Graphite Lubricant
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3824994900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3815905000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3815190000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Graphite Lubricant & Catalysts (Industrial Chemicals)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Analysis for US Imports | Professional Classification Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Is it a Lubricant or a Catalyst?
Graphite-based products are versatile industrial materials used for friction reduction (lubrication) or chemical reaction acceleration (catalysis). In international trade, the distinction between Lubricants and Catalysts is critical because they fall under different HS Codes with vastly different tariff structures.
1. Graphite Lubricating Paste (θΆδ½η³ε’¨ζΆ¦ζ»θ)
Nature: A semi-solid mixture primarily composed of hydrocarbons or organic compounds with graphite as a filler.
Function: Used to reduce friction and wear in mechanical parts.
Classification Logic: Since the primary function is lubrication and the base is organic/hydrocarbon-based, it falls under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products)* rather than Chapter 27 (Mineral Fuels) or Chapter 35 (Protein substances).
2. Graphite Catalysts (η³ε’¨ε¬εε)
Nature: Graphite or carbon-based materials used to initiate, accelerate, or direct chemical reactions.
Function: Used in chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, or as supports for other catalysts.
Classification Logic: If the product is explicitly marketed as a "catalyst" or "reaction initiator," it is classified under 3815* (Reaction Initiators, Accelerators, and Catalysts). The specific subheading depends on whether it is a supported catalyst or a raw material like artificial graphite.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is sold as a lubricating paste (grease/oil mixture) β HS 3824.99.49.00
- If the product is sold as a catalyst (chemical aid) β HS 3815 series (e.g., 3815.90.50.00, 3815.19.00.00, 3801.10.50.90)
- Do not mix: Lubricants and catalysts have different tax duties. Misclassification can lead to penalties.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Attribute |
|---|---|---|---|
3824.99.49.00 |
Graphite Lubricating Paste: A chemical preparation for lubrication, mainly containing hydrocarbons or organic compounds. | Mechanical lubrication, anti-seize applications, industrial greases. | π’οΈ Lubricant (Organic base) |
3815.90.50.00 |
Graphite Catalyst: "Other reaction initiators, accelerators, and catalytic preparations," made of graphite. | General chemical catalysis, non-supported graphite catalysts. | βοΈ Catalyst (Other) |
3815.19.00.00 |
Graphite Catalyst: "Other supported catalysts." | Catalysts where graphite serves as a support matrix. | π§ͺ Catalyst (Supported) |
3801.10.50.90 |
Graphite Catalyst: Artificial graphite, classified under "Other" as a fallback category for carbon materials. | Raw artificial graphite used in catalytic applications. | β« Artificial Graphite |
π Important Reminder:
- 3824.99.49.00 is for lubricating pastes. Do not use this code for pure catalysts.
- 3815 series is for catalysts. If the product is a "supported catalyst," use 3815.19.00.00. If it's a general catalyst, use 3815.90.50.00.
- 3801.10.50.90 is a "catch-all" for artificial graphite if it doesn't fit the specific catalyst definitions above, but usually, if it's sold as a catalyst, 3815 is preferred.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates apply (Subject to Section 301 and IEEPA)
π― 1. 3824.99.49.00 ββ Graphite Lubricating Paste
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25% (List 3/4 Items) |
| Section 122 Duty (IEEPA) | +10% (Targeting Chinese Chemicals) |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny de minimis for Section 301/122 items) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β IEEPA Section 122 β USITC:3824.99.49.00 |
π Explanation:
- Lubricating pastes are often subject to Section 301 tariffs (25%) due to their chemical nature.
- Section 122 adds another 10% for specific Chinese-origin chemical preparations.
- Total: 41.5%. This is a high-cost item. Importers must budget accordingly.
π― 2. 3815.90.50.00 ββ Graphite Catalyst (Other)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25% |
| Section 122 Duty (IEEPA) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β IEEPA Section 122 β USITC:3815.90.50.00 |
π Note:
- Similar to lubricants, general catalysts attract the 25% Section 301 duty.
- The base rate is slightly lower (5%) than lubricants, but the additional duties bring the total to 40%.
π― 3. 3815.19.00.00 ββ Graphite Catalyst (Supported)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25% |
| Section 122 Duty (IEEPA) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β IEEPA Section 122 β USITC:3815.19.00.00 |
π Key Insight:
- Supported catalysts have a 0% base tariff, making them cheaper than general catalysts or lubricants.
- Total: 35%. This is the most tax-efficient option if the product can be classified as a "supported catalyst."
π― 4. 3801.10.50.90 ββ Artificial Graphite (Other)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25% |
| Section 122 Duty (IEEPA) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β IEEPA Section 122 β USITC:3801.10.50.90 |
π Note:
- If the product is raw artificial graphite used in catalysis, it may fall here.
