Artificial Graphite Low Resistance Powder
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3801105010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801101000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2504105000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
๐งช Artificial Graphite Low Resistance Powder
๐ HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Artificial Graphite Low Resistance Powder"?
Artificial Graphite Low Resistance Powder is a high-purity conductive material derived from petroleum coke or coal tar pitch, processed through high-temperature graphitization (above 2800ยฐC). It is characterized by low electrical resistance, high thermal conductivity, and excellent chemical stability. In international trade, it is primarily used in lithium-ion battery electrodes (anodes), conductive coatings, and carbon brushes.
โ ๏ธ Critical Distinction Point:
- Source: Must be synthetic/artificial (not mined natural graphite). If classified as natural, it falls under Chapter 25; if artificial, it falls under Chapter 38.
- Form: "Powder" implies a particulate solid state. The particle size distribution and morphology (e.g., spherical vs. irregular) can influence the specific subheading but generally fit under "other forms" if not specifically shaped like spheres for surface modification.
- Key Feature: "Low Resistance" indicates high conductivity, a performance spec often scrutinized by customs to distinguish from other carbon black or non-conductive carbon materials.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
Based on the provided data, the potential HS Codes are primarily in Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products) for artificial graphite, with one possibility in Chapter 25 (Natural Graphite) if misidentified.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability Scenario | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|
3801.10.10.00 |
Artificial graphite, in powder or other forms; Specifically for powder | Standard artificial graphite powder for battery anodes or conductive additives | โ Artificial |
3801.10.50.10 |
Artificial graphite, in powder or other forms; Specific sub-category for graphite powder | Generic artificial graphite powder, no specific exclusion conflicts | โ Artificial |
3801.10.50.90 |
Artificial graphite, in powder or other forms; Catch-all/Other | Artificial graphite powder (coarse granules), not matching specific sub-headings like spherical surface-modified graphite | โ Artificial |
2504.10.50.00 |
Natural graphite, in powder or other forms | Only if the product is mistakenly classified as natural graphite powder. High risk if origin is synthetic. | โ Natural (Risk) |
๐ Key Reminder:
- Artificial vs. Natural: This is the most critical classification pivot. Artificial graphite is produced via thermal treatment of carbonaceous materials; natural graphite is mined. The term "Artificial" in the product name strongly points to Chapter 38.
- Subheading Nuance:
-3801.10.10.00is a specific provision for artificial graphite powder.
-3801.10.50.90is a residual category for other forms or specifications not covered by more specific lines (e.g., if not strictly "powder" but coarse granules).
- Avoid2504.10.50.00unless you are importing natural flaky/graphitic earth, which contradicts the product name "Artificial."
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Time: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 3801.10.10.00 โโ Artificial Graphite (Powder)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.7% (Ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122/EO) | +10% (Targeting China/HK products) |
| Total Duty Rate | 38.7% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value ร 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 โ USITC:3801.10.10.00 โ FOOTNOTE:301 |
๐ Explanation:
- The 3.7% base rate applies to artificial graphite in powder form.
- The 25% Section 301 tariff is the standard additional duty on many Chinese goods.
- The 10% IEEPA surcharge applies specifically to certain critical materials and chemicals from China.
- Total: 38.7% is a significant cost factor for lithium-ion battery supply chains.
๐ฏ 2. 3801.10.50.10 & 3801.10.50.90 โโ Artificial Graphite (Other/Residual)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122/EO) | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 35.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value ร 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 โ USITC:3801.10.50.90 โ FOOTNOTE:301 |
๐ Explanation:
- These codes often carry a 0% base duty under normal MFN (Most Favored Nation) treatment.
- However, due to Section 301 (25%) and IEEPA (10%), the effective total remains high at 35.0%.
-3801.10.50.90is frequently used for "coarse granules" or artificial graphite not fitting the precise "powder" definition of3801.10.10.00.
- Note: Even with a 0% base rate, the surcharges make it almost as expensive as the 3.7% base rate code.
๐ฏ 3. 2504.10.50.00 โโ Natural Graphite (Powder) [High Risk Classification]
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122/EO) | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 35.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value ร 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
โ ๏ธ Warning:
- If you classify Artificial Graphite as Natural Graphite (2504.10.50.00), you risk misclassification penalties.
- While the total rate is the same (35.0%), customs may audit the origin of the carbon source.
