Purified Synthetic Graphite Powder
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2504900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2504105000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801101000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
๐ธ๏ธ Purified Synthetic Graphite Powder (Carbon Black/Anthracite derivatives)
๐ HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Synthetic Graphite"?
Purified Synthetic Graphite Powder is a high-performance carbon material produced by subjecting petroleum coke, coal tar pitch, or other carbon precursors to high-temperature graphitization (typically >2800ยฐC), followed by chemical purification to remove impurities. Unlike natural graphite (mined), synthetic graphite is man-made, offering superior purity, uniform particle size, and electrical/thermal conductivity.
In international trade, it is strictly distinguished from Natural Graphite by its origin and manufacturing process.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is mined, crushed, and purified from nature โ Falls under Chapter 25 (Natural Graphite)
- If the product is manufactured via high-temp graphitization (even if starting from natural precursors, if the structure is synthetically altered/created) โ Falls under Chapter 38 (Artificial/Colloidal Graphite)
- Note: Customs often scrutinize the "Synthetic" claim. If the chemical structure is unchanged from natural origin, it may still be 2504. However, standard "Synthetic Graphite" is classified under 3801.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityๅฏน็ ง)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the relevant codes and tax implications for Graphite products. Note that while your query specifies "Synthetic," the dataset includes both Natural and Artificial codes. Purified Synthetic Graphite Powder generally falls under 3801.10 (Artificial Graphite).
| HS Code | Product Description | Scenario | Natural vs. Synthetic? |
|---|---|---|---|
3801.10.50.90 |
Artificial Graphite; Other Other | Synthetic Graphite Powder (Standard industrial grade, anode material precursor, lubricants) | โ Synthetic |
3801.10.10.00 |
Artificial Graphite: Plates, rods, powder... for manufacturing brushes | Synthetic Graphite Powder (Specifically for electric brushes) | โ Synthetic |
2504.90.00.00 |
Natural graphite: Other | Purified Natural Graphite (Non-flake, non-powder specific, or generic natural) | โ Natural |
2504.10.50.00 |
Natural graphite: In powder or in flakes: Other | Natural Graphite Powder/Flakes (Mined origin) | โ Natural |
๐ Critical Reminder:
- Synthetic Graphite Powder is predominantly classified under 3801.10.50.90.
- If the powder is specifically for electric brushes, it may fall under 3801.10.10.00.
- Do NOT misdeclare Synthetic Graphite as Natural (2504) to try and avoid duties if the origin is synthetic; customs checks density, purity, and production certificates. Conversely, declaring Natural as Synthetic may also trigger scrutiny.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
โ Applicable Country: USA (US)
โ Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on common trade context; adjust if origin differs)
โ Effective Time: Current US Trade Policy (Section 301 & IEEPA)
๐ฏ 1. 3801.10.50.90 โโ Artificial Graphite: Other (Most Common for Synthetic Powder)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tax | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | See Note Below |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% (Base 0% + 25%) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable (Section 301 goods generally excluded from de minimis if value exceeds threshold or specifically listed) |
| Legal Path | USITC:3801.10.50.90 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 (Section 301) |
๐ Explanation:
- The Base Rate is 0% for artificial graphite.
- However, 25% Additional Tariff applies under Section 301 (Trade Relations with China).
- Note on IEEPA: The provided<DATA>only lists "Base: 0%, Additional: 25%". It does not explicitly list an extra IEEPA 10% for this specific code in the snippet. Strictly adhering to the provided data, the total is 25%. If general IEEPA rules apply to your specific origin/date, an extra 10% might apply, but based only on the input data, it is 25%.
๐ฏ 2. 3801.10.10.00 โโ Artificial Graphite for Electric Brushes
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tax | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Likely applicable (if under threshold) |
| Legal Path | USITC:3801.10.10.00 |
๐ Explanation:
- This code has 0% Total Tariff.
- Caution: This code is highly specific. It requires the powder to be wholly or partly manufactured for the purpose of manufacturing brushes. If the powder is general-purpose (e.g., for lithium-ion battery anodes), using this code is fraud and will lead to severe penalties.
- Only use if the powder is processed/graded specifically for brush application.
๐ซ 3. Natural Graphite Codes (2504.90.00.00 & 2504.10.50.00)
| HS Code | Description | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|
2504.90.00.00 |
Natural Graphite: Other | 25.0% |
2504.10.50.00 |
Natural Graphite: Powder/Flakes | 25.0% |
๐ Explanation:
- Even though these are Natural, they are NOT 0%.
- Section 301 Additional Tax of 25% applies to Natural Graphite from China.
