HS Code for Lubricant
Lubricating preparations are classified under HS code 3403.19 based on their chemical composition and intended industrial application. Chapter 34 of the Harmonized System covers soaps, organic surface-active agents, and lubricating preparations. Heading 3403 is specifically designed for preparations that are used to reduce friction, protect against wear, or prevent corrosion, provided they do not contain 70% or more by weight of petroleum oils. The 70% threshold is a critical dividing line; preparations exceeding this limit are generally classified in Chapter 27. Subheading 3403.19 serves as a residual category for lubricating preparations that contain some petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals (but less than 70%) and are not intended for the treatment of textile materials, leather, or furskins. This code frequently applies to advanced synthetic lubricants, cutting oils, and specialized greases where the base fluid is a synthetic ester or polyalphaolefin (PAO), but a small amount of petroleum-based carrier oil is present for additive solubility.
Products Included
- Synthetic motor oils containing less than 70% petroleum
- Semi-synthetic industrial gear oils
- Anti-rust preparations containing petroleum oils
- Mold release agents based on lubricating oils
- Hydraulic fluids with low petroleum content
- Greases containing petroleum oils for mechanical lubrication
Common Misclassification
Lubricants are most commonly misclassified under HS code 2710.19, which is for lubricating oils containing 70% or more by weight of petroleum oils. They may also be confused with 3403.11, which is specifically for preparations used for the treatment of textile materials, leather, or furskins. Additionally, pure chemical additives for lubricants are classified under heading 3811 rather than 3403.
FAQ
What is the HS code for synthetic lubricants?
Synthetic lubricants containing less than 70% petroleum oil are classified under HS code 3403.19.
Why is the petroleum percentage important for classification?
The percentage determines whether the product falls under Chapter 27 (70% or more petroleum) or Chapter 34 (less than 70% petroleum).
Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for Lubricant?
The HS code for Lubricant is 340319 (Lubricating preparations; (other than for the treatment of textile and similar materials), containing less than 70% (by weight) of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals).
How do I classify Lubricant for customs?
Lubricant is classified under HS code 340319 — Lubricating preparations; (other than for the treatment of textile and similar materials), containing less than 70% (by weight) of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code for Lubricant the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340319 for 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.