Silicon Carbide Single Crystal Material
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8541100040 | 60.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8541590040 | 60.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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βοΈ Silicon Carbide (SiC) Single Crystal Material
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Silicon Carbide Single Crystal Material"?
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Single Crystal Material is the foundational substrate for Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices. It is not the finished chip itself, but the high-purity crystal wafers used to manufacture next-generation power electronics (EVs, 5G infrastructure, solar inverters).
In international trade, this product is strictly classified under Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment), specifically as semiconductor devices/components, rather than Chapter 71 (Minerals) or Chapter 38 (Chemical products), due to its intended electronic function.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- SiC Single Crystal Wafer/Die: Unmounted chips, dice, or wafers. β HS Code 8541.10.00.40 / 8541.59.00.40
- Finished SiC MOSFETs/Diodes: Assembled semiconductor devices. β Different HS Code (e.g., 8541.29, 8541.30)
- Raw SiC Powder: Not single crystal. β HS Code 2849 (Silicides) or 3824π Critical Note:
The provided data explicitly covers "Unmounted chips, dice and wafers". If your product is a polished wafer or a singulated die (chip) ready for packaging, it falls under these codes.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided <DATA>, Silicon Carbide Single Crystal Material (as unmounted wafers/chips) is classified into two specific sub-categories depending on whether it is a standard diode material or "other" semiconductor device.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
8541.10.00.40 |
Diodes, other than photosensitive or light-emitting diodes (LED): Unmounted chips, dice and wafers | Standard SiC Diodes (Schottky), Rectifiers, Raw SiC Wafers intended for diode manufacturing | β Included |
8541.59.00.40 |
Other semiconductor devices: Other: Unmounted chips, dice and wafers | SiC Wafers/Dies for MOSFETs, IGBTs, or other non-diode semiconductor applications | β Included |
π Explanation:
- 8541.10.00.40: Specifically targets Diodes. Since SiC is widely used for high-voltage Diodes (SBDs), raw SiC wafers destined for this purpose are often classified here.
- 8541.59.00.40: A catch-all for "Other semiconductor devices". If the SiC wafer is specifically for transistors (MOSFETs) or complex ICs, and doesn't fit "Diodes," this code is used.
- Both codes explicitly include "Unmounted chips, dice and wafers", which is the standard form of SiC Single Crystal Material before packaging.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (High Penalty Alert)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on 50% surcharge structure)
β Effective Date: Ongoing (Section 301 & IEEPA measures)
π― Both 8541.10.00.40 and 8541.59.00.40
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Most Favored Nation / General Rate for semiconductors) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 50.0% (Add-on Tariff) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 50.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 50.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible (Section 321 de minimis does not apply to Section 301 items from China) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:8541.10.00.40 / USITC:8541.59.00.40 + Section 301 List 4C |
π Interpretation:
- The Base Tariff is 0%, which is standard for many high-tech components.
- However, the 50% Surcharge is catastrophic for cost structures. This is not a standard tariff; it is a political/trade war penalty.
- No exemptions are visible in the provided data for "Single Crystal Material" specifically.
- Total Cost Impact: If you import $10,000 worth of SiC wafers, you pay $5,000 in duties alone, excluding freight and insurance.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ Mandatory | Must explicitly state: "Silicon Carbide (SiC) Single Crystal Wafer/Die", Purity (e.g., 6N), Diameter (e.g., 6 inch/8 inch), Orientation (e.g., 4H-SiC). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Mandatory | Description must match HS Code exactly: "Unmounted SiC Semiconductor Wafers/Dies" β Do NOT use vague terms like "Raw Material" or "Ceramic". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ Mandatory | Detail weight per wafer, number of wafers per tray, and total pieces. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ Mandatory | Crucial for proving origin. If not China, check for exemptions. |
| β End-Use Declaration | βοΈ Recommended | State that these are for semiconductor device manufacturing (not final consumer electronics). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Be Precise: 'Wafer' not 'Wafer', 'Single Crystal' not 'Crystal'!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| SiC Wafers for Diodes | 8541.10.00.40 - "Unmounted Chips/Dice/Wafers of Diodes" |
"SiC Raw Material" | Risk of rejection or reclassification |
| SiC Wafers for MOSFETs | 8541.59.00.40 - "Unmounted Chips/Dice/Wafers of Other Semiconductor Devices" |
"Ceramic Substrates" | Wrong HS Code, potential penalties |
| Finished SiC Chips | Different HS (e.g., 8541.29) | 8541.10.00.40 |
Under-declaration, fines + 50% back-tariff |
| SiC Powder | 2849.00.00.00 or 3824.99 |
8541.10.00.40 |
Wrong Classification, 50% penalty on wrong item |
π Crucial Tip:
- Do NOT declare as "Mineral" or "Metal" (e.g., HS 71 or 81). The customs authority knows SiC is a semiconductor material.
