球形石墨增稠剂
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 |
| 3801105010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
⚫️ Spherical Graphite Thickener (球形石墨增稠剂)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Spherical Graphite"?
Spherical Graphite, as a modified form of natural graphite, is primarily used in lithium-ion battery anodes, refractory materials, and specialized carbon products. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its physical form, processing degree, and specific application. It is not a single fixed code but a dynamic category based on technical specifications.
⚠️ Key Distinction Points:
- If used as a raw carbon product without specific electrical conductivity focus → Falls under Chapter 68 (Articles of Stone) or Chapter 25 (Mineral Products).
- If chemically modified for surface properties → May fall under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
- If considered a basic form of carbon → Falls under Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Authorized Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the potential classifications for Spherical Graphite Thickener:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
6815.11.00.00 |
Spherical Graphite as Carbon Product | Non-electrical carbon articles, refractories, seals | Classified as a finished carbon article. Summary: "As a carbon product, it fits the classification of non-electrical carbon articles." |
3801.10.50.10 |
Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite | High-precision coatings, specialized thickeners, battery additives | Summary: "As surface-modified spherical graphite, material and morphological characteristics are highly consistent." |
6815.19.00.00 |
Other Graphite Articles | General purpose graphite shapes, non-specified carbon goods | Summary: "As other graphite articles, it belongs to primary form non-electrical carbon products." |
2504.10.50.00 |
Natural Graphite (Powder/Granular) | Raw material stage, less processed spherical forms | Summary: "As a processed form of natural graphite, it is in powder/granular morphology." |
2803.00.00.50 |
Other Forms of Carbon | Pure carbon substances, spherical morphology, no material conflict | Summary: "As other forms of carbon, spherical morphology, no material conflict." |
🔍 Critical Reminder:
- Shape Matters: The "spherical" nature is a key physical descriptor but doesn't automatically dictate a single HS code.
- Processing Level: Raw natural graphite (2504) vs. Processed Carbon Article (6815) vs. Chemically Modified Product (3801).
- Intended Use: If explicitly stated as a "thickener" in a chemical formulation,3801might be more appropriate. If sold as a raw industrial material,6815or2504is common.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 6815.11.00.00 —— Spherical Graphite as Carbon Product
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (Under Section 301, USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (Against Chinese/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Available (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:6815.11.00.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- The 25% USITC surcharge is part of the Section 301 trade war tariffs.
- The 10% IEEPA surcharge is an additional national security-related tariff.
- Total 35%: A significant cost factor that must be factored into pricing strategies.
🎯 2. 3801.10.50.10 —— Surface-Modified Spherical Graphite
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:3801.10.50.10 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Note:
- Despite being a "chemical modification," the tariff impact is identical to basic carbon articles due to the origin (China) and product nature.
- If the "thickener" aspect implies a mixture or solution, further classification may be needed, but pure spherical graphite modifications fall here.
🎯 3. 6815.19.00.00 —— Other Graphite Articles
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:6815.19.00.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
🎯 4. 2504.10.50.00 —— Natural Graphite (Powder/Granular)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:2504.10.50.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Warning:
- Even if classified as a raw mineral (2504), the trade war tariffs apply equally.
- Do not assume "raw material" status exempts you from Section 301 duties.
