Spherical Graphite Thickener
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6815110000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815190000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2504105000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815110000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
⚫️ Spherical Graphite Thickener / Spherical Graphite (球形石墨浓缩物/制品)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Understand "Spherical Graphite"?
Spherical graphite is a high-value processed form of natural graphite. Through high-temperature thermal treatment, the flaky structure of natural graphite is transformed into a spherical morphology, significantly improving purity, flowability, and electrochemical performance. It is primarily used in Lithium-ion battery anodes, lubricants, refractories, and seal materials.
In international trade, classification depends on the processing depth and physical form:
- Raw/Primary Form (Powder/Granules): Treated natural graphite, often classified under Chapter 25.
- Graphite Products/Articles: Processed into specific shapes or highly purified forms, often classified under Chapter 68 (unless specified otherwise).
- Surface-Modified Graphite: Chemically treated spherical graphite, potentially falling under chemical preparations.
⚠️ Key Distinction Point: - If it is natural graphite powder/granules (even if processed into spheres) → Often classified as 2504.10.50.00. - If it is final graphite articles or specific carbon products → Often classified as 6815.11.00.00 or 6815.19.00.00. - If it is chemically modified for specific industrial uses → Potentially 3801.10.50.10.
📦 Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
2504.10.50.00 |
Natural Graphite, Other Forms | Raw materials for batteries, lubricants | Natural source, processed into spherical powder/granules. Classified as "Other" natural graphite. |
6815.11.00.00 |
Graphite Articles, Spherical | Carbon products for non-electrical uses | Spherical shape, graphite material. Fits non-electrical carbon product category. |
6815.19.00.00 |
Other Graphite Articles | General graphite products | Primary form or other shapes. Non-electrical carbon product attributes. |
3801.10.50.10 |
Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite | High-performance battery anodes, specialty lubricants | Chemically modified, highly consistent with target codes for specialized graphite. |
🔍 Critical Note: -
2504.10.50.00is often used for bulk raw spherical graphite derived directly from natural sources. -6815.11.00.00and6815.19.00.00are used for graphite articles or semi-finished carbon products. If the graphite is considered an "article" or refined carbon product, these codes apply. -3801.10.50.10applies if the spherical graphite has undergone surface modification (chemical treatment) to enhance specific properties (e.g., coating for battery anodes).
💰 Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: As per current USITC and USTR regulations (2026 context)
🎯 1. 2504.10.50.00 —— Natural Graphite, Other Forms
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable (Deny de minimis for Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2504.10.50.00 → SECTION301:2504 → SECTION122:2504 |
📌 Explanation: - Base Rate: 0% for natural graphite. - 301 Tariff: 25% additional duty on Chinese goods under Section 301 of the Trade Act. - Section 122 Tariff: 10% additional duty under Section 122 of the Trade Act (national security/emergency powers). - Total: 35%. This is a high-cost entry for raw material imports.
🎯 2. 6815.11.00.00 —— Graphite Articles, Spherical
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6815.11.00.00 → SECTION301:6815 → SECTION122:6815 |
📌 Explanation: - Even though it is a "processed article," the base tariff remains 0%, but the additional tariffs remain at 35%. - Classification as "Graphite Articles" rather than "Natural Graphite" does not reduce the tariff burden under current US-China trade policies.
🎯 3. 3801.10.50.10 —— Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3801.10.50.10 → SECTION301:3801 → SECTION122:3801 |
📌 Explanation: - Chemical modification moves the product to Chapter 38, but the additional tariffs remain unchanged. - This code is used for highly specialized, treated graphite, often for battery anodes.
🎯 4. 6815.19.00.00 —— Other Graphite Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6815.19.00.00 → SECTION301:6815 → SECTION122:6815 |
📌 Explanation: - Covers other graphite products not specified in 6815.11. - Same tariff structure: 35% total.
