Product classification
HS code for Fuel octane booster: 3811.19
Anti-knock preparations, other than those based on lead compounds.
Classification of fuel octane booster under HS 3811.19
Fuel octane boosters are classified under HS code 3811.19. This classification is determined by the chemical nature of the product as an anti-knock preparation. Heading 3811 covers anti-knock preparations, oxidation inhibitors, gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosive preparations, and other prepared additives for mineral oils. Octane boosters are specifically designed to increase the octane rating of gasoline to prevent engine knocking or pre-ignition. Subheading 3811.11 is reserved for preparations based on lead compounds (such as tetraethyl lead). Since modern consumer octane boosters are almost exclusively lead-free, utilizing chemicals like MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl), aromatic alcohols, or ethers, they fall under the 'other' category of 3811.19. The classification is based on the functional purpose of the additive and its chemical composition as a preparation rather than a single chemically defined element or compound.
- Covers
- MMT-based octane boosters
- Lead-free anti-knock additives
- Racing fuel concentrates (non-lead)
- Performance fuel additives for octane enhancement
- Aromatic hydrocarbon-based fuel boosters
- Also under 3811.19
- Afton Chemical HiTEC
- Lubrizol Anglamol
- Innospec Octane Solutions
- BASF Keropur
- Chevron Oronite
Codes often confused with 3811.19
Common mistake. Octane boosters are often misclassified under HS code 3811.90, which is a residual category for 'other' fuel additives like detergents or cetane improvers. However, because octane boosters are specifically 'anti-knock' preparations, they must be classified under 3811.1x. Another common error is attempting to classify these products under 2710.12 if they are heavily diluted with petroleum spirits; however, if the product is marketed and used as an additive rather than a fuel, Chapter 38 is the correct location. Lead-based boosters are also sometimes incorrectly placed here instead of 3811.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381119 (the code used for fuel octane booster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381119 (the code used for fuel octane booster) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 17% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 81% of its exports here ($10M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 381119, not only fuel octane booster.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $25M 28% of world exports
- 2 United States $21M 23% of world exports
- 3 Spain $9.0M 9.9% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 81% of its exports here ($10M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $91M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $25M 17% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $14M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $10M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $149M 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 fuel octane booster
Brazil classifies fuel octane booster under NCM 3811.19.00: HS 3811.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fuel octane booster
What is the HS code for Fuel octane booster?
The HS code for Fuel octane booster is 381119 (Anti-knock preparations; other than those based on lead compounds). The HS code for non-lead-based fuel octane boosters is 3811.19.
How do I classify Fuel octane booster for customs?
Fuel octane booster is classified under HS code 381119 — Anti-knock preparations; other than those based on lead compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a cetane booster for diesel classified here?
No, cetane boosters for diesel engines are generally classified under HS code 3811.90 as they are not considered anti-knock preparations for spark-ignition engines.
Which countries are the top exporters of fuel octane booster (HS 381119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381119 (the code used for fuel octane booster) in UN Comtrade data were India ($25M, 28% of world exports), the United States ($21M) and Spain ($9.0M). World exports came to about $91M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 81% of its exports here ($10M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of fuel octane booster (HS 381119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381119 (the code used for fuel octane booster) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($25M, 17% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($14M) and Germany ($10M). World imports came to about $149M, 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 octane booster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381119 for Fuel octane booster 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 octane booster in Brazil?
In Brazil, fuel octane booster (HS 381119) is classified under NCM 3811.19.00.