Product classification
HS code for Brake fluid: 3819.00
Hydraulic fluids, for brakes and other prepared liquids for hydraulic transmission, not containing or containing less than 70% by weight of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals.
Classification of brake fluid under HS 3819.00
Brake fluid is classified under HS code 3819.00 because it is a prepared liquid for hydraulic transmission. The Harmonized System classifies miscellaneous chemical products under Chapter 38, and heading 3819 specifically addresses hydraulic brake fluids and other prepared liquids for hydraulic transmission. A critical factor for this classification is the petroleum oil content; to remain under 3819.00, the fluid must contain less than 70% by weight of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. These fluids are typically formulated from glycol ethers, borate esters, or silicone-based polymers (such as DOT 5) to ensure high boiling points and low compressibility. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1, as the heading text specifically names hydraulic brake fluids. If the product were primarily petroleum-based (exceeding the 70% threshold), it would shift to Chapter 27. However, most modern automotive brake fluids are synthetic or semi-synthetic blends designed to meet safety standards like FMVSS 116, which aligns them with the chemical preparations of Chapter 38.
- Covers
- DOT 3 glycol-based brake fluid
- DOT 4 high-performance brake fluid
- DOT 5.1 non-silicone base hydraulic fluid
- DOT 5 silicone-based brake fluid
- Hydraulic clutch fluids
- Prepared hydraulic transmission fluids with <70% petroleum
- Also under 3819.00
- Castrol DOT 4
- Bosch DOT 4
- Mobil SHC 500 Series
- Pentosin CHF 11S
- ATE SL.6
Codes often confused with 3819.00
Common mistake. Brake fluids are frequently misclassified under HS code 2710.19, which covers heavy petroleum oils. This occurs when the importer assumes all automotive lubricants and fluids are petroleum-derived. However, if the petroleum content is 70% or more, 2710.19 is correct; otherwise, 3819.00 must be used. Another common error is using 3403.19, which covers lubricating preparations. While brake fluids provide some lubrication, their primary function is power transmission, which is the defining characteristic of heading 3819.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381900 (the code used for brake fluid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381900 (the code used for brake fluid) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.8% 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 381900, not only brake fluid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $321M 26% of world exports
- 2 United States $221M 18% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $118M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $95M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 France $78M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 China $64M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 brake fluid
Brazil classifies brake fluid under NCM 3819.00.00: HS 3819.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about brake fluid
What is the HS code for Brake fluid?
The HS code for Brake fluid is 381900 (Hydraulic fluids; for brakes and other prepared liquids for hydraulic transmission, not containing or containing less than 70% by weight of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals). The HS code for brake fluid is 3819.00, provided it contains less than 70% petroleum oil by weight.
How do I classify Brake fluid for customs?
Brake fluid is classified under HS code 381900 — Hydraulic fluids; for brakes and other prepared liquids for hydraulic transmission, not containing or containing less than 70% by weight of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include transmission fluid?
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is usually classified under 2710.19 or 3403 depending on its composition, as it serves primarily as a lubricant and coolant, unlike the dedicated hydraulic pressure function of brake fluid.
Which countries are the top exporters of brake fluid (HS 381900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381900 (the code used for brake fluid) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($321M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($221M) and the United Kingdom ($118M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of brake fluid (HS 381900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381900 (the code used for brake fluid) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($95M, 7.8% of world imports), France ($78M) and China ($64M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Brake fluid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381900 for Brake fluid 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 brake fluid in Brazil?
In Brazil, brake fluid (HS 381900) is classified under NCM 3819.00.00.