Product classification
HS code for Lead anti-knock additive: 3811.11
Anti-knock preparations, based on lead compounds.
Classification of lead anti-knock additive under HS 3811.11
Lead anti-knock additives are classified under HS code 381111. These are chemical preparations added to gasoline (petrol) to increase its octane rating and prevent engine knocking or pre-ignition. The classification is determined by the active chemical component; heading 3811 covers anti-knock preparations, oxidation inhibitors, and other prepared additives for mineral oils. Subheading 381111 is specific to those based on lead compounds, most notably tetraethyl lead (TEL) or tetramethyl lead (TML). Despite the global phase-out of leaded gasoline in many jurisdictions, this code remains the international standard for classifying these specific lead-based chemical mixtures.
- Covers
- Tetraethyl lead (TEL) anti-knock compounds
- Tetramethyl lead (TML) preparations
- Lead-based octane boosters
- Ethyl fluid (anti-knock mixture)
- Also under 3811.11
- Octel (historical)
- Innospec (historical/niche aviation)
- Ethyl Corporation (historical)
Codes often confused with 3811.11
Common mistake. These additives are frequently confused with HS code 381119, which covers anti-knock preparations that are not based on lead compounds (such as those based on manganese or methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl). They may also be misclassified under 381190, which is a general category for other fuel additives like detergents or dispersants. It is critical to identify the presence of lead to ensure the 381111 code is used correctly, as leaded compounds are often subject to stricter environmental regulations and import controls.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381111 (the code used for lead anti-knock additive), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381111 (the code used for lead anti-knock additive) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 381111, not only lead anti-knock additive.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.1M 44% of world exports
- 2 United States $3.1M 33% of world exports
- 3 Germany $748K 8.0% of world exports
World total: $9.3M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $13M 23% of world imports
- 2 Poland $13M 22% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $8.3M 14% of world imports
World total: $58M 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 lead anti-knock additive
Brazil classifies lead anti-knock additive under NCM 3811.11.00: HS 3811.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lead anti-knock additive
What is the HS code for Lead anti-knock additive?
The HS code for Lead anti-knock additive is 381111 (Anti-knock preparations; based on lead compounds).
How do I classify Lead anti-knock additive for customs?
Lead anti-knock additive is classified under HS code 381111 — Anti-knock preparations; based on lead compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for lead-based anti-knock preparations?
The specific HS code for anti-knock preparations based on lead compounds is 381111.
Is tetraethyl lead classified here?
Yes, tetraethyl lead, when prepared as an anti-knock additive for fuel, is classified under HS code 381111.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead anti-knock additive (HS 381111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381111 (the code used for lead anti-knock additive) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.1M, 44% of world exports), the United States ($3.1M) and Germany ($748K). World exports came to about $9.3M, 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 lead anti-knock additive (HS 381111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381111 (the code used for lead anti-knock additive) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($13M, 23% of world imports), Poland ($13M) and the Netherlands ($8.3M). World imports came to about $58M, 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 Lead anti-knock additive the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381111 for Lead anti-knock additive 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 lead anti-knock additive in Brazil?
In Brazil, lead anti-knock additive (HS 381111) is classified under NCM 3811.11.00.