No. 6 Fuel Oil from China

No. 6 fuel oil is a heavy residual fuel oil derived from petroleum refining, characterized by a Saybolt Universal viscosity exceeding 125 seconds at 37.8°C and an API gravity of 25 degrees or more. It falls under HTS 2710.19.11.50 as a distillate and residual fuel oil used primarily for industrial heating and power generation. This classification applies to its high viscosity and petroleum oil content over 70%.

Duty Rate — China → United States

25%

Rate breakdown

9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.03.030%Articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa)(ii) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter

Import Tips

Verify Saybolt viscosity certification from supplier to confirm >125 seconds at 37.8°C for proper classification

Obtain flash point documentation as heavy fuel oils often require IMO compliance for marine transport

Avoid misclassification as lighter distillates by ensuring API gravity testing ≥25 degrees