Activated Carbon for Water Filter
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8421990140 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3802100050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8421210000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3802100010 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3802100020 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ Activated Carbon for Water Filters: The Ultimate HS Code & Tax Guide (2026 Edition)
π Global HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Tax Breakdown | Pro-Level Import Tactics
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Activated Carbon"?
Activated Carbon for Water Filtration is a highly porous carbon material derived from coal, wood, or coconut shells. It is the core filtration medium used in residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment systems to remove contaminants, chlorine, heavy metals, and organic compounds.
In international trade, its classification depends on its form (raw material vs. finished component) and primary function:
- Raw Material (Coal-Activated Carbon): Sold in granules, powder, or blocks as a standalone chemical product β Classified under 3802.10.
- Finished Component (Part of a Filter): Integrated as a specific part within a water purifier machine or as a standalone filter cartridge β Classified under 8421.99.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If sold as a raw chemical product for generic water treatment β 3802.10.00.xx
- If sold as a specific part designed for water treatment machinery (even if sold separately as a cartridge) β 8421.99.01.40 or 8421.21.00.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Customs Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Logic | Material/Function Match |
|---|---|---|---|
3802.10.00.10 |
Coal-Based Activated Carbon | Matches coal-derived carbon used in water purification | β Coal-based + Water purpose |
3802.10.00.20 |
Activated Carbon for Disinfection | Matches carbon used as an active component in disinfection equipment | β Active ingredient + Disinfection logic |
3802.10.00.50 |
Other Activated Carbon | Matches general activated carbon (non-coal/non-specific) for water use | β Carbon material + Water purpose |
8421.99.01.40 |
Parts of Water Treatment Machinery | Matches carbon as a component of water filtration appliances | β Component logic + Water treatment |
8421.21.00.00 |
Liquid Filtration Machinery | Matches the core unit of liquid filtering systems (carbon as media) | β Core function + Liquid filtration |
π Critical Insight:
- 3802.10 codes treat the carbon as a chemical raw material.
- 8421 codes treat the carbon as an engineered part of a machine.
- The difference lies in the "End Use" and "Form": Is it a bag of powder (3802) or a branded filter cartridge (8421)? Customs will scrutinize this!
π° III. 2026 Tax Rate Breakdown (Detailed Policy Analysis)
β Applicable Market: China Import Tariff System (Exporting to China, or analyzing the tariff burden for from China to US if 122 clause applies).
Note: The provided data indicates a specific tariff structure involving a "Base Tariff," "Additional Tariff (25%)," and "122-Clause Tariff (10%)." This structure suggests a complex trade scenario involving Section 232 or Section 301 equivalent measures.
π― 1. 3802.10.00.10 & 3802.10.00.50 (Coal-Based & Other Activated Carbon)
These codes apply to raw carbon materials.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.8% |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Section 301/Trade War measure) |
| Clause 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific policy addition) |
| Total Effective Rate | 39.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.8% |
| Legal Basis | Base: 3802.10 + Add: 25% + Clause 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- 4.8% Base: Standard MFN tariff for activated carbon.
- 25% Additional: Likely a retaliatory or strategic trade tariff on chemical imports.
- 10% Clause 122: A specific policy surcharge for products meeting certain criteria (e.g., strategic materials).
- Result: High tariff barrier for raw material imports.
π― 2. 3802.10.00.20 (Activated Carbon for Disinfection)
Specific use case: Carbon used in disinfection units.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.8% |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Clause 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 39.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.8% |
| Legal Basis | Same as above, specific sub-code for disinfection application. |
π Explanation:
- Even with a specific "disinfection" purpose, the tariff stack remains identical to other activated carbon types in this category.
π― 3. 8421.99.01.40 & 8421.21.00.00 (Parts & Machinery)
These codes apply to carbon as a functional part of water treatment equipment.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Clause 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| Legal Basis | Base: 0% + Add: 25% + Clause 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- 0% Base: Machinery parts often enjoy lower or zero base tariffs to encourage equipment assembly.
