Product classification
HS code for Specialty grease: 3403.99
Lubricating preparations, other than for the treatment of textile and similar materials, not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals.
Classification of specialty grease under HS 3403.99
Specialty grease is classified under HS code 3403.99 because it falls under the category of lubricating preparations that do not contain petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. The Harmonized System distinguishes lubricants based on their chemical base. Heading 3403 covers preparations for the treatment of materials, but specifically excludes those containing 70% or more by weight of petroleum oils (which fall under Chapter 27). Subheading 3403.99 is a residual category for high-performance synthetic lubricants, including those based on silicones, esters, or synthetic hydrocarbons. These products are engineered for extreme environments, such as high-vacuum applications, extreme temperature ranges, or food-grade requirements, where traditional mineral-oil-based greases would fail or contaminate the process. Classification requires a thorough review of the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm the absence of petroleum-derived components.
- Covers
- Synthetic silicone grease
- Fluorinated lubricants (PFPE)
- Ester-based specialty greases
- Food-grade synthetic lubricants
- Dry film lubricants without mineral oil
- High-vacuum grease
- Also under 3403.99
- Mobil SHC
- Klüberfood NH1
- Dow Corning Molykote
- Castrol Optigear Synthetic
- Fuchs CASSIDA FLUID
Codes often confused with 3403.99
Common mistake. Specialty grease is frequently misclassified under HS code 2710.19, which is reserved for lubricants containing 70% or more petroleum oil. Another common error is using 3403.19, which applies to lubricating preparations that contain petroleum oils but in a concentration of less than 70%. The distinction rests entirely on the presence and percentage of mineral oil versus synthetic base stocks.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340399 (the code used for specialty grease), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340399 (the code used for specialty grease) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 340399, not only specialty grease.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.1B 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $895M 18% of world exports
- 3 Japan $491M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $5.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $777M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $313M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $238M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $5.2B 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 specialty grease
Brazil classifies specialty grease under NCM 3403.99.00: HS 3403.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about specialty grease
What is the HS code for Specialty grease?
The HS code for Specialty grease is 340399 (Lubricating preparations; other than for the treatment of textile and similar materials, not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals). The primary HS code for synthetic specialty grease containing no petroleum oil is 3403.99.
How do I classify Specialty grease for customs?
Specialty grease is classified under HS code 340399 — Lubricating preparations; other than for the treatment of textile and similar materials, not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 3403.19 and 3403.99?
Code 3403.19 is used if the preparation contains any amount of petroleum oil (less than 70%), while 3403.99 is strictly for preparations that are entirely free of petroleum or bituminous oils.
Which countries are the top exporters of specialty grease (HS 340399)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340399 (the code used for specialty grease) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 22% of world exports), Germany ($895M) and Japan ($491M). World exports came to about $5.0B, 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 specialty grease (HS 340399)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340399 (the code used for specialty grease) in UN Comtrade data were China ($777M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($313M) and Mexico ($238M). World imports came to about $5.2B, 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 Specialty grease the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340399 for Specialty grease 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 specialty grease in Brazil?
In Brazil, specialty grease (HS 340399) is classified under NCM 3403.99.00.