Product classification
HS code for Anti-knock additive: 3811.19
Anti-knock preparations, other than those based on lead compounds.
Classification of anti-knock additive under HS 3811.19
Anti-knock additives are classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 381119, which designates "Anti-knock preparations; other than those based on lead compounds." This classification is appropriate because these products are specifically formulated preparations designed to improve the combustion characteristics of fuels, preventing engine knocking. Chapter 38 of the HS nomenclature covers miscellaneous chemical products, and heading 3811 is dedicated to prepared additives for mineral oils, including anti-knock preparations. The subheading 381119 is critical as it explicitly excludes lead-based compounds, reflecting the global shift away from leaded fuels and the prevalence of modern, lead-free anti-knock agents. This ensures that contemporary fuel additives are correctly identified for customs and trade.
- Covers
- Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) as an anti-knock agent
- Ferrocene-based anti-knock preparations
- Other non-lead metallic compounds formulated to prevent knocking
- Organic compounds specifically prepared as anti-knock additives for gasoline
- Fuel additives designed to increase the octane rating of motor fuels
- Also under 3811.19
- Afton Chemical HiTEC
- Lubrizol Anglamol
- Innospec Octane Solutions
- BASF Keropur
- Chevron Oronite
Codes often confused with 3811.19
Common mistake. A common misclassification for anti-knock additives could involve HS code 381111, which covers "Anti-knock preparations; based on lead compounds." While both are anti-knock preparations, the distinction lies in their chemical basis. Modern anti-knock additives are predominantly lead-free, making 381119 the correct classification. Confusion might also arise with HS 2931, which covers "Other organo-inorganic compounds." Although some anti-knock agents are organo-metallic, 3811 is a more specific heading for prepared additives for mineral oils, taking precedence over the general chemical compound classification. Furthermore, raw chemical components like pure manganese compounds (Chapter 28) or specific organic compounds (Chapter 29) should not be confused with the prepared additive mixtures of 3811.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381119 (the code used for anti-knock additive), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381119 (the code used for anti-knock additive) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 17% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 81% of its exports here ($10M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 381119, not only anti-knock additive.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $25M 28% of world exports
- 2 United States $21M 23% of world exports
- 3 Spain $9.0M 9.9% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 81% of its exports here ($10M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $91M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $25M 17% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $14M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $10M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $149M 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 anti-knock additive
Brazil classifies anti-knock additive under NCM 3811.19.00: HS 3811.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about anti-knock additive
What is the HS code for Anti-knock additive?
The HS code for Anti-knock additive is 381119 (Anti-knock preparations; other than those based on lead compounds). The HS code for anti-knock additive is 381119. This code specifically applies to anti-knock preparations that do not contain lead compounds, distinguishing them from older, lead-based formulations. It falls under Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products.
How do I classify Anti-knock additive for customs?
Anti-knock additive is classified under HS code 381119 — Anti-knock preparations; other than those based on lead compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the primary function of an anti-knock additive in fuel?
The primary function of an anti-knock additive is to increase the octane rating of gasoline, thereby preventing premature ignition (knocking or pinging) in internal combustion engines. This ensures smoother engine operation, improved fuel efficiency, and protection against potential engine damage caused by uncontrolled combustion.
Which countries are the top exporters of anti-knock additive (HS 381119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381119 (the code used for anti-knock additive) in UN Comtrade data were India ($25M, 28% of world exports), the United States ($21M) and Spain ($9.0M). World exports came to about $91M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 81% of its exports here ($10M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of anti-knock additive (HS 381119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381119 (the code used for anti-knock additive) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($25M, 17% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($14M) and Germany ($10M). World imports came to about $149M, 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.
Is the HS code for Anti-knock additive the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381119 for Anti-knock additive is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for anti-knock additive in Brazil?
In Brazil, anti-knock additive (HS 381119) is classified under NCM 3811.19.00.