Graphite Felts
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8545192000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8545194000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8487900080 | 88.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8487100080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801900000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815994170 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815130000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π₯ Graphite Felts (High-Temperature Carbon Materials)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Graphite Felts"?
Graphite felts are high-purity, flexible, fibrous materials made from carbon fibers, typically used in high-temperature industrial applications. They are lightweight, chemically resistant, and excellent thermal conductors.
In international trade, "Graphite Felts" are not a single uniform category. Their classification depends entirely on their end-use (electrical vs. non-electrical) and their form (raw material vs. manufactured article).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If used for electrical purposes (e.g., heating elements, electrodes, brushes) β Classify under Chapter 85 (Electrical Machinery).
- If used for non-electrical purposes (e.g., insulation, sealing, filtering, carbon fiber composites) β Classify under Chapter 68 (Stone, Plaster, Cement, Asbestos, Mica or Other Mineral Products).
- If in the form of preparations/pastes/blocks β Classify under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the precise HS Codes and descriptions for Graphite Felts and related graphite articles:
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Classification Criteria | Tax Rate (US/CN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8545.19.20.00 | Carbon electrodes... of a kind used for electrolytic purposes | β Electrical Use: Specifically for electrolysis cells (e.g., aluminum production). | 25.0% |
| 8545.19.40.00 | Carbon electrodes... Other (Electrical purposes) | β Electrical Use: General electrical electrodes, brushes, or other electrical carbon articles not specifically electrolytic. | 25.0% |
| 6815.99.41.70 | Articles of stone or other mineral substances (incl. carbon fibers)... Other articles | β Non-Electrical: General industrial graphite felts for insulation, sealing, or other non-electrical mineral applications. | 25.0% |
| 6815.13.00.00 | Carbon fibers; articles of carbon fibers for non-electrical uses; Other articles of carbon fibers | β Non-Electrical: Specifically covers carbon fiber articles (including felts/mats) used for structural, thermal, or filtering purposes without electrical function. | 25.0% |
| 3801.90.00.00 | Artificial graphite... preparations... in the form of pastes, blocks, plates... Other | β οΈ Preparations: Only if the "felt" is actually a semi-manufactured preparation (e.g., bonded graphite paste/plate). Raw felts usually do not belong here unless processed into specific pastes. | Error (Failed to retrieve) |
| 3801.10.50.90 | Artificial graphite: Other | β οΈ Raw Material: Pure artificial graphite powder or non-felt forms. Unlikely for felted structures. | 25.0% |
π Key Interpretation:
- Graphite Felt as an Electrode/Brush: If your graphite felt is used in an electrical circuit (e.g., high-temp furnace heating element connected to power), it falls under 8545.
- Graphite Felt as Insulation/Filter: If used for lining kilns, sealing, or filtration without carrying current, it falls under 6815 (specifically 6815.13.00.00 if itβs clearly a carbon fiber article).
- "Other Articles" (6815.99.41.70): A catch-all for graphite articles not elsewhere specified, often used for shaped graphite parts or non-standard felt applications.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 tariff regimes (Section 301 + IEEPA)
π― 1. For Electrical Graphite Felts (HS Code: 8545.19.20.00 / 8545.19.40.00)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Detail | εΊη‘ε
³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε
³η¨: 25.0% |
| Legal Basis | Section 301 Tariff Actions on Chinese Imports |
π Note:
- Both electrolytic (8545.19.20.00) and other electrical (8545.19.40.00) graphite articles are subject to the same 25% additional tariff.
- Ensure the description clearly states "Electrical Purpose" to avoid misclassification.
π― 2. For Non-Electrical Graphite Felts (HS Code: 6815.13.00.00 / 6815.99.41.70)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Detail | εΊη‘ε
³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε
³η¨: 25.0% |
| Legal Basis | Section 301 Tariff Actions on Chinese Imports |
π Note:
- Non-electrical carbon fiber articles (6815.13.00.00) and other mineral articles (6815.99.41.70) also carry a 25% additional tariff.
- Crucial: Do not assume non-electrical items are exempt. They are fully subject to the same 301 tariffs.
β οΈ Special Case: HS Code 8487.90.00.80 (Machinery Parts) & 8487.10.00.80 (Propellers)
π« Not Applicable to Graphite Felts:
The<DATA>includes HS codes for Machinery Parts (8487.90.00.80) and Ships' Propellers (8487.10.00.80) with 50% or 25% tariffs.
- Graphite felts are NOT machinery parts (they are raw materials/components).
- Graphite felts are NOT propellers.
- Do not use these HS codes for graphite felts. Misclassification here could lead to severe penalties or incorrect tax application (50% if misclassified as general machinery parts subject to steel/aluminum surcharges).
β Error Case: HS Code 3801.90.00.00
π« Data Retrieval Failed:
The system returned"Failed to retrieve tax information".
- This code applies to artificial graphite preparations (pastes, blocks).
- If your graphite felt is bonded into a specific shape/paste, it might fall here, but raw felt should not.
