Product classification

HS code for Tetraethyl lead: 2931.10

Organo-inorganic compounds, tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead.

Classification of tetraethyl lead under HS 2931.10

Tetraethyl lead is classified under HS code 2931.10, which specifically identifies tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead within the broader category of organo-inorganic compounds. Organo-inorganic compounds are those in which the molecules contain one or more atoms of a non-metal or metal (such as lead, phosphorus, or arsenic) directly linked to carbon atoms. Tetraethyl lead (TEL) is a classic example of an organometallic compound, consisting of a central lead atom bonded to four ethyl groups. This specific subheading was created due to the historical significance and regulatory requirements surrounding lead-based fuel additives. While the use of TEL has been significantly phased out globally due to environmental and health concerns, it remains a distinct chemical entity for customs purposes. The classification under 2931.10 is reserved for the pure or technically pure compound; if it is mixed with other substances to create a finished anti-knock preparation, it is classified elsewhere. This distinction is crucial for environmental monitoring and the enforcement of international treaties regarding hazardous substances. The compound is highly toxic and requires specialized handling, which is why its specific classification is strictly maintained in the Harmonized System.

Covers
  • Pure Tetraethyl lead (TEL)
  • Pure Tetramethyl lead (TML)
  • Technically pure organo-lead compounds
  • Liquid tetraethyl lead for laboratory analysis
  • Standardized TEL solutions for chemical testing
Also under 2931.10
  • Innospec TEL
  • Ethyl Corporation TEL (historical)
  • Octel TEL (historical)
  • Associated Octel Company TML

Codes often confused with 2931.10

Common mistake. Tetraethyl lead is often misclassified under 3811.11, which covers anti-knock preparations based on lead compounds. The difference is that 3811.11 is for mixtures/preparations, while 2931.10 is for the pure chemical. It is also sometimes confused with inorganic lead compounds like lead sulfate, which fall under heading 2833.

3811.11Anti-knock preparations; based on lead compounds28.33Sulphates; alums; peroxosulphates (persulphates)

Top exporters and importers of HS 293110 (the code used for tetraethyl lead), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293110 (the code used for tetraethyl lead) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 28% 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 293110, not only tetraethyl lead.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Netherlands $4.7M
  2. 2 United States $672K
  3. 3 Finland $668K

World total: $6.9M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Thailand $4.5M
  2. 2 United States $3.0M
  3. 3 Netherlands $2.2M

World total: $16M 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 tetraethyl lead

Brazil classifies tetraethyl lead under NCM 2931.10.00: HS 2931.10 with 00 added.

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

Questions about tetraethyl lead

What is the HS code for Tetraethyl lead?

The HS code for Tetraethyl lead is 293110 (Organo-inorganic compounds; tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead). The specific HS code for tetraethyl lead as a pure organo-inorganic compound is 2931.10.

How do I classify Tetraethyl lead for customs?

Tetraethyl lead is classified under HS code 293110 — Organo-inorganic compounds; tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is tetraethyl lead still used in gasoline?

It is banned in most automotive gasoline worldwide but is still used in certain aviation fuels (Avgas), where it is classified under this code if imported in bulk.

Which countries are the top exporters of tetraethyl lead (HS 293110)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293110 (the code used for tetraethyl lead) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($4.7M, 67% of world exports), the United States ($672K) and Finland ($668K). World exports came to about $6.9M, 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 tetraethyl lead (HS 293110)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293110 (the code used for tetraethyl lead) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($4.5M, 28% of world imports), the United States ($3.0M) and the Netherlands ($2.2M). World imports came to about $16M, 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 Tetraethyl lead the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293110 for Tetraethyl lead 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 tetraethyl lead in Brazil?

In Brazil, tetraethyl lead (HS 293110) is classified under NCM 2931.10.00.