Graphite Plate
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6815130000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815110000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801101000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815190000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π§± Graphite Plate (Graphite Sheets/Plates)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Graphite Plates"?
Graphite plates, also known as graphite sheets or carbon products, are critical materials in high-temperature, high-corrosion, and high-conductivity applications (e.g., lithium-ion battery anodes, sealing materials, electrical contacts). In international trade, their classification hinges on material composition (natural vs. artificial/man-made) and form (sheet, plate, semi-finished).
Key Distinctions: - Artificial Graphite (δΊΊι η³ε’¨): Synthesized from petroleum coke, coal tar pitch, etc. Often falls under Chapter 38 (Prepared binders, chemical products) if processed specifically. - Natural/Carbon Graphite (η³ε’¨/η’³εΆε): Derived from natural graphite or carbonized materials. Usually falls under Chapter 68 (Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar materials). - Form Factor: "Plate" or "Sheet" implies a semi-finished or finished shape, distinct from powder or block.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the material is Artificial Graphite (processed chemical product) β 3801
- If the material is Natural/Carbon Graphite (mineral/stone-like article) β 6815
- No Material Conflict: Both categories accept "sheet/plate" forms without usage-based restrictions in their respective "Other" subheadings.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|
6815.13.00.00 |
Other articles of carbon other than graphite or of other non-electrical grades of graphite and articles of graphite and other carbon | Semi-finished graphite/carbon sheets; "Other carbon articles" | Carbon/Graphite (Non-electrical specific) |
6815.11.00.00 |
Articles of graphite or other carbon | Graphite sheets/plates; semi-finished carbon products | Graphite/Carbon |
3801.10.10.00 |
Artificial Graphite; whether or not refined or mixed with other substances | Artificial graphite plates/sheets; semi-finished chemical form | Artificial Graphite |
6815.19.00.00 |
Other articles of graphite or other carbon | Semi-finished graphite plates; mineral/stone-like articles | Graphite (Inferred) |
3801.10.50.90 |
Other artificial graphite; whether or not refined or mixed with other substances | Artificial graphite semi-finished plates; non-spherical/non-modified | Artificial Graphite |
π Key Reminder:
- 6815 Codes apply to graphite with mineral/stone-like properties or natural/graphitic carbon materials.
- 3801 Codes apply specifically to Artificial Graphite where the manufacturing process aligns with chemical/prepared products.
- No Conflict: All listed HS codes accommodate "plate/sheet" forms without conflicting material definitions.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 6815.13.00.00 & 6815.11.00.00 & 6815.19.00.00 ββ Graphite/Carbon Articles (Chapter 68)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (Under USITC Footnote 9903.88.01, Section 301 Tariffs) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (Targeting China/Hong Kong products, effective from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Duty Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:6815.11.00.00/6815.13.00.00/6815.19.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% USITC duty is imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act for specific Chinese goods, including graphite articles.
- The 10% IEEPA duty is an additional national security-related tariff on Chinese imports.
- Total 35%: This is a high tariff burden. Accurate material classification (Natural/Carbon vs. Artificial) is crucial to avoid misclassification penalties, though the total rate remains consistent across these 6815 subheadings.
π― 2. 3801.10.10.00 & 3801.10.50.90 ββ Artificial Graphite (Chapter 38)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (Under USITC Footnote 9903.88.01, Section 301 Tariffs) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (Targeting China/Hong Kong products, effective from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Duty Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3801.10.10.00/3801.10.50.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Artificial Graphite incurs a 3.7% base duty, making the total 38.7% (25% + 10% + 3.7%).
- This is 0.7% higher than natural/graphitic graphite codes (6815series).
