Product classification

HS code for Textile lubricant: 3403.91

Lubricating preparations, for the treatment of textile and similar materials (leather, furskins etc), (not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals).

Classification of textile lubricant under HS 3403.91

HS code 340391 covers lubricating preparations specifically designed for the treatment of textile materials, leather, furskins, or other similar materials. These preparations are used in industrial processes such as spinning, weaving, or knitting to lubricate fibers, reduce static electricity, and minimize friction between the yarn and machine parts. A critical requirement for classification under 340391 is that the preparation must not contain petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals. If the preparation contains any amount of petroleum oil as a basic constituent, it would typically be classified under subheading 340311. This distinction is vital because petroleum-based lubricants are regulated differently and often subject to different duty rates. These non-petroleum lubricants are often based on synthetic polymers, silicones, or vegetable oils and are formulated to be easily emulsifiable or washable so they do not interfere with subsequent dyeing or finishing processes. They are essential for high-speed textile machinery where heat and friction can damage delicate fibers.

Covers
  • Silicone-based textile fiber lubricants
  • Anti-static preparations for synthetic yarns
  • Spinning oils (non-petroleum based)
  • Knitting machine lubricants for fabric treatment
  • Water-soluble lubricants for textile finishing
Also under 3403.91
  • CHT Sarabid
  • BASF Basosoft N
  • Clariant Sandolub N
  • Croda Crodamol N
  • Tanatex Tanaterge N

Codes often confused with 3403.91

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 340311, which is for textile lubricants that *do* contain petroleum oils. Another error is using HS code 2710, which is for pure petroleum oils or preparations containing more than 70% petroleum. If the product is a simple vegetable oil without further preparation for textile use, it might be classified in Chapter 15. Finally, finishing agents that do not have lubricating properties should be classified under 3809.

Top exporters and importers of HS 340391 (the code used for textile lubricant), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340391 (the code used for textile lubricant) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 340391, not only textile lubricant.

Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports

  1. 1 Japan $387M
  2. 2 Germany $155M
  3. 3 China $73M

World total: $864M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports

  1. 1 China $382M
  2. 2 India $79M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$60M

World total: $889M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 textile lubricant

Brazil splits HS 3403.91 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 3403.91.10Textile-treating preparations, no petroleum oil
  • 3403.91.20Leather-treating preparations, no petroleum oil
  • 3403.91.90Other treating preparations, no petroleum oil

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

Questions about textile lubricant

What is the HS code for Textile lubricant?

The HS code for Textile lubricant is 340391 (Lubricating preparations; for the treatment of textile and similar materials (leather, furskins etc), (not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals)). The HS code for textile lubricating preparations that do not contain petroleum oils is 340391. If they contain petroleum, use 340311.

How do I classify Textile lubricant for customs?

Textile lubricant is classified under HS code 340391 โ€” Lubricating preparations; for the treatment of textile and similar materials (leather, furskins etc), (not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code cover lubricants for leather?

Yes, HS code 340391 specifically includes preparations for the treatment of leather and furskins, provided they are non-petroleum based.

Which countries are the top exporters of textile lubricant (HS 340391)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340391 (the code used for textile lubricant) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($387M, 45% of world exports), Germany ($155M) and China ($73M). World exports came to about $864M, 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 textile lubricant (HS 340391)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 340391 (the code used for textile lubricant) in UN Comtrade data were China ($382M, 43% of world imports), India ($79M) and Vietnam (about $60M). World imports came to about $889M, 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 Textile lubricant the same in all countries?

The base HS code 340391 for Textile 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 textile lubricant in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 340391 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for textile lubricant depends on the product's details: 3403.91.10 (Textile-treating preparations, no petroleum oil), 3403.91.20 (Leather-treating preparations, no petroleum oil), 3403.91.90 (Other treating preparations, no petroleum oil).