Product classification
HS code for Antifreeze: 3820.00
Anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids.
Classification of antifreeze under HS 3820.00
Antifreeze is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 382000, which specifically covers "Anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids." This classification is appropriate because these products are formulated mixtures designed to lower the freezing point of liquids, preventing freezing in various applications, most commonly in vehicle cooling systems or for de-icing surfaces. Chapter 38 of the HS nomenclature encompasses miscellaneous chemical products, and heading 3820 is dedicated to these specific preparations. The term "prepared" is crucial, distinguishing these ready-to-use mixtures from their individual chemical components, such as pure ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which would be classified under Chapter 29 as organic chemicals. This ensures that the functional product is classified consistently.
- Covers
- Ethylene glycol-based engine coolant and antifreeze mixtures
- Propylene glycol-based antifreeze for automotive and industrial use
- Prepared windshield washer fluids with anti-freezing properties
- Aircraft de-icing fluids formulated for aviation applications
- Road de-icing solutions, excluding simple salt mixtures
- Heat transfer fluids designed to operate in sub-zero temperatures
- Also under 3820.00
- Prestone Antifreeze
- Zerex Antifreeze
- Kilfrost De-icing Fluid
- Dowfrost
- Peak Antifreeze
Codes often confused with 3820.00
Common mistake. A common misclassification for antifreeze could involve HS 2905, which covers "Acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives." While the primary active ingredients in many antifreezes, such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, are alcohols, the prepared mixtures are specifically covered by 382000. Classifying the finished antifreeze product under 2905 would be incorrect as it is a prepared formulation, not a single unmixed chemical. Another potential area of confusion is HS 3824, which is a residual category for "Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries (including those consisting of mixtures of natural products), not elsewhere specified or included." However, since antifreeze is specifically provided for in 382000, this more general heading should not be used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382000 (the code used for antifreeze), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382000 (the code used for antifreeze) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.7% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 382000, not only antifreeze.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $317M 19% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $295M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $240M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $116M 6.7% of world imports
- 2 France $115M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 Canada $90M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 antifreeze
Brazil classifies antifreeze under NCM 3820.00.00: HS 3820.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about antifreeze
What is the HS code for Antifreeze?
The HS code for Antifreeze is 382000 (Anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids). The HS code for antifreeze is 382000. This code specifically covers anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids, distinguishing them from their individual chemical components. It is found in Chapter 38 of the Harmonized System.
How do I classify Antifreeze for customs?
Antifreeze is classified under HS code 382000 — Anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the primary chemical components of typical antifreeze?
Typical antifreeze formulations primarily consist of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which are alcohols responsible for lowering the freezing point of water. These glycols are usually mixed with water, corrosion inhibitors, anti-foaming agents, and dyes to create a complete and functional antifreeze or coolant product.
Which countries are the top exporters of antifreeze (HS 382000)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382000 (the code used for antifreeze) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($317M, 19% of world exports), Belgium ($295M) and the United States ($240M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 antifreeze (HS 382000)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382000 (the code used for antifreeze) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($116M, 6.7% of world imports), France ($115M) and Canada ($90M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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.
Is the HS code for Antifreeze the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382000 for Antifreeze 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 antifreeze in Brazil?
In Brazil, antifreeze (HS 382000) is classified under NCM 3820.00.00.