Carbon
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4402900100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4402200000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2803000010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2803000050 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
🔥 Carbon & Graphite Products: The Ultimate Classification & Duty Breakdown (2026)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Strategy
📌 One, Product Definition: What Exactly Is "Carbon" in Trade?
In international trade, "Carbon" is not a single monolithic category. It is strictly divided into raw carbon materials, processed charcoal, and industrial graphite products. Misclassification here is dangerous because the HS codes span Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals), Chapter 44 (Wood Charcoal), and Chapter 38 (Prepared Binders/Carbon Preps).
Key Distinctions: * Carbon Black (2803): A fine powder used primarily in tires, inks, and plastics. * Charcoal (4402): Solid fuel or filter media made from wood or nuts. * Graphite (3801): Artificial or processed natural graphite used in batteries, lubricants, or electrodes.
⚠️ Critical Warning:
- If it is powdered soot from incomplete combustion → 2803
- If it is solid fuel/lump → 4402
- If it is graphite paste/spheres/prep → 3801
📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (Authoritative 2026对照)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific classifications for Carbon-related products. Note that all items listed below carry a specific additional tariff burden.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristics | Tariff Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
2803.00.00.10 |
Carbon Black | Fine black powder, used in rubber/plastics reinforcement | Base: 0% + Additional: 25% |
2803.00.00.50 |
Other Carbon | Carbon not specified elsewhere (e.g., amorphous carbon) | Base: 0% + Additional: 25% |
4402.90.01.00 |
Wood Charcoal (Other) | Agglomerated or standard wood charcoal, not shell/nut | Base: 0% + Additional: 25% |
4402.20.00.00 |
Wood Charcoal (Shell/Nut) | Made from coconut shells, peach stones, etc. | Base: 0% + Additional: 25% |
3801.10.50.10 |
Artificial Graphite (Surface-Modified Spherical) | High-tech graphite for Li-ion batteries, surface-treated | Base: 0% + Additional: 25% |
3801.10.50.90 |
Artificial Graphite (Other) | Standard artificial graphite blocks, pastes, or powders | Base: 0% + Additional: 25% |
🔍 Key Insight:
- All carbon/graphite/charcoal items in this list share the same 25% total tax rate.
- The Base Tariff is 0%, but the Additional Tariff (Section 301/Retaliatory) is 25%.
- Do not assume "Carbon" is duty-free. The 25% surcharge is mandatory for these origin codes.
💰 Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
✅ Applicable Country: USA (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on typical 25% additional tariff context for these codes)
✅ Effective Time: Ongoing (Post-2025 adjustments)
🎯 1. Carbon Blacks & Other Carbon (2803.00.00.10 / 2803.00.00.50)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | +25% (Under USITC Footnote / Section 301) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable (High-risk category) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:2803.00.00 → USITC Add'l Duty 25% |
📌 Explanation:
- "Carbon Black" is a critical industrial raw material. Despite being a chemical, it is taxed at 25% due to trade measures.
- No base duty, but the 25% additional duty is heavy.
- Clearance Tip: Ensure the commercial invoice explicitly states "Carbon Black" and not just "Carbon Powder" to avoid customs delays.
🎯 2. Wood Charcoal (4402.90.01.00 / 4402.20.00.00)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | +25% (Under USITC Footnote / Section 301) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:4402 → USITC Add'l Duty 25% |
📌 Explanation:
- Wood charcoal, whether agglomerated (4402.90.01.00) or made from shells/nuts (4402.20.00.00), is taxed at 25%.
- Clearance Tip: Provide Fumigation Certificates if the wood material is not processed to a sufficient degree, even if it's charcoal. Customs may inspect for pests.
🎯 3. Artificial Graphite & Graphite Preps (3801.10.50.10 / 3801.10.50.90)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | +25% (Under USITC Footnote / Section 301) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3801.10.50 → USITC Add'l Duty 25% |
📌 Explanation:
- This includes surface-modified spherical graphite (3801.10.50.10), crucial for EV batteries, and other artificial graphite (3801.10.50.90).
- Clearance Tip: If exporting for battery purposes, provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and Application Description to prove it is not a hazardous substance misclassified.
