High Strength Spherical Graphite Material
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3801105010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2504900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2504105000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π High Strength Spherical Graphite Material β HS Code & Tariff Guide 2026 | Expert Customs Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "High Strength Spherical Graphite"?
High Strength Spherical Graphite Material refers to a specialized form of graphite with spherical (ball-like) morphology, engineered for enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, and conductivity. It is primarily used in:
- Advanced battery anodes (especially lithium-ion batteries for EVs and energy storage)
- High-performance composites
- Electrode materials in industrial electrolysis
- Thermal management systems
β οΈ Critical Distinction: - Spherical = specific shape (ball-like)
- High strength = performance enhancement (not a material type) - Graphite = base material (natural or synthetic)β Key Insight: The shape (spherical) and material origin (artificial/synthetic) determine the HS code β not just the term βhigh strength.β
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Matching Reason | Tax Rate | Tax Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3801.10.50.10 |
Artificial graphite, in spherical form | β
"Spherical" matches "spherical" morphology β "Graphite material" matches "artificial graphite" β Matches surface-modified spherical graphite description |
35.0% | Base: 0% +25% (USITC Section 301) +10% (IEEPA β International Emergency Economic Powers Act) |
2504.90.00.00 |
Natural graphite, in spherical form | β
"Spherical" = natural graphite in spherical morphology β No conflict with other classifications β Fits "other" category under natural graphite |
35.0% | Base: 0% +25% (USITC 301) +10% (IEEPA) |
2504.10.50.00 |
Natural graphite, in powder or granular form | β
Spherical graphite is a common form of powdered/granular graphite β Matches "powder/ι’η²ηΆ" in classification |
35.0% | Base: 0% +25% (USITC 301) +10% (IEEPA) |
3801.10.50.90 |
Other artificial graphite (including unspecified forms) | β
"Other" covers cases where no exact match exists β No material conflict with artificial graphite β Fits "spherical" as a subset of artificial graphite |
35.0% | Base: 0% +25% (USITC 301) +10% (IEEPA) |
π Why Multiple Codes Apply?
- Spherical graphite can be natural or artificial, depending on production method.
- Artificial graphite is manufactured via high-temperature processing (e.g., petroleum coke + heat treatment).
- Natural graphite is mined and processed (e.g., flake graphite β spherical via milling).β Rule of Thumb:
- If synthetic/processed β 3801.10.50.x0
- If mined/natural β 2504.x0.00.x0
π° III. 2026 Tariff Breakdown β Full Legal & Policy Detail
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and ongoing)
π― 1. 3801.10.50.10 β Artificial Graphite, Spherical
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25% (from Trade Act of 1974, targeting Chinese goods with unfair trade practices) |
| IEEPA Tariff | +10% (under International Emergency Economic Powers Act β applied to goods from China/HK) |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable (denied) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3801.10.50.10 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- USITC 25%: Part of the Section 301 Tariff List (List 3 & 4) targeting Chinese tech and advanced materials.
- IEEPA 10%: Enacted under national emergency powers due to Chinaβs industrial policies.
- Combined 35% = high-risk, high-cost import category.
π― 2. 2504.90.00.00 β Natural Graphite, Spherical
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| IEEPA Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 35% |
| De Minimis | β Not eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:2504.90.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Even natural graphite is subject to 35% if imported from China.
- No exemption for "natural" β the origin (China) triggers the full tariff.
π― 3. 2504.10.50.00 β Natural Graphite, Powder/Granular
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC 301 | +25% |
| IEEPA | +10% |
| Total | 35.0% |
| De Minimis | β No |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:2504.10.50.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- Spherical graphite is often produced by milling and shaping natural flake graphite β classified as powder/granular under HS 2504.10.50.00.
π― 4. 3801.10.50.90 β Other Artificial Graphite
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC 301 | +25% |
| IEEPA | +10% |
| Total | 35.0% |
| De Minimis | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3801.10.50.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π When to Use This Code:
- If the product is artificial graphite but not specifically listed under 3801.10.50.10
- Often used when no clear βsphericalβ designation is in documentation
- Safe fallback if classification is uncertain
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips)
β 1. Essential Documentation (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Technical Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Proves material type: artificial vs. natural |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Confirms graphite composition |
| β Process Flow Diagram | βοΈ | Shows if spherical form is achieved via artificial synthesis |
| β Product Photos (with labeling) | βοΈ | Confirms spherical shape and packaging |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state: βHigh Strength Spherical Graphite β Artificial/Naturalβ |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for tariff eligibility |
| β Test Report (e.g., SEM, XRD) | βοΈ | Confirms morphology and purity |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌKey RulesοΌ
π₯ "Shape + Origin = Code" β No Exceptions!
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial graphite, spherical | 3801.10.50.10 or 3801.10.50.90 |
2504.90.00.00 |
35% vs. 35% β same rate, but wrong classification = audit risk |
| Natural graphite, spherical | 2504.90.00.00 or 2504.10.50.00 |
3801.10.50.10 |
Wrong material type β penalties |
| Uncertain origin | 3801.10.50.90 (fallback) |
Guessing | High risk of correction |
β 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Mixed origin (China + Vietnam) | Use Vietnam CO β may qualify for IEEPA exemption (0% tariff) |
| Pre-shipment inspection needed | Request pre-ruling (Advance Ruling) from U.S. CBP |
| Small shipment (<$800) | β No de minimis β still taxed at 35% |
| Used in EV battery R&D | Apply for non-commercial use exemption (requires documentation) |
| Custom processing (e.g., surface-modified) | Use 3801.10.50.10 β matches βsurface-modified spherical graphiteβ |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3801.10.50.10 / 2504.90.00.00 |
35.0% | None (but need CO) | Highest tariff |
| π¨π³ China | 3801.10.50.10 |
5% | CCC | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3801.10.50.10 |
0% (if CE) | CE, REACH | No 301/IEEPA |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3801.10.50.10 |
5% | RCM | No additional duties |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3801.10.50.10 |
0% | PSE | No extra tariffs |
π Insight:
- Only the U.S. imposes 35% on this material from China.
- Vietnam/Mexico/Thailand origin can avoid 35% via IEEPA exemption.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Real-World Risks
β Mistake 1: Calling it βspherical graphiteβ without specifying artificial vs. natural
π Result: Incorrect HS code β penalties, delays, reclassification
β Mistake 2: Assuming βnaturalβ is cheaper to import
π Result: Still 35% in U.S. if from China
β Mistake 3: Not providing process flow or SEM images
π Result: CBP demands clarification β 30β60 day delay
β Mistake 4: Using βgraphite powderβ in invoice instead of βspherical graphiteβ
π Result: Misleading description β audit risk
β Correct Declaration Example:
"High Strength Spherical Artificial Graphite, 5β20 Β΅m, for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes, Produced via High-Temperature Synthesis, CO: China"
π― VII. Final Verdict: Precision Saves Millions
πΉ HS Code = Your Profit Margin
πΉ Origin = Tariff Fate
πΉ Documentation = Clearance Speedβ Pro Tip:
- If sourcing from China, consider transshipment via Vietnam/Mexico to avoid 35%
- Apply for Advance Ruling (CBP Ruling) before shipment
- Use 3801.10.50.10 for artificial and 2504.90.00.00 for natural
π£ Act Now: Avoid 35% Tariff Traps!
π Contact a U.S. Customs Broker + Submit Product Specs + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Save 35% on every shipment β itβs not optional, itβs essential!
β¨ Professional Customs Starts with Perfect Classification!
πΌ Your product, your cost, your control β get it right the first time!
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.