Graphite Bearing
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8487900080 | 88.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8487900040 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815110000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815190000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801101000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8483308070 | 39.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8483308090 | 39.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Graphite Bearings: The Ultimate Guide to HS Codes, Duties, and US Customs Clearance (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Graphite Bearing"?
Graphite bearings are self-lubricating mechanical components made from artificial or natural graphite, often combined with resins or metals. They are widely used in high-load, high-temperature, or dry-running applications where oil lubrication is impossible or undesirable.
In international trade, the classification depends heavily on whether the graphite is used for electrical purposes or mechanical (non-electrical) purposes, and its physical form.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point:
- If the graphite part is used for electrical conductivity (e.g., carbon brushes for motors) β It may be classified under Chapter 38.
- If the graphite part is used for mechanical bearing/sliding surface functions (e.g., plain bearings, bushings) β It is classified under Chapter 68 (Mineral Articles) or Chapter 84 (Machinery Parts).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes relevant to Graphite Bearings and related graphite products. Note that "Graphite Bearings" as a mechanical part are typically not listed explicitly as "bearings" in Chapter 68 if they are considered machinery parts. However, if they are simple articles of graphite for non-electrical uses, they fall under Chapter 68. If they are specifically identified as parts of machinery, Chapter 84 applies.
Analysis of provided data for "Graphite Bearing" context:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Electrical Feature? |
|---|---|---|---|
6815.19.00.00 |
Articles of stone or other mineral substances: Carbon fibers; articles of carbon fibers for non-electrical uses; other articles of graphite or other carbon for non-electrical uses: Other | Most likely for general graphite bearings if not specifically defined elsewhere. Includes plain graphite sliding surfaces, bushings, and blocks used in non-electrical machinery. | β No |
6815.11.00.00 |
Articles of stone or other mineral substances: Carbon fibers | If the bearing is specifically made of or includes carbon fiber reinforcement for non-electrical use. | β No |
3801.10.10.00 |
Artificial graphite: Plates, rods, powder... for manufacturing into brushes for electric generators, motors or other machines | Only if the graphite component is a carbon brush (for commutators/collectors), not a sliding bearing. | β Yes |
8487.90.00.40 |
Machinery parts... Oil seals | Not applicable to graphite bearings unless combined with oil seal functionality. | β No |
8487.90.00.80 |
Machinery parts, not containing electrical features... Other | Alternative classification if the bearing is considered a specific part of a machine not listed elsewhere (e.g., a complex assembled bearing unit). | β No |
3801.10.50.10 |
Artificial graphite: Surface-modified spherical graphite | Raw material or semi-manufactured form, not a finished bearing. | β No |
π Key Insight:
- For a standard mechanical graphite bearing (e.g., a bushing or sleeve),6815.19.00.00is the most appropriate classification under "Other articles of graphite... for non-electrical uses."
- If the product is a Carbon Brush (used for electrical contact in motors), it must be classified under3801.10.10.00.
- Misclassification between "bearing" (mechanical) and "brush" (electrical) is a common error leading to different duty treatments.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Import Regulations
π― 1. 6815.19.00.00 β Other Articles of Graphite for Non-Electrical Uses (Including Graphite Bearings)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (For Section 301 goods from China, de minimis usually does not apply to avoid tariff avoidance) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6815.19.00.00 β Footnote 9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Graphite articles for non-electrical use enjoy a 0% base duty under normal trade relations.
- However, due to Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods, an additional 25% is applied.
- Total Effective Duty: 25%. This is significantly lower than electrical components or machinery parts which might carry higher base rates.
π― 2. 3801.10.10.00 β Artificial Graphite for Carbon Brushes (Electrical Use)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Note: Data shows 0% total, implying no 301 surcharge for this specific subheading or exemption) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Eligible (if value < $800, though Section 301 rules may vary; typically 301 applies to imports regardless of de minimis if not exempted) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3801.10.10.00 |
π Explanation:
- Zero Duty for graphite brushes. This is a key strategic difference. If a product is borderline between a "brush" and a "bearing," classification matters immensely for cost.
π― 3. 8487.90.00.80 β Other Machinery Parts
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8487.90.00.80 β Footnote 9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- If customs determines the graphite bearing is a "part of machinery" not elsewhere specified, it may fall here. The duty is 28.9%, which is higher than the6815.19.00.00rate.