- If the product is polished and lapped, it is definitely "Wafer/Die" under 8541.
- If it is unpolished rough crystal, argue for 8541 but provide strong lab reports proving it is for semiconductor use.
β 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Situation | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| Origin is NOT China (e.g., US, Japan, Europe) | Check if your country has exemptions from Section 301. Tax may be 0% or lower. |
| Transshipment via Mexico/Vietnam | HIGH RISK. US Customs scrutinizes "Rules of Origin". If SiC is mined/grown in China and just processed in Mexico, it may still be deemed "Chinese Origin" β 50% Tax applies. |
| R&D Samples | Apply for Temporary Import Bond or specific Exclusion Requests if available. Not guaranteed. |
| High Value, Low Volume | Consider Section 301 Exclusion Program (if active) for specific SiC wafers not available in the US. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8541.10.00.40 / 8541.59.00.40 |
50.0% | Extremely high. Supply chain relocation is critical. |
| π¨π³ China | 8541.10.00.40 / 8541.59.00.40 |
0%~5% | Low import tariff. China is a major SiC producer. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8541.10.00 / 8541.59.00 |
0% (Mostly) | Check if any countervailing duties apply. Generally friendlier than US. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8541.10.00 / 8541.59.00 |
0% | Free Trade Agreement (JTEPA) may apply. |
| π°π· South Korea | 8541.10.00 / 8541.59.00 |
0% | KORUS FTA benefits. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the only major market with a 50% penalty on SiC single crystal materials from China.
- Global supply chains are shifting to non-China sources (e.g., Wolfspeed in US, ROHM in Japan) to avoid this tariff.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring SiC Wafers as "Ceramic Insulators" (HS 6909)
π Consequence: Customs rejects, asks for proof. If proven semiconductor use, back-tariff + 50% penalty on misdeclaration.
β Error 2: Using "Raw SiC" as description
π Consequence: Ambiguity. Customs may classify as chemical (HS 2849) or mineral. If reclassified, tax rate may vary, but 301 penalty likely remains.
β Error 3: Ignoring the "Unmounted Chips/Dice/Wafers" clause
π Consequence: If declared as "Semiconductor Devices" without specifying "Unmounted", it may be misclassified as finished devices, leading to audit.
β Correct Practice:
"Silicon Carbide (4H-SiC) Single Crystal Wafer, Diameter: 150mm, Orientation: 4H, Surface: Polished, For Semiconductor Device Manufacturing"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Control, Efficiency
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "SiC Wafer = Semiconductor = HS 8541"
πΉ "China Origin = 50% Tax = Plan Ahead!"
πΉ "Documentation is King: Proof of Semiconductor Use is Mandatory"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing SiC Single Crystal Material for commercial production, consider:
1. Advance Ruling: Request a binding tariff opinion from US Customs.
2. Supply Chain Diversification: Source from non-Chinese origins to avoid the 50% penalty.
3. Duty Drawback: If you manufacture goods in the US from these SiC wafers, you may claim duty drawbacks on exports.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker specializing in Semiconductors.
π Provide detailed product specs to confirm if8541.10or8541.59is more appropriate for your specific SiC application (Diode vs. Transistor).
π Optimize Your Supply Chain to mitigate the 50% tariff impact!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Matters in the Semiconductor Industry!
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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) 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.