Product classification
HS code for Fuel additives: 3811.90
Oxidation and gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosive preparations, other prepared additives for mineral oils or liquids used as mineral oils (including gasoline), n.e.c. in heading no. 3811.
Classification of fuel additives under HS 3811.90
Fuel additives are classified under HS code 3811.90. Chapter 38 covers miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3811 is dedicated to anti-knock preparations, oxidation inhibitors, gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosive preparations, and other prepared additives for mineral oils (including gasoline) or for other liquids used for the same purposes as mineral oils. Subheading 3811.90 is the residual category for these preparations that do not contain lead compounds (which are classified under 3811.11 or 3811.19). These products are chemical preparations added to fuels to enhance performance, prevent engine damage, or improve storage stability. The classification depends on the additive's function and its chemical base. To be classified here, the product must be a "prepared additive," meaning it is a mixture of chemical substances designed for a specific functional role in fuel systems. This excludes pure chemicals that have not been formulated into an additive package. The classification is essential for environmental regulations and the monitoring of hazardous chemical transport, as many additives contain specialized compounds like detergents or cetane improvers.
- Covers
- Fuel detergents and dispersants
- Cetane improvers for diesel fuel
- Cold flow improvers and anti-gel additives
- Fuel stabilizers and antioxidants
- Biocides for preventing microbial growth in fuel tanks
- Also under 3811.90
- Lubrizol Anglamol
- Afton HiTEC
- Infineum P-series
- BASF Keropur
- Chevron Oronite OLOA
Codes often confused with 3811.90
Common mistake. Fuel additives are often incorrectly classified under 2710.12 or 2710.19, which are for petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals. Another error is using 3403.19 for lubricating preparations, which serve a different mechanical purpose. If the additive is a single chemically defined compound not yet prepared as an additive, it might fall under Chapter 28 or 29. Anti-knock preparations containing lead must be classified under 3811.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381190 (the code used for fuel additives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381190 (the code used for fuel additives) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 6.8% 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 381190, not only fuel additives.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $720M 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $582M 23% of world exports
- 3 India $188M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $186M 6.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $169M 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $146M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 codes for fuel additives
Brazil splits HS 3811.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3811.90.10Ashless dispersants for fuel oils
- 3811.90.90Other mineral oil additives and inhibitors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fuel additives
What is the HS code for Fuel additives?
The HS code for Fuel additives is 381190 (Oxidation and gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosive preparations, other prepared additives for mineral oils or liquids used as mineral oils (including gasoline), n.e.c. in heading no. 3811). The HS code for prepared fuel additives (excluding anti-knock preparations based on lead) is 3811.90.
How do I classify Fuel additives for customs?
Fuel additives is classified under HS code 381190 — Oxidation and gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosive preparations, other prepared additives for mineral oils or liquids used as mineral oils (including gasoline), n.e.c. in heading no. 3811. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this code be used for oil stabilizers?
Yes, prepared additives for mineral oils, including stabilizers and viscosity improvers, are classified under 3811.90 if they are not intended as primary lubricants.
Which countries are the top exporters of fuel additives (HS 381190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381190 (the code used for fuel additives) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($720M, 28% of world exports), Germany ($582M) and India ($188M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 fuel additives (HS 381190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381190 (the code used for fuel additives) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($186M, 6.8% of world imports), the United States ($169M) and Singapore ($146M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 Fuel additives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381190 for Fuel additives 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 fuel additives in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381190 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fuel additives depends on the product's details: 3811.90.10 (Ashless dispersants for fuel oils), 3811.90.90 (Other mineral oil additives and inhibitors).