Product classification

HS code for Oil 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 oil additives under HS 3811.90

Oil additives are classified under HS code 3811.90, which falls within Chapter 38 for miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3811 specifically covers anti-knock preparations, oxidation inhibitors, gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosive preparations, and other prepared additives for mineral oils or for other liquids used for the same purposes as mineral oils. Subheading 3811.90 is the residual category for these preparations that are not anti-knock preparations for internal combustion engines. These products are typically chemical mixtures added to base oils to enhance performance characteristics, such as reducing friction, preventing sludge buildup, or maintaining viscosity at high temperatures. The classification depends on the chemical formulation and the intended use as an additive for mineral oils rather than being a finished lubricant itself. It is important to note that these preparations must be intended for use in mineral oils or liquids used as mineral oils to remain within this heading.

Covers
  • Viscosity index improvers
  • Pour point depressants
  • Detergent and dispersant additives
  • Anti-wear and extreme pressure agents
  • Oxidation and gum inhibitors for lubricants
Also under 3811.90
  • Lubrizol Anglamol
  • Afton HiTEC
  • Infineum P-series
  • BASF Keropur
  • Chevron Oronite OLOA

Codes often confused with 3811.90

Common mistake. Oil additives are often confused with HS code 2710, which covers lubricating oils containing 70% or more by weight of petroleum oils. If the additive is already blended into a base oil in high concentrations, it may be classified as a lubricant. Another common misclassification is HS code 3403, which covers lubricating preparations that contain less than 70% petroleum oil. The distinction lies in whether the product is a finished lubricant (3403) or a concentrated additive package (3811).

27.10Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude; preparations n.e.c, containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals; these being the basic constituents of the preparations; waste oils34.03Lubricating preparations and those used in oil or grease treatment of textile and similar materials; excluding preparations containing 70% or more (by weight) of petroleum or bituminous mineral oils38.11Anti-knock preparations, oxidation and gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosive preparations and the like, for mineral oils (including gasoline) or other liquids used for the same purposes

Top exporters and importers of HS 381190 (the code used for oil additives), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381190 (the code used for oil 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 oil additives.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $720M
  2. 2 Germany $582M
  3. 3 India $188M

World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Canada $186M
  2. 2 United States $169M
  3. 3 Singapore $146M

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 oil additives

Brazil splits HS 3811.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about oil additives

What is the HS code for Oil additives?

The HS code for Oil 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 additives for mineral oils, such as viscosity improvers and anti-corrosives, is 3811.90.

How do I classify Oil additives for customs?

Oil 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.

Are fuel detergents included in this classification?

Yes, fuel detergents and other additives designed to improve the performance of mineral-based fuels or oils are classified under heading 3811.

Which countries are the top exporters of oil additives (HS 381190)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381190 (the code used for oil 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 oil additives (HS 381190)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 381190 (the code used for oil 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 Oil additives the same in all countries?

The base HS code 381190 for Oil 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 oil additives in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 381190 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for oil additives depends on the product's details: 3811.90.10 (Ashless dispersants for fuel oils), 3811.90.90 (Other mineral oil additives and inhibitors).