HS 381190 Other
Quick Answer: Other additives for lubricating oils, not elsewhere specified, imported under HS 381190 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.80%, and the US at 3.7¢/kg + 60% or 6.5% depending on the specific product and origin. This residual classification applies to lubricating oil additives that do not fit into more specific subheadings within Chapter 38. Importers should carefully review the specific composition of their additives to ensure correct classification, as misclassification can lead to incorrect duty assessments. According to CustomTariffs data, preferential rates may apply in the US for certain trading partners.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3811900000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3811900050 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3811900040 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 3811900090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3811900000 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 3811900040 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 3811900050 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 3811900090 | 5.80 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3811900000 | 6.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 3811.90?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 381190 cover?
This subheading covers "Other" additives for lubricating oils, not specified or included elsewhere in heading 3811. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is a residual one for lubricating oil additives that do not fit into subheadings 3811.11 (lead compounds) or 3811.19 (other anti-knock preparations). For the United States, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) defines this as preparations for lubricating oils not elsewhere specified. The EU TARIC system also uses this residual approach for non-specified additives.
What falls outside HS 381190?
The following products are excluded from HS 381190: specific anti-knock preparations containing lead compounds (HS 3811.11), other anti-knock preparations (HS 3811.19), and preparations to reduce the consumption of fuels (HS 3811.21, 3811.22, 3811.29). Also excluded are general chemical products not specifically intended as lubricating oil additives, such as basic oils, solvents, or cleaning agents that might be used in conjunction with lubricants but are not formulated as additives themselves. For instance, a simple mineral oil would not be classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 381190?
A common error is misclassifying products that are actually specific types of lubricating oil additives under this residual "other" category. For example, if a product is a specific type of pour-point depressant or viscosity index improver, it should be classified under the more specific subheadings within 3811.29 if available in the relevant jurisdiction's tariff, rather than defaulting to 381190. This often arises from not fully analyzing the product's primary function and composition against the detailed Explanatory Notes of the WCO HS or national tariff schedules.
How should importers classify products under HS 381190?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 381190 involves a thorough review of the product's exact composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the product is indeed an additive for lubricating oils and then ascertain if it is specifically covered by any other subheading within heading 3811. If it is not a lead compound anti-knock preparation, not another anti-knock preparation, and not a fuel consumption reducing preparation, and it is not otherwise specified, then HS 381190 is the appropriate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 381190?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of a generic lubricating oil additive (not otherwise specified) declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD would attract a US duty of $250.00. This is calculated using the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.00% ad valorem, applied to the customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.05 = $250.00). This calculation assumes no preferential trade agreements apply and the product is not specifically listed elsewhere.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 381190?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 381190, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for goods from member countries like Vietnam. Documentation required typically includes a USMCA certification of origin or a CPTPP certificate of origin, depending on the specific agreement and originating country.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 381190?
Import duty rates for HS code 381190, which covers 'Other' preparations for the use in oils, 'Other' preparations for the use in fuels, or 'Other' preparations for the use in lubricants, vary significantly by country. For example, the United States applies a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 4.00% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC system may also have rates around 3.7¢/kg + 60% or 6.5% ad valorem, depending on the specific product and origin. The UK Trade Tariff shows rates such as 5.80% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment.
How are preferential duty rates applied to HS code 381190?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 381190 are available under various free trade agreements (FTAs). For instance, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may qualify for duty-free entry. Other agreements, such as those with Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), or Singapore (SG), may also offer reduced or free rates, often listed as 'Free (A+,AU,BH,CL,CO,D, E,IL, JO,KR,MA,OM,P, PA,PE,S,SG)' in certain tariff schedules. To claim preferential treatment, importers must provide a valid Certificate of Origin and ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant FTA.
What are the classification criteria for products falling under HS code 381190?
HS code 381190 is a residual category for preparations used in oils, fuels, or lubricants that are not specifically classified elsewhere in Chapter 38. This includes additives, anti-wear agents, viscosity improvers, pour point depressants, and other chemical compounds designed to enhance the performance or properties of petroleum products. Classification hinges on the product's intended use and its chemical composition. If a preparation has a specific use covered by a more precise HS code (e.g., a specific type of detergent or antioxidant), it should be classified there. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes for Chapter 38 provide guidance on distinguishing between different types of preparations.
How is the import duty for HS code 381190 calculated if it involves a specific duty component?
When a duty rate includes a specific component (e.g., '3.7¢/kg + 60% ad valorem'), the total duty is a combination of a per-unit charge and an ad valorem percentage. For example, if a shipment of 10,000 kilograms of a product classified under HS 381190 has a value of $50,000 USD and the duty rate is 3.7¢/kg + 60% ad valorem:
- Specific Duty: 10,000 kg * $0.037/kg = $370 USD.
- Ad Valorem Duty: 60% of $50,000 USD = $30,000 USD.
- Total Duty: $370 USD + $30,000 USD = $30,370 USD.
Importers and brokers must carefully determine the correct weight or volume for the specific duty calculation and the declared value for the ad valorem portion.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 381190?
Standard import documentation for HS code 381190 typically includes a commercial invoice detailing the product, quantity, value, and country of origin; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the specific product and the importing country's regulations, additional documents may be required. These could include a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemical products, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to verify product specifications, and a Certificate of Origin if claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement. Customs authorities may also request technical datasheets to confirm the product's intended use and classification.