## Common ground
All options are lubricating preparations, used to reduce friction in mechanical systems.
## Options at a glance
**2710.19 – High-petroleum, no biodiesel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains ≥70% petroleum or bituminous mineral oils, excludes biodiesel and waste oils.
- **Typical examples:** Engine oil, hydraulic fluid (mineral-based).
- **Best fit when:** Main ingredient is high-purity petroleum oil, not derived from biofuels.
**2710.20 – High-petroleum, with biodiesel**
- **Defining trait:** ≥70% petroleum/bituminous oils *plus* biodiesel content, not waste.
- **Typical examples:** Bio-blend engine oils (e.g., 80% mineral + 20% biodiesel).
- **Best fit when:** Contains both high mineral oil and added biodiesel for eco-performance.
**2710.99 – Waste oils**
- **Defining trait:** Used, no longer fit for primary use (e.g., recycled lubricants from machinery).
- **Typical examples:** Used engine oil, used hydraulic fluid.
- **Best fit when:** Product is reclaimed or recycled, not new.
**3403.19 – Low-petroleum, non-high-concentration**
- **Defining trait:** Contains petroleum/bituminous oils but <70% by weight.
- **Typical examples:** Light-duty greases, some industrial lubricants with additives.
- **Best fit when:** Petroleum content is moderate; not dominant.
**3403.99 – No petroleum or bituminous oil**
- **Defining trait:** Entirely non-petroleum base (e.g., synthetic esters, plant oils).
- **Typical examples:** Biodegradable lubricants, food-grade greases.
- **Best fit when:** Made from renewable, non-mineral sources.
**3826.00 – Biodiesel-based lubricants**
- **Defining trait:** Specifically formulated as biodiesel lubricating preparations (e.g., biodegradable oil).
- **Typical examples:** Eco-friendly hydraulic fluids, marine lubricants.
- **Best fit when:** Product is primarily biodiesel with lubricating function.
## Key differences
| Option | Base Oil % | Contains Biodiesel? | Waste? | Petroleum-Based? |
|-------|------------|---------------------|--------|------------------|
| 2710.19 | ≥70% | No | No | Yes |
| 2710.20 | ≥70% | Yes | No | Yes |
| 2710.99 | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| 3403.19 | <70% | — | No | Yes |
| 3403.99 | — | — | No | No |
| 3826.00 | — | Yes (primary) | No | No |
## How to choose
- Does it contain ≥70% petroleum or bituminous oil? → 2710.19 or 2710.20
- If yes, does it contain biodiesel? → 2710.20
- If no, is it waste oil? → 2710.99
- If <70% petroleum oil, is it petroleum-based? → 3403.19
- If not petroleum-based, does it contain biodiesel as main component? → 3826.00
- If not petroleum or biodiesel, use → 3403.99
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Overlap:** A product with 70% petroleum + biodiesel fits both 2710.20 and 3826.00. Priority: **main base**—if petroleum dominates, use 2710.20; if biodiesel is primary, use 3826.00.
- **Pitfall:** "Biodiesel lubricating preparation" (3826.00) may be confused with blends; only apply if biodiesel is the core base.
- **Unclear:** “Lubricating preparations” in 3403.99 could include non-petroleum synthetics—ensure no mineral oil at all