HS Code:
The category 'Based on tetraethyl lead or on a mixture of tetraethyl lead and tetramethyl lead' falls under HS Code 2931.90. This category primarily includes organo-inorganic compounds used as anti-knock preparations for fuels, particularly in aviation and automotive sectors. Tetraethyl lead (TEL) and mixtures with tetramethyl lead (TML) have historically been used to boost octane ratings in gasoline, but their use has significantly declined due to environmental and health concerns over lead emissions. Today, trade in this category is limited and heavily regulated due to global bans and restrictions on leaded fuels.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $10 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
$3.5 million USD
35% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$2.0 million USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.5 million USD
15% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$1.0 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$0.8 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing nations)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Declining demand due to global shift to unleaded fuels
Significant reduction in trade volume as countries phase out leaded gasoline, with remaining trade limited to niche applications like aviation fuel for older aircraft.
2020-2022
Increased regulatory scrutiny and bans
Trade is heavily restricted, with many countries imposing outright bans on TEL and TML products, leading to a shrinking market.
2015-2022
Shift to alternative anti-knock agents
Market substitution with safer alternatives like ethanol and other additives has further reduced demand for TEL/TML-based products.
2018-2022
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and major fuel suppliers have accelerated efforts to phase out leaded aviation gasoline (avgas) by 2030, impacting the remaining trade of TEL-based products.
October 2022
Expected to further reduce trade volumes by over 50% in the next decade.
The European Union updated its REACH regulations to impose stricter controls on the import and use of tetraethyl lead, requiring special exemptions for any trade.
March 2023
Trade within and into the EU market has become nearly negligible.
The US Environmental Protection Agency granted a temporary exemption for the use of TEL in small aircraft fuels while alternatives are developed, sustaining minimal trade.
June 2021
Temporary stabilization of trade in the US market, though long-term decline is anticipated.