Product classification
HS code for Biodegradable lubricant: 3403.99
Lubricating preparations, other than for the treatment of textile and similar materials, not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals.
Classification of biodegradable lubricant under HS 3403.99
Biodegradable lubricants are classified under HS code 3403.99 because they are lubricating preparations that do not contain petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), products in heading 3403 are specifically formulated to reduce friction between moving parts or to provide rust and corrosion protection. The subheading 3403.99 is a residual category for preparations that are not used for the treatment of textile materials, leather, or furskins, and which are free of mineral oils. These products are typically composed of synthetic esters, vegetable oils, or other bio-based feedstocks combined with performance additives. Because they lack the 70% or more by weight of petroleum oils required for Chapter 27, and lack any petroleum content that would trigger subheading 3403.19, they fall into this specific classification. This code is essential for identifying environmentally friendly industrial fluids used in sensitive areas like forestry, marine environments, and agriculture where biodegradability is a regulatory or functional requirement.
- Covers
- Synthetic ester-based hydraulic fluids
- Vegetable oil-based chainsaw bar oils
- Bio-based grease for marine applications
- Biodegradable mold release agents
- Eco-friendly wire rope lubricants
- Bio-based metalworking fluids without mineral oil
- Also under 3403.99
- Mobil SHC
- Klüberfood NH1
- Dow Corning Molykote
- Castrol Optigear Synthetic
- Fuchs CASSIDA FLUID
Codes often confused with 3403.99
Common mistake. Biodegradable lubricants are frequently misclassified under HS code 2710.19, which is reserved for lubricants containing 70% or more by weight of petroleum oils. Another common error is using HS code 3403.19, which applies to lubricating preparations that contain petroleum oils but in an amount less than 70%. Importers often assume that if a product is a lubricant, it must belong in Chapter 27, but the chemical composition—specifically the absence of bituminous mineral oils—dictates the move to 3403.99. Additionally, if the lubricant is intended for textile treatment, it must be classified under 3403.91, regardless of its biodegradable nature.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340399 (the code used for biodegradable lubricant), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340399 (the code used for biodegradable lubricant) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 340399, not only biodegradable lubricant.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.1B 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $895M 18% of world exports
- 3 Japan $491M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $5.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $777M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $313M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $238M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $5.2B 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 biodegradable lubricant
Brazil classifies biodegradable lubricant under NCM 3403.99.00: HS 3403.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about biodegradable lubricant
What is the HS code for Biodegradable lubricant?
The HS code for Biodegradable lubricant is 340399 (Lubricating preparations; other than for the treatment of textile and similar materials, not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals). The primary HS code for biodegradable lubricants that do not contain petroleum or bituminous mineral oils is 3403.99.
How do I classify Biodegradable lubricant for customs?
Biodegradable lubricant is classified under HS code 340399 — Lubricating preparations; other than for the treatment of textile and similar materials, not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the presence of additives change the classification?
No, as long as the additives do not include petroleum oils and the preparation retains its character as a lubricant, it remains under 3403.99. If petroleum-based additives are used, the oil content must be calculated to ensure it does not exceed the thresholds for other subheadings.
Which countries are the top exporters of biodegradable lubricant (HS 340399)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340399 (the code used for biodegradable lubricant) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 22% of world exports), Germany ($895M) and Japan ($491M). World exports came to about $5.0B, 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 biodegradable lubricant (HS 340399)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340399 (the code used for biodegradable lubricant) in UN Comtrade data were China ($777M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($313M) and Mexico ($238M). World imports came to about $5.2B, 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 Biodegradable lubricant the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340399 for Biodegradable lubricant 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 biodegradable lubricant in Brazil?
In Brazil, biodegradable lubricant (HS 340399) is classified under NCM 3403.99.00.