HS Code for Asphalt flux

Asphalt flux, also known as flux oil, is classified under HS code 2713.90, which serves as the residual category for "Other residues of petroleum oils or of oils obtained from bituminous minerals." Flux oil is a heavy petroleum distillate or residue used to reduce the viscosity of harder bitumens to make them workable for specific industrial applications, such as the production of roofing shingles or road surfacing materials. Unlike pure petroleum bitumen (2713.20) or petroleum coke (2713.11), flux is a liquid or semi-solid residue that does not meet the specific physical characteristics or commercial definitions of the other subheadings under heading 2713. The classification depends on the product being a byproduct of petroleum refining that is not intended for use as a primary fuel or lubricant, but rather as a processing aid or raw material in the bituminous products industry. In the refining process, flux oils are often the heavy fractions that remain after vacuum distillation. They are characterized by their high boiling points and aromatic or naphthenic content. Because they are residues rather than finished oils, they are placed in 2713.90. This code is essential for tracking the trade of refinery byproducts that are used to modify the physical properties of asphalt and other heavy hydrocarbons.

Products Included

• Petroleum flux oil
• Heavy aromatic residues
• Bitumen softeners (petroleum based)
• Refinery residues for roofing flux
• Extracts from lubricating oil refining

Common Misclassification

Asphalt flux is sometimes misclassified under 2710.19, which covers heavy oils and lubricating oils. However, flux is a residue of the refining process rather than a finished lubricating oil or a specific fuel fraction. Another common error is using 2713.20 (Petroleum bitumen). While flux is related to bitumen, it is generally a lighter, more liquid residue used to "flux" or soften the bitumen, and thus falls into the "Other residues" category of 2713.90.

FAQ

What is the HS code for asphalt flux?

Asphalt flux is classified under HS code 2713.90 as an "other" petroleum residue.

Is flux oil the same as lubricating oil?

No, flux oil is a refinery residue used to soften bitumen, whereas lubricating oils are finished products classified under heading 2710.