Product classification
HS code for Petroleum based additive: 3811.21
Lubricating oil additives, containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals.
Classification of petroleum based additive under HS 3811.21
Petroleum-based additives for lubricating oils are classified under HS code 3811.21. This code is part of Chapter 38, covering miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3811 includes anti-knock preparations, oxidation inhibitors, gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosive preparations, and other prepared additives for mineral oils. Subheading 3811.21 is specific to additives for lubricating oils that contain petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. These additives are essential for enhancing the performance of lubricants in engines and machinery. The presence of petroleum oil as a carrier or a component is the deciding factor for this specific subheading. If the additive preparation does not contain petroleum oils, it would be classified under 3811.29. This classification ensures that chemical enhancers for the automotive and industrial sectors are correctly identified based on their chemical composition and intended use. Classification is guided by GRI 1 and 6, requiring a detailed analysis of the additive's constituent parts.
- Covers
- Viscosity index improvers containing petroleum oil
- Detergent additives for motor oils
- Anti-wear additives for industrial lubricants
- Corrosion inhibitors for engine oils
- Pour point depressants with a petroleum base
- Also under 3811.21
- Lubrizol Additives
- Afton Chemical HiTEC
- Chevron Oronite OLOA
- Infineum Additives
- BASF Irgalube
Codes often confused with 3811.21
Common mistake. These additives are often confused with the lubricants themselves, which are classified under 2710.19 or 3403. However, 3811 is for substances added to oils, not the finished oil. Another common error is misclassifying them under 3811.29, which is only for lubricating oil additives that are entirely free of petroleum oils.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381121 (the code used for petroleum based additive), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381121 (the code used for petroleum based additive) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.5% 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 381121, not only petroleum based additive.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $2.2B 23% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $2.0B 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.9B 20% of world exports
World total: $9.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $881M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 China $867M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $697M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $10.4B 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 petroleum based additive
Brazil splits HS 3811.21 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3811.21.10Viscosity index improvers for lubricating oils
- 3811.21.20Zinc dithiophosphate anti-wear oil additives
- 3811.21.30Ashless dispersants with petroleum oils
- 3811.21.40Metallic detergents with petroleum oils
- 3811.21.50Lube oil additive blends with petroleum oils
- 3811.21.90Other lube oil additives with petroleum oils
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about petroleum based additive
What is the HS code for Petroleum based additive?
The HS code for Petroleum based additive is 381121 (Lubricating oil additives; containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals). The HS code for lubricating oil additives containing petroleum oils is 3811.21.
How do I classify Petroleum based additive for customs?
Petroleum based additive is classified under HS code 381121 — Lubricating oil additives; containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the additive is for gasoline instead of lube oil?
Additives for gasoline, such as anti-knock preparations, are classified under 3811.11 or 3811.19, rather than the 3811.2x series used for lubricating oils.
Which countries are the top exporters of petroleum based additive (HS 381121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381121 (the code used for petroleum based additive) in UN Comtrade data were France ($2.2B, 23% of world exports), Singapore ($2.0B) and the United States ($1.9B). World exports came to about $9.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of petroleum based additive (HS 381121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381121 (the code used for petroleum based additive) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($881M, 8.5% of world imports), China ($867M) and Singapore ($697M). World imports came to about $10.4B, 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 Petroleum based additive the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381121 for Petroleum based 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 petroleum based additive in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381121 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for petroleum based additive depends on the product's details: 3811.21.10 (Viscosity index improvers for lubricating oils), 3811.21.20 (Zinc dithiophosphate anti-wear oil additives), 3811.21.30 (Ashless dispersants with petroleum oils), 3811.21.40 (Metallic detergents with petroleum oils), 3811.21.50 (Lube oil additive blends with petroleum oils), 3811.21.90 (Other lube oil additives with petroleum oils).