersants, Phosphate ester anti-wear additives, Molybdenum disulfide friction modifiers, Silicone anti-foam agents, Bio-based corrosion inhibitors, Ionic liquid additives
What are common misclassifications for HS code 381129?
This code is distinguished from 381121 by the absence of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals as a base, focusing on synthetic or other non-mineral oil-based carriers.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 381129?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 381129 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($307M, 34% of world exports), South Korea ($101M) and Germany ($76M). World exports came to about $898M, 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 381129?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 381129 in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($268M, 20% of world imports), the United States ($162M) and France ($133M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 381129 structured?
HS code 381129 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 (29) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 381129?
Brazil splits HS code 381129 into 3 NCM codes: 3811.29.10 (Ashless dispersants without petroleum oils), 3811.29.20 (Metallic detergents without petroleum oils), 3811.29.90 (Other lube oil additives without petroleum oils). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.