- Do not assume Natural = Free Tax. The 25% surcharge is broad.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
โ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| โ Certificate of Origin (CO) | โ๏ธ | To prove country of origin. |
| โ Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | โ๏ธ | Graphite is generally non-hazardous, but required for shipping. |
| โ Manufacturing Process Statement | โ๏ธ | CRITICAL. Explicitly state "Synthetic" (via graphitization of petroleum coke/coal tar) vs. "Natural" (mined). Customs may request this to distinguish between 3801 and 2504. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Clearly describe as "Synthetic Graphite Powder" or "Purified Graphite". Avoid vague terms like "Carbon Powder". |
| โ Technical Data Sheet | โ๏ธ | Shows purity %, particle size (D50), and ash content. Helps verify if it fits 3801.10.50.90. |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Net/Gross weight, package type. |
โ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
๐ฅ "Synthetic is 3801, Natural is 2504, Both pay 25%, Unless it's for Brushes!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tax Rate | Risk if Misdeclared |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Synthetic Powder (e.g., for batteries, crucibles) | 3801.10.50.90 |
25% | If declared as Natural (2504), same 25% but high risk of penalty for false origin declaration. |
| Powder for Electric Brushes | 3801.10.10.00 |
0% | High Risk. If not used for brushes, customs will reclassify to 3801.10.50.90 โ Backpay 25% + Penalties. |
| Natural Graphite Powder | 2504.10.50.00 |
25% | If declared as Synthetic, no tax benefit, but procedural error. |
| Import from Non-China Origin (e.g., Vietnam) | Varies | Check FTAs | If Vietnam origin, may be exempt from 301 tariffs. Ensure CO is valid. |
โ 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Battery Anode Material | Often classified under 3801.10.50.90. Ensure "Synthetic" is documented. Some analysts argue for 8545 (Graphite electrodes) if shaped, but powder is 3801. |
| Purity Level | High purity (>99.9%) synthetic graphite is still 3801.10.50.90. Purity does not change the HS code in this chapter. |
| Origin Fraud | Do not label Chinese synthetic graphite as "Vietnamese" to avoid 25%. US CBP uses density, isotopic, and chemical fingerprinting to detect origin fraud. |
| Brush Application | Only use 3801.10.10.00 if you have proof (spec sheets, customer orders) that the powder is designed/graded for brushes. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 3801.10.50.90 |
25% | Section 301 applies. No base tax. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 3801.10.90 |
~4.5% + VAT | No Section 301 equivalent, but anti-dumping may apply depending on specific grade. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 3801.10.90 |
0% | Export duty may apply if any, but generally 0% for graphite powder. |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 3801.10.90 |
~7.5% | Basic Customs Duty + SWS. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the most critical market for tariff planning.
- 25% duty is unavoidable for Chinese-origin synthetic graphite powder (3801.10.50.90).
- Optimize by:
1. Ensuring correct declaration to avoid delays.
2. Checking if any part of the product can be classified under3801.10.10.00(0% tax) if legitimately used for brushes.
3. Considering supply chain diversification (non-China origin) for US market to avoid 301 tariffs.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring Synthetic Graphite as "Carbon Black" (3802.10)
๐ Result: Wrong HS code. Carbon Black is from incomplete combustion; Graphite is from graphitization. Different chemical structure, different tax treatment. Risk of reclassification.
โ Mistake 2: Using 3801.10.10.00 (0% tax) for general battery-grade powder
๐ Result: Customs audit reveals powder is not for brushes. Backpay 25% + Interest + Penalties.
โ Mistake 3: Assuming Natural Graphite (2504) is cheaper
๐ Result: Both Natural (2504) and Synthetic (3801) from China face 25% additional tax. No cost advantage. Choose based on product specs, not tariff.
โ Correct Action:
"Synthetic Graphite Powder, High Purity, for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes, Manufactured via Graphitization of Petroleum Coke, HS Code: 3801.10.50.90"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Precise Declaration Saves Money
๐ฏ Remember:
๐น "Synthetic = 3801, Natural = 2504"
๐น "Both pay 25% (China Origin), Unless for Brushes (0%)"
๐น "Documentation is King: Prove Synthetic vs. Natural"
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider applying for an HS Code Advance Ruling from US CBP to confirm the classification of 3801.10.50.90 vs. 3801.10.10.00 based on your specific product specs. This provides legal certainty.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Consult with a licensed customs broker.
๐ Prepare Manufacturing Process Statements.
๐ Ensure your Commercial Invoice accurately reflects "Synthetic" to avoid customs holds.
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Your Profit Margin Depends on Your HS Code!
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.