- Classification depends on proving the material is synthetically produced (artificial) rather than natural/processed carbon. If misclassified as 3801 when itβs actually 6815, you may face overpayment; vice versa, underpayment penalties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Material type (Natural/Artificial), form (Sheet/Plate), dimensions, purity. |
| β Manufacturing Process Description | βοΈ | Crucial for distinguishing Artificial (3801) vs. Natural/Carbon (6815). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the plate, edges, and any markings. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Graphite Plate" or "Artificial Graphite Plate" accurately. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | For origin verification (China). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Item weight, quantity, packaging type. |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | Material composition analysis (e.g., XRF, SEM) to confirm artificial vs. natural. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βMaterial First, Form Second, Artificial vs. Natural, Get it Right to Save Cash!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Natural/Carbon Graphite Plate | 6815.11.00.00 / 6815.13.00.00 / 6815.19.00.00 |
Misdeclaring as Artificial β 38.7% instead of 35% |
| Artificial Graphite Plate | 3801.10.10.00 / 3801.10.50.90 |
Misdeclaring as Natural β 35% instead of 38.7% (Underpayment Risk) |
| Graphite Powder vs. Plate | Plates β 6815/3801 |
Misdeclaring as Powder β Different code, same high tariffs |
| Mixed Shipments | Separate Declaration | Mixing artificial and natural in one line item β Confusion & Delays |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Graphite Plates | Provide customer specs + manufacturing process proof to justify 3801 vs. 6815. |
| Graphite with Coatings | If coating is minor, still graphite. If major functional change, may fall under different chapter. |
| Graphite Used in Batteries | Still 6815 or 3801 based on material. Do not misclassify as battery parts (8507) unless integrated. |
| High Purity/Refined Graphite | Ensure test reports confirm "Artificial" if claiming 3801 for better base rate (though total is higher). |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6815.11.00.00 / 3801.10.10.00 |
35% (6815) / 38.7% (3801) | No special certs | High Additional Tariffs (25% + 10%) |
| π¨π³ China | 6815.11.00.00 / 3801.10.10.00 |
0% ~ 5% (Varies) | CCC (if applicable) | Lower tariffs, different classification standards |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6815.19.00.00 / 3801.10.00 |
~0% ~ 6.5% | REACH, RoHS | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6815.19.00.00 |
~5% | ACMA (if electronic) | Moderate tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6815.19.00.00 |
~0% ~ 3.2% | PSE (if electronic) | Low tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes the highest total duties (35%β38.7%) due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs.
- Material classification (Natural vs. Artificial) affects the base rate (0% vs. 3.7%), leading to a 0.7% difference in total duty.
- EU/Asia markets are significantly more cost-effective for graphite plates.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Confusing Artificial Graphite with Natural Graphite
π Consequence: Misclassification leads to either overpayment (38.7% vs. 35%) or underpayment penalties. Always provide material analysis.
β Error 2: Declaring "Graphite Plate" without specifying "Artificial" or "Natural"
π Consequence: Customs may request additional documentation, causing delays or default classification (often the higher rate or random audit).
β Error 3: Ignoring IEEPA 10% Tariff
π Consequence: Even if base duty is 0%, the 10% IEEPA adds up. Total cost = 35% minimum.
β Error 4: Using "Carbon Fiber" terms for Graphite Plates
π Consequence: 8501 or 6815.12 might be confused. Graphite plates are 6815/3801, not fiber. Misdeclaration leads to incorrect tariff rates.
β Correct Practice:
"Artificial Graphite Plate, Semi-Finished, for Battery Anode, Material Purity >99%, HS Code: 3801.10.10.00"
OR
"Natural Graphite Sheet, Processed, HS Code: 6815.11.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Natural/Carbon β 6815 (35%) | Artificial β 3801 (38.7%) | Always Prove Material!"
πΉ "35% Minimum Duty in USA: 25% Section 301 + 10% IEEPA + 0% Base"
π Pro Tip:
If your graphite plate is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions or lower Section 301 rates.
Recommendation: Apply for an Advance Ruling (Customs Binding Decision) before shipment to lock in the HS Code and tariff rate.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide Material Test Report + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure your graphite plates clear customs smoothly, minimize costs, and maximize profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent counts in global trade!
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.