Product classification
HS code for Octane improver: 3811.19
Anti-knock preparations, other than those based on lead compounds.
Classification of octane improver under HS 3811.19
Octane improvers, categorized as anti-knock preparations, are classified under HS code 3811.19. Heading 3811 covers a variety of prepared additives for mineral oils, including anti-knock agents, oxidation inhibitors, and viscosity improvers. The classification logic for octane improvers depends on whether the preparation is based on lead compounds. Subheading 3811.11 is specifically for lead-based anti-knock preparations (such as Tetraethyl lead), while 3811.19 is the residual category for all other anti-knock preparations, including modern manganese-based or organic additives. These substances are added to motor spirit (gasoline) to increase its resistance to premature detonation or "knocking." Because these are prepared chemical mixtures designed for a specific functional role in fuel enhancement, they are classified in Chapter 38 rather than as pure organic chemicals in Chapter 29.
- Covers
- MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl) solutions
- Ferrocene-based anti-knock additives
- Aromatic amine-based octane boosters
- Non-leaded fuel additive concentrates
- Prepared octane-enhancing mixtures for refinery blending
- 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 improvers are frequently misclassified under HS code 2905.11 (Methanol) or 2909.19 (MTBE) when these chemicals are shipped in their pure form. While MTBE and ethanol increase octane, they are classified as separate chemically defined compounds in Chapter 29 unless they are mixed as a "preparation" for fuel use. Another common error is using 3811.90, which is for other additives like detergents or stabilizers. If the primary purpose of the additive is to prevent knocking or increase the octane rating, 3811.19 is the legally required code. Lead-based additives must never be classified here and must use 3811.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381119 (the code used for octane improver), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381119 (the code used for octane improver) 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 octane improver.
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 octane improver
Brazil classifies octane improver 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 octane improver
What is the HS code for Octane improver?
The HS code for Octane improver is 381119 (Anti-knock preparations; other than those based on lead compounds). The HS code for non-lead-based octane improvers is 3811.19.
How do I classify Octane improver for customs?
Octane improver is classified under HS code 381119 — Anti-knock preparations; other than those based on lead compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are pure alcohols like ethanol classified as octane improvers?
No, pure alcohols are classified in Chapter 29. Only prepared mixtures specifically formulated as anti-knock agents fall under 3811.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of octane improver (HS 381119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381119 (the code used for octane improver) 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 octane improver (HS 381119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381119 (the code used for octane improver) 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 Octane improver the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381119 for Octane improver 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 octane improver in Brazil?
In Brazil, octane improver (HS 381119) is classified under NCM 3811.19.00.