🛠️ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (实战避坑指南)
✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must detail: Particle size (D50/D90), Purity (%), Moisture content, Spherical ratio. |
| ✅ Process Flow Chart | ✔️ | To distinguish between "Natural Processing" (Chapter 25) vs. "Chemical Modification" (Chapter 38). |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Clear images of packaging, labels, and sample morphology. |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | Essential for verifying Chinese origin and applying/additional tariffs. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly state "Spherical Graphite" and HS Code. Avoid vague terms like "Carbon Powder." |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Include net/gross weight, pallet count, and material safety data (if applicable). |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
🔥 "Clarify Form, State Origin, Specify Treatment!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Spherical Graphite | 2504.10.50.00 - "Spherical Natural Graphite Powder" |
"Graphite Carbon" → Risk of misclassification. |
| Processed Graphite Product | 6815.11.00.00 - "Spherical Graphite Articles" |
"Battery Material" → Vague, may delay inspection. |
| Coated/Modified Graphite | 3801.10.50.10 - "Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite" |
"Graphite" → Fails to capture chemical treatment. |
| Any of the Above | Always declare Chinese Origin | Hiding origin → Severe penalties, seizure. |
✅ 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Battery Anode Material | If destined for EV battery manufacturing, ensure it matches 3801.10.50.10 if coated. If raw, 2504.10.50.00 is safer. |
| Importer Security Filing (AMS) | Must include Manufacturer Name & Address in China. Failure leads to $5,000+ fines per shipment. |
| Section 301 Exclusions | Check if the specific HS Code was excluded from Section 301 tariffs in 2026. (Current data shows no exclusion for these codes). |
| Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD) | Graphite products may be subject to separate AD/CVD proceedings. Verify if additional duties apply. |
🌍 Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Tariff (China Origin) | Certification/Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 2504.10.50.00 / 6815.11.00.00 |
35% (Base 0% + 301 25% + 122 10%) | High compliance risk. Requires detailed origin proof. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 2504.10.00 / 6815.10.00 |
0% (Most Favourable Rate) | REACH registration required for chemical substances. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2504.10.90 / 6815.11.00 |
0% (Export) | VAT refund available for export. |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | 2504.10.00 |
5% | Free Zone benefits may apply. |
| 🇮🇳 India | 2504.10.00 |
7.5% | BCD (Basic Customs Duty) + SWS. |
📌 Conclusion: - USA is the most challenging market due to the 35% total tariff rate. - EU and other markets offer significantly lower tariffs, but require REACH or local chemical compliance. - Cost Strategy: Consider sourcing from non-Chinese origins (e.g., Brazil, Mongolia) if possible to avoid Section 301/122 tariffs.
📌 Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
❌ Error 1: Declaring "Graphite" without specifying "Spherical" or "Natural"
👉 Consequence: Customs may classify under a higher tariff or require re-inspection → Delays.
❌ Error 2: Using "Carbon Black" or "Activated Carbon" for Spherical Graphite
👉 Consequence: Misclassification → Penalties and Back Taxes.
❌ Error 3: Failing to disclose Chinese Origin
👉 Consequence: 100% Tariff + Potential Fraud Charges.
❌ Error 4: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
👉 Consequence: Underpayment of duties → Seizure and Legal Action.
✅ Correct Approach:
"Spherical Graphite, Natural Origin, Processed for Battery Anodes, Purity >99%, Particle Size 15-25 microns, Made in China"
🎯 Part 7: Conclusion: Precision Classification, Cost Optimization!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Nature vs. Modification: 2504 vs. 3801"
🔹 "Section 301 & 122: 35% is the Price of China"
🔹 "Be Specific: Spherical, Natural, Processed"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your spherical graphite is destined for EV batteries, consult a trade lawyer to determine if 3801.10.50.10 (Modified) offers any strategic advantages in domestic classification vs. import duties. Currently, all codes carry 35% total tariff.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a Licensed Customs Broker
📄 Prepare Detailed Technical Data Sheets
🚀 Plan for 35% Tariff Impact in Your Costing Model
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Your Cost Efficiency Depends on Every Digit of the HS Code!
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) — 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.