🎯 5. 2803.00.00.50 —— Other Forms of Carbon
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:2803.00.00.50 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Spec Sheet | ✔️ | Must detail morphology (spherical), particle size distribution, carbon content (≥99%), and ash content. |
| ✅ Process Description | ✔️ | Explain if it's "naturally occurring," "chemically exfoliated," or "mechanically sphericalized." Critical for 2504 vs. 6815 distinction. |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Clear images showing spherical shape under microscope (if possible) or bulk appearance. |
| ✅ MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | ✔️ | Required for carbon powders to confirm non-hazardous status. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Explicitly state: "Spherical Graphite for Thickener/Battery Anode Use." Avoid vague terms like "Graphite Powder." |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | Essential for verifying Chinese origin to apply (or defend against) the 35% tariff. |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Detail net/gross weight. Ensure no mixed shipments with other chemicals. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
🔥 “Shape Defines, Process Dictates, Origin Triggers Tax!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Raw natural spherical graphite | 2504.10.50.00 |
Misdeclare as 3801 → Potential penalty for misclassification |
| Chemically modified surface graphite | 3801.10.50.10 |
Declare as 6815 → May trigger scrutiny if chemical modification is evident |
| Finished carbon component (e.g., gasket) | 6815.11.00.00 |
Declare as 2504 → Under-tariff risk if it's a finished article |
| Pure carbon powder | 2803.00.00.50 |
Declare as 3801 → Unnecessary complexity unless surface treatment is key |
📌 Crucial Advice:
- If the product is primarily used as a thickener in a chemical mixture, consider if it should be classified as part of a mixture (3824or similar) rather than pure graphite. However, if sold as pure spherical graphite for this purpose,3801or6815is safer.
- Do not under-declare value. The 35% tariff is calculated on CIF. Undervaluation leads to severe penalties.
✅ 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Battery Grade vs. Refractory Grade | Battery grade often requires higher purity. Provide purity certificates (e.g., ≥99.9% C). This may influence the choice between 6815 and 2803. |
| Milled vs. Spherical | Ensure "Spherical" is clearly stated. If irregular, it might be 6815.19.00.00 or 2504.10.50.00. Sphericity adds value but not necessarily a different tariff rate in this context. |
| Sample Imports | Even for samples, declare value accurately. No de minimis exemption applies. |
| Transshipment | If shipped via Vietnam/Malaysia, DO NOT use false origin labels. US Customs aggressively audits Chinese-origin graphite. |
🌍 V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 6815.11.00.00 / 3801.10.50.10 |
35% | No specific, but MSDS required | High tariff barrier. Consider supply chain diversification. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2504.10.50.00 |
5% | None | Low domestic tax. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 2504.10.00 |
0% - 5% | REACH Registration | No Section 301 equivalents. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 2504.10.50.00 |
5% | None | Standard GST applies. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 3801.10.90 |
0% - 5% | Chemical Substances Control Law | Generally favorable. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to the 35% combined tariff.
- EU and Asia offer lower barriers, making them preferable for distribution if US duties are prohibitive.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Declaring "Spherical Graphite" as "Carbon Black"
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code, potential 5-10% difference, but more importantly, misrepresentation of chemical nature.
❌ Error 2: Ignoring the "Spherical" aspect and declaring as "Flake Graphite"
👉 Consequence: May affect duty-free status in some countries if specific shape exemptions exist (rare in US, but relevant elsewhere).
❌ Error 3: Failing to provide purity certificates for "Battery Grade" graphite
👉 Consequence: Customs may downgrade the classification to lower-grade natural graphite (2504), leading to audits.
❌ Error 4: Assuming "Thickener" implies a chemical mixture (3824)
👉 Consequence: If it's pure graphite, 3824 is incorrect. Stick to 3801 or 6815.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Spherical Graphite, Natural Origin, Chemically Treated, Particle Size D50: 15µm, Carbon Content ≥99.9%, For Use as Thickener in Polymer Composites, Model SG-15, MSDS Attached."
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Efficiency, Smooth Clearance
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Spherical Shape, Carbon Article, 35% Tax, No Exemption, Origin is Key!"
🔹 "HS Code Choice Changes Strategy, 35% is the New Normal for US Imports!"
📌 Tips:
If your spherical graphite is sourced from Mozambique, Brazil, or Madagascar, it may avoid the US Section 301/IEEPA surcharges, reducing the tariff to 0%~5%.
Recommendation: Conduct Advance Ruling with US CBP if importing large volumes to ensure classification certainty.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure your spherical graphite thickener clears customs efficiently, avoids penalties, and maximizes profit margins!
✨ Professional Customs 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.