Product classification
HS code for Tetramethyl lead: 2931.10
Organo-inorganic compounds, tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead.
Classification of tetramethyl lead under HS 2931.10
Tetramethyl lead is classified under HS code 2931.10. This code is part of Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals, and specifically heading 2931 for organo-inorganic compounds. Organo-inorganic compounds are defined as those where a carbon atom is linked directly to an element other than hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or a halogen. In the case of tetramethyl lead, the carbon atoms of the methyl groups are bonded directly to a central lead atom. Subheading 2931.10 is specific to tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead, which have historically been used as anti-knock additives in gasoline. The classification is straightforward for the pure chemical or simple mixtures of these two lead compounds. However, the classification is strictly for the chemical compound itself. Because of its toxicity and environmental impact, this substance is subject to various international regulations, including the Rotterdam Convention, which may require additional documentation during customs clearance despite the clear HS code assignment.
- Covers
- Tetramethyl lead (TML)
- Tetramethylplumbane
- Mixtures of tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead
- Technical grade tetramethyl lead
- 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. Tetramethyl lead is often misclassified under HS code 3811.11. Heading 3811 covers anti-knock preparations and additives for mineral oils. If the tetramethyl lead is already mixed with other substances (like ethylene dibromide or scavengers) to form a ready-to-use anti-knock preparation, it must be classified in 3811.11. Another common error is using 2931.90, which is the general code for other organo-inorganic compounds, ignoring the specific provision for lead compounds in 2931.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293110 (the code used for tetramethyl lead), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293110 (the code used for tetramethyl 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 tetramethyl lead.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $4.7M 67% of world exports
- 2 United States $672K 9.7% of world exports
- 3 Finland $668K 9.6% of world exports
World total: $6.9M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $4.5M 28% of world imports
- 2 United States $3.0M 19% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $2.2M 14% of world imports
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 tetramethyl lead
Brazil classifies tetramethyl 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 tetramethyl lead
What is the HS code for Tetramethyl lead?
The HS code for Tetramethyl lead is 293110 (Organo-inorganic compounds; tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead). The HS code for pure or technically pure tetramethyl lead is 2931.10.
How do I classify Tetramethyl lead for customs?
Tetramethyl lead is classified under HS code 293110 — Organo-inorganic compounds; tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if it is used as a fuel additive?
If it is imported as a pure compound, it remains 2931.10. If it is imported as a prepared additive mixture for gasoline, it should be classified under 3811.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of tetramethyl lead (HS 293110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293110 (the code used for tetramethyl 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 tetramethyl lead (HS 293110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293110 (the code used for tetramethyl 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 Tetramethyl lead the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293110 for Tetramethyl 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 tetramethyl lead in Brazil?
In Brazil, tetramethyl lead (HS 293110) is classified under NCM 2931.10.00.