Product classification
HS code for Waste anti-freeze: 3825.50
Residual products of chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included, wastes of metal pickling liquors, hydraulic fluids, brake fluids and anti-freeze fluids.
Classification of waste anti-freeze under HS 3825.50
Waste anti-freeze is classified under HS code 3825.50, which specifically addresses residual products of the chemical or allied industries. This classification is part of Chapter 38, covering miscellaneous chemical products. The code 3825.50 is designated for wastes of metal pickling liquors, hydraulic fluids, brake fluids, and anti-freeze fluids. The primary reason for this classification is that the product is no longer suitable for its intended use as a cooling or de-icing agent and is being transported for disposal, recycling, or recovery. Unlike virgin anti-freeze, which is classified based on its chemical composition as a prepared fluid, waste anti-freeze is categorized by its status as a residual byproduct. This ensures that environmental and safety regulations regarding the movement of chemical waste are properly monitored through the Harmonized System. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the waste is destined for a landfill or a specialized recycling facility that will attempt to reclaim the glycol content.
- Covers
- Spent ethylene glycol-based engine coolants
- Contaminated propylene glycol solutions
- Used industrial heat transfer fluids
- Residual de-icing fluids collected from runways or aircraft
- Mixtures of water and anti-freeze chemicals from radiator flushing
- Also under 3825.50
- Waste acid baths from steel mills
- used brake fluid from car repair shops
- drained antifreeze from vehicle maintenance
- spent hydraulic oil from heavy machinery
- waste coolant from industrial chillers
Codes often confused with 3825.50
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying waste anti-freeze under HS code 3820.00. While 3820.00 covers anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids, it is strictly reserved for new, unused products. Another common misclassification occurs with HS code 2710.91, which covers waste oils containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). If the anti-freeze is heavily contaminated with engine oil, shippers might mistakenly use Chapter 27 codes, but 3825.50 remains the specific designation for the chemical fluid itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382550 (the code used for waste anti-freeze), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382550 (the code used for waste anti-freeze) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 18% 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 382550, not only waste anti-freeze.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.9M 37% of world exports
- 2 United States $987K 19% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $402K 7.8% of world exports
World total: $5.1M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $964K 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $932K 17% of world imports
- 3 Canada $631K 12% of world imports
World total: $5.4M 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 waste anti-freeze
Brazil classifies waste anti-freeze under NCM 3825.50.00: HS 3825.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about waste anti-freeze
What is the HS code for Waste anti-freeze?
The HS code for Waste anti-freeze is 382550 (Residual products of chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included; wastes of metal pickling liquors, hydraulic fluids, brake fluids and anti-freeze fluids). The correct HS code for waste anti-freeze is 3825.50.
How do I classify Waste anti-freeze for customs?
Waste anti-freeze is classified under HS code 382550 — Residual products of chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included; wastes of metal pickling liquors, hydraulic fluids, brake fluids and anti-freeze fluids. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to recycled anti-freeze?
If the anti-freeze has been fully processed and restored to original specifications, it may return to 3820.00; however, while it remains in a waste or "to-be-processed" state, 3825.50 is the appropriate code.
Which countries are the top exporters of waste anti-freeze (HS 382550)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382550 (the code used for waste anti-freeze) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.9M, 37% of world exports), the United States ($987K) and the Netherlands ($402K). World exports came to about $5.1M, 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 waste anti-freeze (HS 382550)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382550 (the code used for waste anti-freeze) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($964K, 18% of world imports), Germany ($932K) and Canada ($631K). World imports came to about $5.4M, 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 Waste anti-freeze the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382550 for Waste anti-freeze 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 waste anti-freeze in Brazil?
In Brazil, waste anti-freeze (HS 382550) is classified under NCM 3825.50.00.