Base Oil Groups
Base oil groups are the mineral and refined lubricant base stocks classified by the American Petroleum Institute into Groups I, II and III, used to blend engine oils, industrial lubricants, greases, metalworking fluids and process oils. They are the largest-volume input to the lubricants industry and are traded as commodity base stocks against the API group classification and a viscosity-grade designation.
Grades are defined by the API classification, which sorts base oils by saturates, sulfur and viscosity index. Group I contains under 90% saturates, over 0.03% sulfur and a viscosity index of 80-120; Group II has over 90% saturates, under 0.03% sulfur and the same VI band; Group III is more severely hydrocracked with over 90% saturates, under 0.03% sulfur and a viscosity index of 120 and above. Within each group, stocks are specified by kinematic viscosity grade (for example SN 150, SN 500, N 70) along with pour point, flash point, colour and volatility (Noack). HS codes are provided on documentation.
Base oils ship in ISO tanks, flexitanks, drums (200-210 L) and IBCs. They are generally not classed as dangerous goods, simplifying transport relative to fuels.
Compliance typically includes SDS provision, CLP/GHS labelling, REACH registration or Only Representative routing for EU entry, and SABER/SASO registration for Saudi Arabia, coordinated where required.
Himalay's verified manufacturer and exporter partners supply base oil groups with CoA per batch, SDS, REACH/CLP compliance coordinated for EU, GHS labelling, and SABER for Saudi Arabia handled as part of the standard order flow.