🛠️ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must specify "Carbon Black," "Wood Charcoal," or "Artificial Graphite" precisely. Avoid vague "Carbon" terms. |
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Details particle size, purity, and form (powder, lump, pellet). |
| ✅ MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | ✔️ | Critical for Graphite and Carbon Black to prove non-hazardous status (if applicable). |
| ✅ Fumigation Certificate | ✔️ | Mandatory for Wood Charcoal (4402) to prove no pest risk. |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | To confirm Chinese origin for the 25% additional duty calculation. |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Clearly separate mixed products if any. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Golden Rules)
🔥 “Be Specific, Be Honest, Be Documented!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Black | "Carbon Black, N990, for Tire Reinforcement" | "Carbon Powder" | Customs may classify under wrong code → Audit/Fine |
| Wood Charcoal | "Agglomerated Wood Charcoal, 100% Natural" | "Charcoal Briquettes" (if misidentified) | Pest inspection → Delay/Rejection |
| Artificial Graphite | "Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite for Batteries" | "Graphite Powder" | May be flagged as hazardous material |
| Mixed Shipment | Separate HS Codes on Invoice | One line item "Carbon" | Clearance Failure |
✅ 3. Special Cases & Risk Management
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Graphite | Provide Customer Authorization Letter and Technical Drawing to prove it is a manufactured good, not raw smuggled material. |
| Graphite for Medical Use | If used in implants or diagnostics, provide FDA Pre-market Notification or equivalent. |
| Charcoal for Water Filtration | Specify "Activated Charcoal" if applicable. Note: Activated charcoal may have different codes (3802), but if it's just "Wood Charcoal," use 4402. Check if activation process changes HS code. |
| High-Value Spherical Graphite | Ensure Valuation Declaration is accurate. 25% of a high-value battery raw material is significant. |
🌍 Five, Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | See Table Above | 25% (Additional) | MSDS, CO | 25% surcharge is unavoidable for these codes. |
| 🇨🇳 China | See Table Above | 0% - 5% (Import Duty) | N/A | Domestic trade benefits; export duties may apply. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | Similar Codes | Varies (0-6%) | REACH, CLP | EU has strict chemical registration (REACH) for Carbon Black. |
| 🇮🇳 India | Similar Codes | 7.5% - 10% | BIS, Import License | High basic duty; no 301-style surcharge. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | Similar Codes | 0% - 5% | JIS Standard | Strict quality standards for graphite purity. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to the 25% additional tariff.
- EU requires REACH compliance for Carbon Black, which can be costly and time-consuming.
- Japan demands high purity certifications for graphite.
📌 Six, Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Carbon Black" as "Carbon Fiber"
👉 Result: Carbon Fiber (HS 6815) has different tariffs and regulations. Misclassification leads to customs penalties.
❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring Fumigation for Wood Charcoal
👉 Result: Shipment quarantined or destroyed by USDA APHIS.
❌ Mistake 3: Vague Description "Carbon Product"
👉 Result: Customs requests additional info, causing 7-14 day delays.
❌ Mistake 4: Under-declaring Value of Spherical Graphite
👉 Result: 25% duty is calculated on a lower value, but customs will audit and impose back taxes + interest.
✅ Best Practice:
"Artificial Graphite, Surface-Modified Spherical, Particle Size D50 15μm, Purity >99.9%, for Li-ion Battery Anodes, Model G-99, MSDS Attached"
🎯 Seven, Conclusion: Professional Classification, Cost Control
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Carbon is not one code, check the form!"
🔹 "Powder = 2803, Lump = 4402, Graphite = 3801!"
🔹 "25% Additional Tax is King for USA, Prepare Docs!"
🔹 "Fumigation for Wood, MSDS for Graphite, Save Time!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your carbon/graphite products are originating from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may avoid the 25% additional tariff. Ensure your Certificate of Origin proves non-Chinese origin.
For US imports, consider Advance Ruling if your product form is unique (e.g., agglomerated spherical graphite).
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Consult with a licensed Customs Broker
📄 Prepare MSDS and Fumigation Certificates
🚀 Secure your clearance, avoid delays, and protect your margins!
✨ Expert Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Every dollar of duty saved is profit earned!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.