π― 4. 6815.11.00.00 β Carbon Fibers (Non-Electrical)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
π Explanation:
- If the bearing is reinforced with or primarily made of carbon fiber, this code applies. Same 25% rate as6815.19.00.00.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Material (e.g., Pure Graphite, Graphite-Resin Composite), Application (e.g., "Sliding Bearing for Conveyor"), and NO Electrical Use. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the item is a mechanical bearing (bushing/sleeve) and NOT a carbon brush (which has wires/brackets). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description should read: "Graphite Sliding Bearing, Non-Electrical, Part No. XYZ". Avoid vague terms like "Graphite Product". |
| β HS Code Justification Letter | βοΈ | A brief letter explaining why the item is classified under 6815.19.00.00 (non-electrical article) and not 3801 (electrical) or 8487 (machinery part). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Non-Electrical is Key: If it doesn't conduct electricity, it's Chapter 68, not 38!"
| Scenario | Correct Classification | Duty Rate | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Graphite Bearing (Bushings, Sleeves) | 6815.19.00.00 |
25% | Non-electrical article of graphite. |
| Carbon Brush (for Motors/Generators) | 3801.10.10.00 |
0% | Specifically for electrical contact. |
| Graphite Bearing with Electrical Contact Function | 8487.90.00.80 |
28.9% | If it also serves as an electrical contact or is a specific machinery part. |
| Raw Graphite Blocks | 3801.10.50.10 |
25% | Semi-manufactured. |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do NOT declare graphite bearings as "Machinery Parts" (8487) if they can be clearly classified as "Articles of Graphite" (6815). The duty is lower under6815, and it's more accurate for simple graphite components.
- Do NOT confuse "Graphite Bearings" with "Carbon Brushes." Customs officers may inspect for electrical connectors. If none are found,6815is the safer and often correct choice.
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Graphite-Sealed Bearing (Combined with rubber/metal) | If the graphite is just a seal, it might be 8487.90.00.40 (Oil Seals) β 28.9%. If it's the primary bearing material, stick to 6815.19.00.00. |
| Custom-Shaped Graphite Bearing | Provide CAD drawings showing it's a bearing shape (cylindrical, spherical) to support 6815.19.00.00 as an "article" of graphite. |
| High-Purity Graphite | If it's ultra-pure and used in specialized applications, still 6815.19.00.00 unless it's a brush. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6815.19.00.00 |
25% (Total) | Section 301 applies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6815.19.00.00 |
0% - 3% | No Section 301. Likely 0% under most FTA. |
| π¨π³ China | 6815.19.00.00 |
Varies | Import duties may apply, but lower than US. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6815.19.00.00 |
0% - 3% | No Section 301. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 tariffs.
- Europe, Japan, and other regions offer significantly lower duties (often 0-3%), making them more attractive for graphite product imports.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying Graphite Bearings as 8487.90.00.80 (Machinery Parts)
π Consequence: While duty is similar (28.9% vs 25%), it attracts more scrutiny. If found incorrect, penalty + back duties.
π Correct: Use 6815.19.00.00 for simpler graphite articles.
β Error 2: Declaring "Graphite Bearing" but importing "Carbon Brushes"
π Consequence: If declared as bearing (25%) but found to be brush (0%), it might seem like a win, BUT if declared as brush (0%) but found to be bearing, it's contraband/smuggling.
π Correct: Accurate description is mandatory. If it's a brush, use 3801.10.10.00.
β Error 3: Ignoring the "Non-Electrical" Condition
π Consequence: If the bearing is used in a motor for electrical commutation, it MUST be 3801 or 8487. Misclassification leads to large duty differences.
π Correct: Clearly state "Non-Electrical Use" in invoice.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Graphite Sliding Bearing, Made of Artificial Graphite, Non-Electrical Use, Part No. GB-100"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Rule of Thumb:
πΉ "If it slides without oil and doesn't conduct electricity β Chapter 68 (
6815.19.00.00)."
πΉ "If it conducts electricity in a motor β Chapter 38 (3801.10.10.00)."
πΉ "If it's a complex machinery part β Chapter 84 (8487.90.00.80).β
π Pro Tip:
For US imports, the 25% duty under 6815.19.00.00 is unavoidable for Chinese goods. To mitigate costs, consider:
1. Supply Chain Diversification: Source from Vietnam or Thailand for 0% Section 301.
2. Pre-Ruling: Apply for an Advance Ruling from US CBP to confirm 6815.19.00.00 classification before shipment.
3. Value Engineering: Optimize design to reduce weight/cost if duty is based on CIF value.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with product photos and specifications.
π Request an Advance Ruling if the shipment value is significant.
β¨ Precise classification ensures smooth clearance and predictable costs!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of duty affects your bottom line!
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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.