Product classification
HS code for Synthetic lubricant: 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 synthetic lubricant under HS 3403.99
Synthetic lubricants are classified under HS code 3403.99 when they are lubricating preparations that do not contain petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. This classification is part of Chapter 34, which covers soap, organic surface-active agents, and lubricating preparations. The specific subheading 3403.99 is used for preparations intended for the lubrication of machinery, vehicles, or other equipment, provided they are not used for the treatment of textile materials (which would fall under 3403.91). The defining characteristic of this code is the chemical composition: it must be a synthetic-based lubricant, such as those made from polyalphaolefins (PAO), esters, or silicones, and it must contain 0% petroleum oil. If even a small amount of petroleum oil is added as a carrier or additive, the classification may shift. This code is vital for high-performance industrial lubricants that operate in extreme temperatures where traditional mineral oils would fail. The absence of petroleum is the primary legal note that dictates this classification over heading 2710.
- Covers
- Full synthetic engine oils (0% petroleum)
- Synthetic hydraulic fluids (non-petroleum)
- Silicone-based lubricating greases
- Synthetic gear oils for industrial machinery
- Ester-based biodegradable lubricants
- 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. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 2710.19, which covers lubricants containing 70% or more by weight of petroleum oils. Another common error is using 3403.19, which is for lubricating preparations that contain petroleum oils but less than 70% by weight. If the lubricant is intended for the oiling or greasing of textile fibers or leather, it must be classified under 3403.91. Finally, pure chemical compounds that act as lubricants but are not "preparations" might be classified in Chapter 29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340399 (the code used for synthetic lubricant), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340399 (the code used for synthetic lubricant) 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 synthetic lubricant.
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 synthetic lubricant
Brazil classifies synthetic lubricant 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 synthetic lubricant
What is the HS code for Synthetic lubricant?
The HS code for Synthetic lubricant 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 HS code for lubricating preparations not containing petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals (and not for textile treatment) is 3403.99.
How do I classify Synthetic lubricant for customs?
Synthetic lubricant 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.
Can a lubricant with 1% petroleum oil be classified under 3403.99?
No. HS code 3403.99 is strictly for preparations containing no petroleum oils. If the product contains any amount of petroleum oil or oils from bituminous minerals, it must be classified under the 3403.11 or 3403.19 series, depending on its use and petroleum content.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic lubricant (HS 340399)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340399 (the code used for synthetic lubricant) 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 synthetic lubricant (HS 340399)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340399 (the code used for synthetic lubricant) 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 Synthetic lubricant the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340399 for Synthetic 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.
What is the NCM code for synthetic lubricant in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic lubricant (HS 340399) is classified under NCM 3403.99.00.