Industrial Activated Carbon Powder
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3802100050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3802905000 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3802100010 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Industrial Activated Carbon Powder (ζ΄»ζ§ηη²ζ«)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
Industrial Activated Carbon Powder is a highly porous, black, odorless solid used extensively in water purification, air filtration, gold recovery, and decolorization processes in the chemical and food industries. In international trade, its classification hinges primarily on its physical form (Powder vs. Granular) and application intent.
β οΈ Key Distinction: * Powder Form (PAC): Falls under "Other Activated Carbon" or specific powder subheadings. * Granular Form (GAC): Falls under "Granular Activated Carbon." * Note: Even though the input is "Powder," the provided data indicates that Granular forms are also analyzed for contrast, as misclassification between powder and granular forms is a common customs error.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
According to the provided <DATA>, the classification for Industrial Activated Carbon Powder and its granular counterpart is as follows:
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary / Classification Logic | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
3802.10.00.50 |
Activated Carbon Powder (Industrial) | Material: Activated Carbon; Form: Powder. Fits the "Other Activated Carbon" category. | 39.8% |
3802.90.50.00 |
Activated Carbon Powder (Industrial) | Material: Activated Carbon; Form: Powder. Specific product under this subheading. | 39.8% |
3802.10.00.10 |
Activated Carbon Granular | Material: Activated Carbon; Form: Granular. Fits physical morphology characteristics. | 39.8% |
3802.10.00.50 |
Activated Carbon Granular | Material: Activated Carbon; Form: Granular. Fits the "Other Activated Carbon" category. | 39.8% |
3802.90.50.00 |
Activated Carbon Powder (Industrial) | Material: Activated Carbon; Form: Powder. Specific product under this subheading. | 39.8% |
π Key Insight: * Both Powder (
3802.10.00.50/3802.90.50.00) and Granular (3802.10.00.10) forms carry the same total tax rate of 39.8%. * The primary difference lies in the specific subheading precision: *3802.10: Often refers to "Other Activated Carbon" (Powder/Granular). *3802.90: Refers to "Other" chemical products (specific product listing). * Crucial Note: Even for "Powder," some entries in the data link to granular forms or vice versa, suggesting that the physical state (Powder) is the defining factor for3802.10.00.50in the context of "Other Activated Carbon," while3802.90.50.00is a specific industrial listing.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current (2025/2026 Period)
β Total Tax Rate: 39.8%
π― 1. 3802.10.00.50 & 3802.90.50.00 β Activated Carbon (Powder/Industrial)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.8% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (From USITC Footnote related to China) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific statutory add-on) |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tariff rates typically exclude de minimis thresholds) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3802.10.00.50 β FOOTNOTE:Section301 + IEEPA:Section122 |
π Explanation: * "Base Tariff 4.8%": The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for activated carbon. * "Section 301 Surcharge 25%": Additional tariff imposed on Chinese goods under Trade Act Section 301. * "Section 122 Tariff 10%": An additional statutory tariff (often under U.S. Code Title 19) applicable to specific chemical products from certain origins. * Total Impact: The 39.8% rate is significantly high, impacting profit margins. Proactive classification and potential duty engineering are recommended.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Best Practices)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential for Smooth Clearance)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Activated Carbon Powder," "Grind Size (Mesh)," "Ash Content," "Iodine Number." |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Required for safety compliance and hazard classification. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Industrial Activated Carbon Powder" and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail packaging type (e.g., 25kg bags, 1MT Jumbo Bags) to prevent moisture damage claims. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To confirm Chinese origin and apply Section 301/122 tariffs correctly. |
| β Usage Declaration | βοΈ | Specify end-use (e.g., "For water treatment," "For gold recovery") to support HS code accuracy. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Critical Tips)
π₯ "Form Defines Code, Origin Defines Tax!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Risk of Misclassification |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Powder (<75 microns) | 3802.10.00.50 or 3802.90.50.00 |
If declared as "Granular," it may be rejected forδΈη¬¦ morphology. |
| Granular (>75 microns) | 3802.10.00.10 |
If declared as "Powder," customs may reclassify and penalize. |
| Biomass-Based Carbon | Same HS Codes | Ensure "Raw Material" (coconut, coal, wood) is declared if required by specific regulations. |
| Impure/Spent Carbon | Different HS Code | Spent carbon may be classified as "Waste" or "Other," potentially with different duties. |
π Key Advice: * Be Precise: Use terms like "Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)" in the commercial invoice and packing list. * Avoid Ambiguity: Do not use generic terms like "Filter Media" or "Carbon Black" (which is HS 2707.99 or 2803.00). Activated Carbon is specifically HS 3802. * Granular vs. Powder: Ensure the particle size description matches the HS code. Powder is fine; granular is coarse. Misalignment leads to delays.
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| High Ash Content | Some activated carbons have high ash. Ensure specifications match the imported product to avoid "substantial transformation" disputes. |
| Packaging | Activated carbon is hygroscopic. Use moisture-proof packaging. Customs may inspect for moisture damage. |
| Duty Engineering | Since the rate is 39.8%, consider if any exclusions or remittances apply (e.g., if used in specific manufacturing processes). However, Section 301 exclusions are limited. |
| Pre-Ruling | Strongly recommend applying for a Customs Ruling if the carbon has unique properties (e.g., impregnated carbon) to confirm the HS code and tax rate. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Additional Taxes (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3802.10.00.50 / 3802.90.50.00 |
4.8% | +35% (301 + 122) | Total: 39.8%. High cost. |
| π¨π³ China | 3802.10.00.50 |
4.8% | 0% | Low cost for domestic use. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3802.10.00 |
0% - 2.5% | None | No Section 301/122 equivalents. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3802.10.00 |
0% | None | Generally low tariffs. |
π Conclusion: * The US market is the most expensive due to the combination of base tariffs and Section 301/122 surcharges. * EU and Japan offer significantly lower duty burdens, making them attractive alternatives if supply chain diversification is possible.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Activated Carbon" as "Carbon Black" (HS 2803.00)
π Consequence: Misclassification, potential fraud charges, and seizure. Activated carbon is processed; Carbon Black is a pigment.
β Error 2: Ignoring the "Powder" vs. "Granular" distinction
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration, leading to delays and additional fees.
β Error 3: Failing to disclose Chinese Origin
π Consequence: Underpayment of Section 301 and 122 tariffs, resulting in penalties and back taxes.
β Error 4: Using vague descriptions like "Filter Powder"
π Consequence: Customs may classify under a higher-tariff or restricted category.
β Best Practice:
"Industrial Activated Carbon Powder (PAC), Coconut Shell Based, Mesh 200, Iodine Number β₯900mg/g, 25kg/Bag, HS Code: 3802.10.00.50"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Key Points:
πΉ "Form Matters: Powder vs. Granular"
πΉ "Origin Matters: China = 39.8% Total Tax in US"
πΉ "Documentation is King: MSDS + Specs = Smooth Clearance"
π Pro Tip: If you are importing into the US, consider: 1. Applying for a Customs Ruling to confirm the specific HS code. 2. Exploring Duty Drawback if the carbon is used in manufacturing and the final product is exported. 3. Supplier Negotiation: Share the 39.8% cost burden or adjust FOB/CIF terms.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a licensed customs broker.
π Provide detailed product specifications (Mesh size, Ash content, Iodine number).
π Ensure accurate classification to avoid costly delays and penalties!
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starting with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on Precision!
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.