Surfactant Spherical Graphite
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3801105010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815110000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815190000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2504105000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2803000010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
⚡ Surfactant-Spherical Graphite (表面改性球形石墨)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Surfactant-Spherical Graphite"?
Spherical graphite, especially when treated with surfactants (surface-modified), is a critical material used in lithium-ion battery anodes, carbon recycling, and high-end carbon products. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its physical state (powder vs. processed product) and chemical modification (surfactant coating).
Key Distinctions: 1. Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite: Treated with surfactants to improve dispersibility. Often classified under specific chemical preparations or advanced carbon products. 2. Raw Spherical Graphite (Natural/Artificial): Unprocessed spherical shape. Falls under natural graphite or elemental carbon. 3. Carbon Products: Processed graphite items not specifically named elsewhere (e.g., non-electrical).
⚠️ Critical Classification Point:
- If the material is primarily graphite powder with a surface treatment (surfactant), it may be classified as surface-modified spherical graphite (3801.10.50.10) due to the chemical modification.
- If it is basic spherical graphite without significant chemical processing, it falls under natural graphite (2504.10.50.00) or other carbon products (6815.xxxx).
- If it is elemental carbon in a specific form, it may be classified as carbon (2803.00.00.10).
📦 Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (China to US) |
|---|---|---|---|
3801.10.50.10 |
Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite Graphite treated with surfactants to enhance dispersion properties. |
Battery anode materials, conductive additives, high-end carbon composites. | 35% |
6815.11.00.00 |
Non-Electrical Carbon Products Graphite articles not intended for electrical use. |
Seals, bearings, mold parts, heat shields. | 35% |
6815.19.00.00 |
Other Graphite Articles Unspecified graphite products, including primary forms. |
General graphite parts, unprocessed spherical graphite (if not classified as natural). | 35% |
2504.10.50.00 |
Natural Graphite Flake or spherical natural graphite powder/granules. |
Raw material for synthetic graphite, lubricants, foundry facings. | 35% |
2803.00.00.10 |
Carbon (Elemental) Special form of carbon (graphite) in elemental state. |
Industrial carbon, pure graphite forms, scientific reagents. | 35% |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- Surfactant modification pushes the classification toward3801.10.50.10(Chemical Product) rather than raw material (2504).
- If the surfactant content is minimal and the product is essentially natural graphite, it may still fall under2504.10.50.00, but risk of reclassification exists.
-6815codes are for articles (finished products), not raw powders/pellets. If your product is powder, do not use6815.
-2803is for elemental carbon, which is rare for commercial graphite unless it’s ultra-pure or specific scientific grade.
💰 Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 3801.10.50.10 —— Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | +25% (Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (China-specific, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:3801.10.50.10 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- 25% USITC Surtax: From Section 301 of the Trade Act, targeting Chinese chemical/graphite products.
- 10% IEEPA Surtax: Additional tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for Chinese goods.
- Total 35%: High tariff, must be factored into cost structure.
🎯 2. 6815.11.00.00 & 6815.19.00.00 —— Non-Electrical & Other Graphite Articles
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | Same as above |
📌 Note:
- These codes apply if the graphite is in finished article form (e.g., seals, molds).
- Do not use these for powder or granular graphite. Misclassification can lead to penalties.
🎯 3. 2504.10.50.00 —— Natural Graphite
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible |
📌 Note:
- If your "surfactant-spherical graphite" is actually natural graphite with minor coating, it might be classified here.
- However, if the surfactant treatment is significant,3801.10.50.10is more accurate.
🎯 4. 2803.00.00.10 —— Carbon (Elemental)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible |
📌 Note:
- Rarely used for commercial graphite unless it’s ultra-pure elemental carbon.
- Use only if the product is chemically defined as elemental carbon and not as a graphite product.
🛠️ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
✅ 1. Required Documentation (No Exceptions)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must detail: surfactant type, concentration, particle size, sphericity index. |
| ✅ SDS (Safety Data Sheet) | ✔️ | To prove chemical composition and hazard class. |
| ✅ Third-Party Test Report | ✔️ | Confirm surfactant treatment and graphite purity (e.g., C% > 99%). |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly state "Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite" or "Natural Graphite Powder". |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Include net/gross weight, package dimensions. |
| ✅ Origin Certificate (CO) | ✔️ | If non-Chinese origin, may qualify for lower tariffs. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
🔥 "Modify = 3801, Raw = 2504, Article = 6815!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Graphite with surfactant coating | 3801.10.50.10 |
Misclassifying as 2504 → Penalty for misdeclaration |
| Natural spherical graphite powder | 2504.10.50.00 |
Misclassifying as 3801 → Overpaying tax |
| Graphite seals/bearings | 6815.11.00.00 |
Misclassifying as powder → Delayed clearance |
| Ultra-pure elemental carbon | 2803.00.00.10 |
Misclassifying as graphite product → Customs inquiry |
✅ 3. Special Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Custom Surfactant Treatment | Provide chemical formulation details to prove 3801 classification. |
| Mixed Shipments (Powder + Articles) | Declare separately. Do not mix 2504/3801 with 6815. |
| Battery Anode Material | Emphasize "Battery Grade" and provide MSDS for lithium-ion battery safety compliance. |
| Low Surfactant Content (<1%) | May still be classified as 2504, but risk of reclassification remains. Consult a customs broker. |
🌍 Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3801.10.50.10 |
35% | MSDS, Safety Data | High tariff due to Section 301 + IEEPA. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3801.10.50.10 |
5-13% | No special | Import tax applies; no surtax. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3802.90.50 |
6.5% | REACH, SDS | Different HS code structure; check EU TARIC. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 3801.10.90 |
5% | GHS Labeling | Lower tariff than US. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 3801.10.000 |
6% | JIS Standards | Moderate tariff. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA has the highest tariff (35%) due to trade tensions.
- EU and Australia have significantly lower tariffs but require REACH/GHS compliance.
- China imports at low rates, so this is primarily an export-focused tariff analysis.
📌 Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Declaring "Surfactant-Spherical Graphite" as 2504.10.50.00 (Natural Graphite)
👉 Consequence: Customs may reclassify it as 3801.10.50.10 → Back taxes + fines.
❌ Error 2: Declaring powder as 6815.11.00.00 (Graphite Article)
👉 Consequence: Misdeclaration of form → Seizure or return.
❌ Error 3: Not providing SDS or chemical composition details
👉 Consequence: Customs inability to verify surfactant treatment → Clearance delay.
❌ Error 4: Ignoring IEEPA 10% surtax
👉 Consequence: Underpayment → Penalties and interest.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite, 99.5% C, Surfactant-Coated, Battery Grade, MSDS Provided, Model XYZ"
🎯 Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money
🎯 Remember Mnemonic:
🔹 "Surfactant = 3801, Raw = 2504, Article = 6815!"
🔹 "HS Code defines tax, 35% in US, declare accurately to avoid penalties!"
📌 Tips:
- If your graphite is originating from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions → Tariff drops to 0-5%.
- Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to confirm 3801.10.50.10 eligibility.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide SDS + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure smooth clearance, reduce costs, and boost your profit margin!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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.