- Total: 35%. Same as supported catalysts.
- Warning: Ensure it is not misclassified as a lubricant (41.5%).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state Chemical Composition, Function (Lubricant vs. Catalyst), and Graphite Content. |
| β Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Proof of use (e.g., "Used in chemical reactors" for catalysts). |
| β Product Photos (Label & Container) | βοΈ | Clear view of warnings, handling instructions, and HS code recommendations if available. |
| β Bill of Lading / Airway Bill | βοΈ | Must match the commercial invoice exactly. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Critical: Clearly describe the product as "Graphite Lubricating Paste" OR "Graphite Catalyst", NOT just "Graphite." |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To verify Chinese origin for Section 301/122 assessment. |
β 2. Declaration Strategies (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Function Defines Code, Not Material Alone!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lubricating Paste | 3824.99.49.00 |
Declare as "Graphite Powder" | Tax jump from 41.5% to higher? Or penalty for misdeclaration. |
| Catalyst (Supported) | 3815.19.00.00 |
Declare as "Raw Graphite" | Tax stays 35%, but risk of audit for function mismatch. |
| Catalyst (General) | 3815.90.50.00 |
Declare as "Lubricant" | Tax drop from 40% to 41.5%? No, Lubricant is higher (41.5%). Wait, Lubricant is 41.5%, Catalyst is 40%. So declaring as lubricant is more expensive. |
| Artificial Graphite | 3801.10.50.90 |
Declare as "Catalyst" | Risk of penalty if not used as catalyst. |
π Strategic Tip:
- If the product can be classified as a Supported Catalyst (3815.19.00.00), it has the lowest total tax (35%).
- Lubricants (3824.99.49.00) have the highest total tax (41.5%).
- General Catalysts (3815.90.50.00) are 40%.
- Artificial Graphite (3801.10.50.90) is 35%.
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Use Product | If used as both lubricant and catalyst, declare based on primary intended use. Provide evidence (e.g., marketing materials). |
| Customs Audit Risk | High risk for Section 301/122 items. Keep all technical documents for 5 years. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | β Do Not Use. Section 301 and 122 duties cannot be bypassed via de minimis ($800). |
| Free Trade Agreement (FTA) | Check if any FTA applies. However, Section 301/122 duties are often not removed by FTAs for Chinese goods. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3824.99.49.00 / 3815.* |
35% - 41.5% | No special certification, but Section 301/122 applies. | High duty. Critical to classify correctly. |
| π¨π³ China | 3824.99.49.00 / 3815.* |
5% - 8% | None | Low duty, but export to US is costly. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3824.99.90 / 3815.90 |
0% - 4% | REACH Registration Mandatory | REACH compliance is the biggest hurdle, not tariff. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3824.99.90 / 3815.90 |
0% - 3% | None | Low duty, but strict quality standards. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) duties.
- EU has low tariffs but high REACH compliance costs.
- Asia (China, Japan) has low tariffs and fewer regulatory hurdles.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring Lubricating Paste as "Graphite Powder" (3801.10.00.00)
π Consequence: Penalty for misclassification. Customs may reclassify as lubricant (41.5%) or catalyst (35-40%), leading to back taxes + fines.
β Error 2: Assuming De Minimis ($800) exemption applies
π Consequence: Section 301 and 122 duties apply to ALL Chinese goods, regardless of value. No exemption!
β Error 3: Using vague descriptions like "Industrial Chemical"
π Consequence: Customs delay. Requires additional documentation and possible audit.
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 122
π Consequence: Underpaying 10% on chemical preparations. Customs will audit and recover 10% + interest.
β Correct Practice:
"Graphite Lubricating Paste, Hydrocarbon-Based, for Industrial Machinery, HS 3824.99.49.00"
OR
"Graphite Catalyst, Supported, for Chemical Reactors, HS 3815.19.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Function First, Not Material. Lubricant 41.5%, Catalyst 35-40%. Section 301/122 Applies to All!"
πΉ "De Minimis is Dead for Chemicals. No Exemption!"
πΉ "Supported Catalyst is King (35%). Lubricant is Queen (41.5%)."
π Pro Tip:
If your product is a supported catalyst, always declare it as 3815.19.00.00 to minimize duties. If it's a lubricant, accept the 41.5% cost.
Never try to bypass duties via misdeclaration. The risk of audit and penalty is too high.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker.
π Provide Technical Data Sheets and Product Photos.
π Apply for Advance Ruling if possible.
π Clear your goods smoothly, avoid penalties, and optimize costs!
β¨ Professional customs clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved on duty counts!
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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.