- Total 35%: Significantly lower than the 39.8% for raw materials!
- Strategy: If your product can be classified as a "part of a machine" (e.g., a branded filter cartridge), you save 4.8% in Base Tariff immediately.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Tips)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ Mandatory | Must explicitly state: "Coal-based," "Coconut-based," or "Activated Carbon." |
| Bill of Materials (BOM) | βοΈ Critical | Differentiate if it's a raw chemical (3802) or a finished filter cartridge (8421). |
| Product Photos | βοΈ Clear | Show if the carbon is loose powder or packed in a housing. |
| End-Use Certificate | βοΈ Strong | Declare "Water Filtration" or "Disinfection" to match the HS summary. |
| Certificate of Origin | βοΈ Required | To verify eligibility for "122 Clause" or exemptions. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (The "4.8% Savings" Trick)
π₯ The Golden Rule: "Part > Raw Material"
| Scenario | Classification Strategy | Tax Rate | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose Granules/Coal Powder | 3802.10.00.10 or .50 |
39.8% | N/A |
| Loose Carbon for Disinfection | 3802.10.00.20 |
39.8% | N/A |
| Pre-assembled Filter Cartridge | 8421.99.01.40 |
35.0% | Save 4.8% |
| Core Filter Unit of a Machine | 8421.21.00.00 |
35.0% | Save 4.8% |
β οΈ Warning: Do not force a "cartridge" classification if you are shipping loose powder. Customs may reject it and impose penalties. The packaging and branding must align with the 8421 definition (a "part of a machine").
β 3. Avoid Common Pitfalls (Real-World Lessons)
| β Mistake | π« Consequence | β Correct Action |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping loose carbon but calling it "Filter Cartridge" | Customs seizure, re-classification to 3802 + Penalty | Be honest; if loose, use 3802. If boxed/housed, use 8421. |
| Ignoring the "122 Clause" (10%) | Unexpected cost overrun at border | Ensure all 122 clause conditions are met in your invoice description. |
| Vague Product Name | "Activated Carbon" (No context) | Use: "Coal-based Activated Carbon, 40-80 Mesh, for Water Purification." |
| Confusing "Disinfection" with "Filtration" | Wrong HS Code | If used in a disinfection unit, use 3802.10.00.20. If just filtering, use 3802.10.00.50 or 8421. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Outlook)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Base Rate | Additional Tax | Total Est. | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China (Import) | 8421.99.01.40 |
0% | 25% + 10% | 35% | Best for parts/cartridges |
| China (Import Raw) | 3802.10.00.50 |
4.8% | 25% + 10% | 39.8% | Higher cost for raw material |
| USA (Export) | Depends on 301 List | Varies | 25% (Section 301) | High | Check US ITAR/301 lists |
| EU (Import) | 3802.10 |
6.5% | 0% | 6.5% | No "122 Clause" equivalent |
π Conclusion:
- The 35% vs. 39.8% difference is crucial for high-volume imports.
- Classify as8421if possible (part of machine) to minimize base tariff.
- Verify the "122 Clause" applicability, as it adds a flat 10% regardless of the base rate.
π VI. Final Summary & Action Plan
π― The Bottom Line:
- Raw Carbon = 3802.10 (Tax: 39.8%)
- Filter Cartridge/Part = 8421.99 (Tax: 35.0%)
π Immediate Actions:
π Contact your Customs Broker: Ask, "Can we classify this as a 'part of a water treatment machine' (8421) instead of raw carbon (3802)?" π Update Product Descriptions: Ensure your commercial invoice clearly states the form (e.g., "Carbon Filter Cartridge, Model XYZ") rather than just "Activated Carbon." π Calculate Savings: For a $100,000 shipment, reclassifying from 3802 to 8421 saves you $4,800 in duties alone.
β¨ Pro Tip: Always check the latest "122 Clause" implementation notices as trade policies evolve rapidly in 2026.
πΌ Precise Classification = Maximum Profit.
π Don't let tax confusion eat your margins!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.