Graphite Sealing Ring
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815994110 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8484100000 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8484900000 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815190000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πͺοΈ Graphite Sealing Ring (Gaskets & Seals)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Is it Plastic, Mineral, or Mechanical?
Graphite sealing rings (gaskets) are critical components used in high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive environments. In international trade, their classification is highly complex because they sit at the intersection of three major chapters: Plastics (Chapter 39), Mineral/Carbon Products (Chapter 68), and Mechanical Appliances/Parts (Chapter 84).
The correct HS Code depends entirely on: 1. Material Composition: Is it pure graphite, mixed with binders, or composite? 2. Structure: Is it a simple ring, or a composite gasket (e.g., graphite + metal)? 3. Function: Is it a standalone seal, or part of a specific machine assembly?
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point: - If viewed as a non-specific plastic item (often due to binders/resins) β Chapter 39 - If viewed as a pure mineral/carbon product β Chapter 68 - If viewed as a mechanical seal component (metal-composite or specific gasket type) β Chapter 84
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 specific classifications for Graphite Sealing Rings, ranging from lowest to highest tax burden.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristic | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.99.89 |
Plastic/Other Material Articles: Gaskets/Seals, not specifically named elsewhere. | Treated as a "Plastic or similar material" item (often due to resin binders). | 22.8% |
6815.99.41.10 |
Mineral/Carbon Articles: Gaskets/Seals, carbon content/mineral product features. | Treated as a pure mineral/carbon product. | 35.0% |
6815.19.00.00 |
Mineral/Carbon Articles: Graphite products, non-electrical uses. | Treated as a generic graphite product. | 35.0% |
8484.10.00.00 |
Mechanical Seals: Gaskets, made of metal sheets combined with other materials. | Treated as a composite mechanical seal (e.g., graphite-metal foil). | 37.5% |
8484.90.00.00 |
Mechanical Seals: Parts of gaskets/seals, not specifically named. | Treated as a general part of a machine assembly. | 37.5% |
π Key Insight: - Lowest Risk/Cost:
3926.90.99.89(22.8%) is the most favorable if you can argue the material acts as a "plastic-like" article due to binding agents. - Highest Cost:8484series (37.5%) applies if the seal is considered a mechanical part or composite with metal. - Middle Ground:6815series (35.0%) applies if the product is clearly defined as a mineral/carbon graphite product.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policies)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Plastic/Other Material Articles (Gaskets)
β Lowest Tax Option: 22.8%
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Denied (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 3926.90.99.89 β 301: 7.5% β 122: 10% |
π Explanation: - This classification treats the graphite gasket as a "made-up article" of plastic or similar materials. - The Section 122 duty (10%) is a specific tariff for certain Chinese imports. - Total 22.8% is significantly lower than other graphite classifications, making this the preferred strategy if product specs allow (e.g., presence of polymer binders).
π― 2. 6815.99.41.10 & 6815.19.00.00 ββ Mineral/Carbon Articles
β οΈ High Tax Option: 35.0%
A. 6815.99.41.10 (Mineral/Carbon Gaskets)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 6815.99.41.10 β 301: 25.0% β 122: 10% |
B. 6815.19.00.00 (Other Graphite Articles)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 6815.19.00.00 β 301: 25.0% β 122: 10% |
π Note: - Although the base duty is 0%, the Section 301 surcharge is 25% (higher than the 7.5% in the plastic category). - This classification is used when the product is recognized as a pure mineral/carbon product without significant plastic-like binding that would push it to Chapter 39.
π― 3. 8484.10.00.00 & 8484.90.00.00 ββ Mechanical Seals/Parts
π¨ Highest Tax Option: 37.5%
A. 8484.10.00.00 (Gaskets, metal + other material)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.5% |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 8484.10.00.00 β 301: 25.0% β 122: 10% |
B. 8484.90.00.00 (Parts of Gaskets)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.5% |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 8484.90.00.00 β 301: 25.0% β 122: 10% |
π Note: - These codes are used for composite gaskets (e.g., graphite foil laminated with metal) or when the seal is imported as a part of a machine. - The Section 301 surcharge remains 25%, leading to the highest total tax burden.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail material composition (e.g., "Graphite + 5% PTFE binder") to support Chapter 39 argument. |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Proves chemical composition and non-electrical nature. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the gasket, showing shape and any metal layers. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the item (e.g., "Graphite Gasket, Not Electrical"). |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Mandatory for Section 122 and 301 determination. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Ensure no "machine parts" are mixed in unless declared as such. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Binders Matter, Metal Equals Mechanical, Pure Carbon is Mineral!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphite + Polymer Binder | 3926.90.99.89 |
22.8% | Acts like a plastic article. Lowest tax. |
| Pure Graphite / Mineral Fillers | 6815.99.41.10 |
35.0% | Recognized as a mineral/carbon product. |
| Graphite + Metal Foil Layer | 8484.10.00.00 |
37.5% | Treated as a mechanical seal composite. |
| Generic Graphite Part | 8484.90.00.00 |
37.5% | Treated as a generic machine part. |
π Critical Tip: - If your graphite gasket contains resins, binders, or polymers, emphasize this in the description to argue for Chapter 39 (22.8%). - Avoid describing it as a "Machine Part" unless it is pre-assembled into a larger unit.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Gaskets | Provide customer design specs to prove unique shape/function, supporting specific HS code argument. |
| Graphite + Metal Composite | Risk of 8484 (37.5%). Try to argue the primary function is sealing (3926) if metal layer is minor. |
| Graphite Used in Electrical Context | Avoid 6815.19.00.00 if used for electricity. It might be classified under Chapter 85, leading to different taxes. |
| Small Value Shipments | β No De Minimis for any of these codes due to Section 122 and 301. All imports are taxed. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Duty (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89 |
22.8% | None specific | Best rate for binders. 35-37.5% for others. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.99.89 |
5% | None | Low import duty. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6815.19.00.00 |
0% - 6% | REACH | Varies by member state. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6815.19.00.00 |
0% - 6% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3926.90.99.89 |
5% | RCM | Low duty if non-electrical. |
π Conclusion: - USA is the most aggressive market with high surcharges. - Optimizing for Chapter 39 (22.8%) vs. Chapter 68/84 (35-37.5%) can save 12-15% in duties. - Always check Section 122 and Section 301 applicability.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a composite gasket (Graphite + Metal) as 3926
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify to 8484 (37.5%) + penalties.
β Error 2: Using "Graphite Gasket" without specifying material composition
π Consequence: Ambiguity leads to higher-risk classification (e.g., 8484) or audit.
β Error 3: Assuming "De Minimis" applies
π Consequence: 0% exemption denied. All shipments are taxed.
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 122 (10%)
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties β Retrospective taxes + fines.
β Correct Approach:
"Graphite Gasket, 100mm ID, 2mm Thick, Bonded with PTFE Resin, Non-Electrical Use, Model G-100"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Binders = Plastic (22.8%), Pure = Mineral (35%), Metal Combo = Mechanical (37.5%)."
πΉ "Section 122 is 10% everywhere, Section 301 varies (7.5% vs 25%)."
π Pro Tip:
If your graphite gasket contains polymeric binders, submit a Pre-Ruling Application (US CBP) to confirm classification under
3926.90.99.89. This ensures stability and cost certainty.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a customs broker + Provide material spec sheet + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, avoid audits, and maximize profit margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point in duty is pure profit lost!
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.