- Artificial graphite requires proof of synthetic process (e.g., Kisha, Spheroidal, etc.). Natural graphite is mined. Confusing the two can lead to delays, fines, or seizure.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
โ 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must state: "Artificial Graphite," "Low Resistance," Form: Powder/Granule, Particle Size (D50/D90), Carbon Content (>99%), Ash Content (<300ppm). |
| โ Certificate of Origin | โ๏ธ | Crucial for determining tariff applicability. Must specify Country of Origin (e.g., China). |
| โ Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | โ๏ธ | Required for safety compliance, especially if classified as potentially hazardous or reactive. |
| โ Third-Party Test Report | โ๏ธ | Proves "Artificial" vs. "Natural." Includes Raman Spectroscopy, XRD (X-ray Diffraction) to confirm graphitization degree and lack of natural mineral impurities. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state: "Artificial Graphite Powder," not just "Graphite Powder." Avoid ambiguous terms like "Carbon Powder." |
| โ Bill of Lading | โ๏ธ | Ensure cargo description matches invoice precisely. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
๐ฅ "Declare 'Artificial,' Specify Form, Prove Conductivity!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration Strategy | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Artificial Graphite Powder | Use 3801.10.10.00 or 3801.10.50.90 |
Use 2504.10.50.00 (Natural) โ Misclassification Risk |
| Coarse Granules / Spherical Artificial Graphite | Use 3801.10.50.90 if not fine powder |
Use 3801.10.10.00 if granules are too large to be "powder" |
| Battery Anode Material | Highlight "Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries" | Generic "Carbon Black" โ Wrong Chapter (38 vs 38/25) |
| Low Resistance Spec | Include resistivity value (e.g., <10 ยตฮฉยทm) in spec sheet | Omit electrical properties โ Customs may question use case |
โ 3. Special Considerations
| Issue | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Low Resistance" Claim | Ensure test reports from accredited labs (e.g., SGS, Intertek) validate the electrical properties. Customs may request this to confirm itโs not a different carbon product. |
| Surface Modification | If the graphite is surface-modified spherical, it might still fall under 3801.10.50.90, but ensure it doesnโt match any excluded categories. The data notes no conflict with "surface-modified spherical graphite" for 3801.10.50.90. |
| Origin Fraud | Do not misdeclare Chinese artificial graphite as originating from Vietnam or Thailand to avoid tariffs. The IEEPA and Section 301 rules are strict on "substantial transformation." Simple packaging or minor processing is insufficient. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | Not Eligible. Even small shipments (<$800) may be subject to inspection due to the nature of chemical/graphitic materials and surcharges. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Duty Rate | Key Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 3801.10.10.00 / 3801.10.50.90 |
35.0% - 38.7% | MSDS, Lab Test Report | High tariffs due to 301 & IEEPA. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 3801.10.10.00 |
0% - 3.7% | ISO, RoHS (if exported) | Domestic trade has lower burden. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 3801.10.10.00 |
0% - 3.7% | REACH, SVHC Compliance | No Section 301 equivalent, but REACH registration is critical. |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 3801.10.10.00 |
Variable | BIS Certification | Check latest Indian Customs Tariff Act. |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 3801.10.10.00 |
0% - 0.8% | JIS Standards | Low base tariffs, but strict quality control. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA remains the most challenging market due to 35-38.7% total tariffs.
- EU & Japan are more tariff-friendly, but REACH (EU) and chemical safety registrations are significant non-tariff barriers.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from the Trenches)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring "Graphite Powder" without specifying "Artificial"
๐ Consequence: Customs may assume natural graphite (2504.10.50.00) or reject the entry for lack of detail. If it is artificial, misclassification leads to penalties.
โ Mistake 2: Ignoring "Low Resistance" specs in documentation
๐ Consequence: Customs may classify it as general carbon black (3807.00.00.00), which has different duties and regulatory requirements. Always prove the conductive nature.
โ Mistake 3: Attempting to use De Minimis for small shipments
๐ Consequence: Graphitic materials are often excluded from ยง321 de minimis exemptions due to security or trade remedy concerns. Shipments may be seized or delayed.
โ Mistake 4: Confusing "Powder" with "Granules"
๐ Consequence: If particles are coarse (>100ยตm), 3801.10.10.00 (powder) may be incorrect. Use 3801.10.50.90 (other forms) to be safe.
โ Correct Approach:
"Artificial Graphite, Low Resistance, Powder Form, Carbon Content >99.5%, Ash Content <300ppm, Particle Size D50: 15ยตm, for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes, Model AG-LR-15, Origin: China"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Cost Efficiency, Smooth Clearance!
๐ฏ Key Takeaways:
๐น "Artificial" is the keyword. Always specify "Artificial Graphite" to avoid Chapter 25 (Natural) misclassification.
๐น Tariffs are high in the US. Expect 35-38.7% total duty. Factor this into your landed cost.
๐น Documentation is king. Lab tests proving artificial origin and low resistance are essential for smooth clearance.
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are sourcing from China, consider supply chain diversification to countries with lower tariff implications (e.g., Vietnam, Malaysia) if substantial transformation can be legally established.
For US imports, apply for an Advance Ruling (CBP Ruling) if your product form (powder vs. granule) is borderline.
๐ฃ Immediate Action Required:
๐ Consult a Customs Broker: Provide your MSDS and Test Reports.
๐ Prepare Lab Certifications: Ensure "Artificial" origin is documented by XRD/Raman analysis.
๐ Optimize Landed Cost: Calculate the 35-38.7% impact before finalizing supplier contracts.
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Your Margin Depends on Precision!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.