Low Ash Carbon Paste
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6815994170 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815190000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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⚫ Low Ash Carbon Paste (Articles of Stone or Other Mineral Substances)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 Part I: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand “Low Ash Carbon Paste”?
Low Ash Carbon Paste is an industrial semi-finished or finished product made from graphite, petroleum coke, or anthracite mixed with a binder (typically coal tar pitch). The term "Low Ash" indicates that the raw materials have undergone rigorous purification to minimize inorganic impurities (ash content), ensuring high purity and conductivity.
In international trade, these products fall under Chapter 68: Articles of Stone or of Other Mineral Substances. They are categorized based on their form (paste vs. solid) and end-use (electrical vs. non-electrical).
⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is a liquid/paste or unformed article not specifically listed elsewhere → It falls under 6815.99.41.70.
- If the product is processed into carbon fibers or specific non-electrical graphite articles → It falls under 6815.19.00.00.
- Key Factor: Is it "carbon fibers" or "other carbon articles"? Is it for "electrical" or "non-electrical" use?
📦 Part II: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the two applicable HS Codes for Low Ash Carbon Paste and related carbon articles:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
6815.99.41.70 |
Articles of stone/mineral substances (including carbon fibers/peat) not elsewhere specified: Other articles | General Carbon Paste, Unformed Graphite, Carbon Blocks, Electrodes (non-specific) | Broad category for carbon/graphite articles not classified as fibers or specific electrical components. |
6815.19.00.00 |
Articles of stone/mineral substances: Carbon fibers; articles of carbon fibers for non-electrical uses; other articles of graphite or other carbon for non-electrical uses: Other | Non-electrical Graphite Articles, Carbon Fiber Components | Specifically for non-electrical uses (e.g., seals, bearings, crucibles, aerospace parts). |
🔍 Important Note:
- Low Ash Carbon Paste itself is often an intermediate product. If it is packed for direct use as a non-electrical component (like a sealant or mold material), it may fall under6815.19.00.00.
- If it is a generic carbon/graphite article not specifically defined as fiber or non-electrical specific, it defaults to6815.99.41.70.
- Electrical Uses (e.g., electrodes) are often classified differently (e.g., 8545), but since only non-electrical options are provided in<DATA>, we focus on those.
💰 Part III: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Ongoing under Section 301 & IEEPA
🎯 1. 6815.99.41.70 —— Other Carbon/Graphite Articles (General)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable (Section 301 goods are generally excluded from de minimis relief under current enforcement) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6815.99.41.70 → Section 301 Footnote |
📌 Explanation:
- This code covers general carbon/graphite articles not specified elsewhere.
- The 25% surtax is applied due to U.S. trade actions on Chinese goods in Chapter 68.
- Base tariff is 0%, so the entire tax burden comes from the surtax.
🎯 2. 6815.19.00.00 —— Carbon Fibers / Non-Electrical Graphite Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6815.19.00.00 → Section 301 Footnote |
📌 Explanation:
- This code applies to carbon fibers and non-electrical graphite articles.
- If your "Low Ash Carbon Paste" is formulated into non-electrical components (e.g., high-purity graphite seals for chemical industry), this code may be more accurate.
- Same 25% surtax applies. No base tariff.
🛠️ Part IV: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (None Can Be Missing)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | ✔️ | Must specify Ash Content (%), binder type, graphite source, and physical state (paste/block/fiber). |
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | ✔️ | Lab results confirming "Low Ash" specification (e.g., <0.1% ash). |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state: “Low Ash Carbon Paste, Non-Electrical Use, HS Code 6815.99.41.70/6815.19.00.00”. |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Detail net/gross weight, package type (drums, buckets, bags). |
| ✅ Declaration of Non-Electrical Use | ✔️ | Critical! Must explicitly state if used for non-electrical applications to justify 6815.19.00.00. |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Show appearance, packaging, and labeling. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 “State Use Clearly, Ash Content Matters, Don’t Mix Electrical!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon paste for non-electrical sealing | 6815.19.00.00 + “Non-Electrical Graphite Article” |
Declare as “Electrode” → Wrong chapter |
| Generic carbon/graphite article | 6815.99.41.70 |
Misdeclare as “Carbon Fiber” without proof |
| Carbon fibers | 6815.19.00.00 |
Declare as “Paste” → Misclassification |
| Mixed shipment (paste + fibers) | Split Declaration | Combine into one line item → Audit risk |
✅ 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Is it Carbon Fiber or Paste? | If it is raw paste, do not use 6815.19.00.00 unless it is specifically for non-electrical articles. Prefer 6815.99.41.70 for ambiguous cases. |
| Electrical vs. Non-Electrical | If used for electrodes, this code set is wrong. Check Chapter 85. If unsure, declare as non-electrical and provide usage proof. |
| Low Ash Specification | High ash content may lead to classification as “natural graphite” (Chapter 25), which has different tariffs. Low ash is key to staying in Chapter 68. |
| Origin Labeling | Clearly mark “Made in China” on all packages to trigger correct surtax application and avoid delays. |
🌍 Part V: Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 6815.99.41.70 / 6815.19.00.00 |
25% | No specific certification, but strict origin enforcement | High surtax; ensure precise classification |
| 🇨🇳 China | 6815.99.41.70 |
0% (Most Favored Nation) | GB Standards | No surtax |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 6815.99.41 (CN8) |
6.5% | REACH Compliance | High environmental standards for ash content |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 6815.99.11 |
5% | JIS Standards | Strict testing for impurities |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA imposes a 25% surtax on all carbon/graphite articles under this classification.
- EU and Japan have base tariffs but no Section 301-style surtaxes.
- Compliance is critical: Misclassification can lead to 25% penalty + back taxes.
📌 Part VI: Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned from Blood & Tears)
❌ Error 1: Declaring “Carbon Paste” as “Graphite Natural” (Chapter 25)
👉 Consequence: Lower tariff, but false declaration → Penalties, audits, blacklisting.
👉 Fix: Provide COA proving low ash/high processing → Must be Chapter 68.
❌ Error 2: Using 6815.19.00.00 for electrical electrodes
👉 Consequence: Misclassification → 25% penalty + 20% additional duty (if electrical code is 8545 with different rates).
👉 Fix: Confirm end-use. If electrical, do not use this code set.
❌ Error 3: Ignoring “Ash Content” Specification
👉 Consequence: Customs may reclassify as “natural mineral” → Different tariff structure.
👉 Fix: Always include ash percentage < 0.5% (or low threshold) in TDS.
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
“Low Ash Carbon Paste, High Purity Graphite-based, Non-Electrical Use, Ash Content <0.1%, HS Code 6815.99.41.70, Made in China”
🎯 Part VII: Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves 25% Cost!
🎯 Remember the Mnemonic:
🔹 “Low Ash = Chapter 68, Non-Electrical = 6815.19, General = 6815.99”
🔹 “25% Surtax is Unavoidable for US, Plan Ahead!”
🔹 “Electrical or Not? Declare Clearly or Pay the Price!”
📌 Pro Tip:
- If your product is used for both electrical and non-electrical purposes, consider split shipments or pre-ruling to optimize tax.
- Always retain COA and TDS for at least 5 years for customs audit purposes.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Consult a licensed customs broker + Submit COA/TDS + Apply for Advance Ruling if volume is large.
🚀 Ensure smooth clearance, avoid 25% surprises, and maximize profit margins!
✨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
💼 Every percent of tax matters in global trade!
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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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.