- Recommendation: Avoid using 3801.90.00.00 unless you have a specific binding ruling or it is clearly a paste/compound. Use 8545 or 6815 instead.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Strategies)
β 1. Prepare Required Documentation
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | Must specify: - Material: 99.9%+ Graphite - Form: Felt/Fabric - Density - Temperature Resistance |
To prove it is "Graphite" and not generic carbon fiber. |
| End-Use Declaration | Critical! - State clearly: "Used for [Electrical Heating/Insulation/Filtration]" |
Determines if it goes to 8545 (Electrical) or 6815 (Non-Electrical). |
| Composition Analysis Report | Certificate from third-party lab confirming carbon/graphite content. | To distinguish from generic mineral products or metal composites. |
| Commercial Invoice | Clear description: "Graphite Felt, High Purity, [Dimensions], for [Specific Use]" | Avoid vague terms like "Carbon Material". |
| Packaging List | Detail quantities and weights. | For customs valuation. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Electrical Use = 8545, Non-Electrical = 6815, Base Rate 0%, Add 25%."
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong HS Code | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphite felt used in electric furnace as heating element | 8545.19.40.00 | 6815.13.00.00 | Misclassification risk; potential penalty. |
| Graphite felt used as kiln lining/insulation (no power) | 6815.13.00.00 | 8545.19.40.00 | Unnecessary over-classification; still 25% but wrong description. |
| Graphite felt as filter media | 6815.13.00.00 | 8487.90.00.80 | Major Error: 8487 is for machinery parts, leading to 50% tax risk if misinterpreted. |
| Graphite paste or block | 3801.10.50.90 or 3801.90.00.00 | 8545.19.20.00 | Wrong form classification. |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Products (e.g., Graphite felt with metal mesh) | If the graphite/graphite-like carbon is the essential character, use 8545 or 6815. If metal is dominant, it may shift to Chapter 73/74/76, but the <DATA> suggests carbon articles with metal are still under 8545 if for electrical use. |
| Customs Inquiry on "Electrical Use" | Provide photos showing the felt connected to electrodes or in an electrical circuit if using 8545. If using 6815, show it in a non-conductive application (e.g., oven liner). |
| Avoiding 50% Tariff Risk | Do not classify graphite felts as "Machinery Parts" (8487). Even if they are used in machinery, they are materials, not parts with electrical features excluded. The 50% tariff in 8487.90.00.80 is for non-electrical machinery parts, but graphite felts are specifically covered under 8545/6815. Using 8487 is a compliance risk. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 8545.19.40.00 or 6815.13.00.00 |
25% (Additional) | Standard Section 301 tariff. No de minimis exemption. |
| π¨π³ China | 8545.19.40.00 or 6815.13.00.00 |
~5-10% (Import) | Domestic graphite felts are abundant; imports are for specialty grades. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 6815.13.00.00 or 8545.19 |
0-5% (Varies) | EU does not have Section 301. Check CE/RoHS compliance. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6815.13.00.00 |
~0-5% | No additional tariffs. Focus on quality certification. |
π Conclusion:
- US Market: High tariff cost (25%). Budget accordingly.
- Other Markets: Generally lower or no additional tariffs.
- Critical: Ensure accurate end-use declaration to avoid misclassification penalties.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying graphite felt as "Machinery Part" (8487.90.00.80)
π Consequence: Risk of 50% tariff if deemed a non-electrical machinery part subject to steel/aluminum surcharges, or general duty misapplication.
β
Fix: Use 8545 (electrical) or 6815 (non-electrical).
β Error 2: Failing to specify "Electrical" vs. "Non-Electrical" use
π Consequence: Customs may delay clearance for inspection or assign a higher/default duty rate.
β
Fix: Clearly state end-use on commercial invoice and packing list.
β Error 3: Using HS Code 3801 for raw graphite felt
π Consequence: Customs may reject as "preparation" and require 6815/8545.
β
Fix: Use 8545 or 6815 for felted forms. Reserve 3801 for pastes, blocks, or powders.
β Error 4: Ignoring the 25% Additional Tariff
π Consequence: Unexpected high landed cost.
β
Fix: Factor 25% into your pricing strategy for US imports.
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification for Cost Efficiency
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Electrical Use β 8545 (25%); Non-Electrical β 6815 (25%); Base Rate 0%."
πΉ "Do not use 8487 (50% risk) or 3801 (form mismatch)."
πΉ "Clear end-use declaration is your best defense against customs delays."
π Pro Tip:
If you are unsure whether your graphite felt is "electrical" or "non-electrical," provide photos and a technical datasheet to your customs broker before shipment.
Consider applying for a US Customs Ruling (Pre-classification) if your usage is borderline.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the following:
1. Product Description: "Graphite Felt, High Purity"
2. HS Code Candidate:8545.19.40.00or6815.13.00.00
3. End-Use: [Specify Electrical or Non-Electrical]
π Ensure smooth clearance, accurate tax calculation, and maximum profit margins!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Your every dollar of cost deserves accurate calculation!
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.