石墨基电极膏
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3801105090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801300000 | 39.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6903100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6903900050 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3801105090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🧪 Graphite Electrode Paste (Graphite-Based Electrode Paste)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategies
📌 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Graphite Electrode Paste"?
Graphite Electrode Paste is a crucial carbonaceous material primarily used as a binder and additive in the manufacturing of graphite electrodes for electric arc furnaces (EAF). In international trade, its classification hinges on its material composition (artificial vs. natural/graphitized) and physical form (paste/powder vs. finished electrode).
Key Distinctions for Classification: * Artificial Graphite Content: If the paste is predominantly made from artificial graphite (calcined petroleum coke or anthracite mixed with coal tar pitch), it often falls under Chapter 38. * Carbonaceous Paste Form: If characterized broadly as carbonaceous paste for furnace lining or electrode construction, it may fall under Chapter 38 or Chapter 69 depending on specific material definitions and binding agents. * Refractory Nature: If viewed strictly as a non-clay ceramic/carbide refractory material used in high-temperature applications, it might be classified under Chapter 69.
⚠️ Critical Differentiation Point:
- If the primary characteristic is "Artificial Graphite" material → HS Code 3801.10.50.90
- If the primary characteristic is "Carbonaceous Paste for Furnaces" → HS Code 3801.30.00.00
- If classified as "Non-clay Refractory Ceramic/Carbon Product" → HS Codes 6903.10.00.00 or 6903.90.00.50
📦 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Code mappings for Graphite Electrode Paste:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Logic | Tariff Category |
|---|---|---|---|
3801.10.50.90 |
Artificial Graphite (Paste Form) | Material is artificial graphite, fitting the "Artificial Graphite" material requirement. | Carbonaceous Material |
3801.30.00.00 |
Carbonaceous Paste (Furnace Lining/Electrode) | Carbonaceous paste/paste-like furnace linings for electrodes. | Carbonaceous Paste |
6903.10.00.00 |
Refractory Ceramic/Carbon Product (High Free Carbon) | High-free-carbon ceramic/carbon products, shape falls under refractory materials. | Refractory Product |
6903.90.00.50 |
Other Refractory Ceramic Products (Non-Clay) | Non-clay material graphite fits "Other Refractory Ceramic Products" non-clay definition. | Refractory Product |
🔍 Important Note:
- 3801.10.50.90 and 3801.30.00.00 are within Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products), focusing on the chemical/carbon material aspect.
- 6903.10.00.00 and 6903.90.00.50 are within Chapter 69 (Ceramic Products), focusing on the refractory/structural aspect.
- The choice depends on how customs authorities interpret the primary function and material description in your commercial invoice.
💰 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (inclusive of subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 3801.10.50.90 —— Artificial Graphite (Fitting Material Requirement)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible (High value industrial chemical) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3801.10.50.90 → Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 → Section 122: 10% |
📌 Explanation:
- "Section 301 Surcharge 25%" applies to goods of Chinese origin under the Trade Promotion Authority.
- "122 Section Tariff 10%" is an additional punitive tariff.
- Total 35% is a significant cost driver.
🎯 2. 3801.30.00.00 —— Electrode Carbonaceous Paste / Furnace Lining Paste
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 4.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 39.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3801.30.00.00 → Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 → Section 122: 10% |
📌 Note:
- Base rate is 4.9%, but with surcharges, it exceeds 39%.
- This classification applies if the product is explicitly described as "paste for furnace lining" or "electrode paste" in a general carbonaceous context.
🎯 3. 6903.10.00.00 —— Refractory Carbon/Ceramic Product (High Free Carbon)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6903.10.00.00 → Section 301 → Section 122 |
📌 Explanation:
- Classified as a refractory product with high free carbon content.
- Same total tariff as3801.10.50.90due to zero base rate.
🎯 4. 6903.90.00.50 —— Other Refractory Ceramic Products (Non-Clay)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6903.90.00.50 → Section 301 → Section 122 |
📌 Note:
- Graphite is considered a non-clay refractory material.
- If customs views the paste as a "refractory component" rather than a "chemical product," this code applies.
- Total 35%.
🛠️ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must specify: Artificial vs. Natural Graphite ratio, Carbon content %, Binder type (Coal Tar Pitch), Viscosity/Density. |
| ✅ Formula/Composition List | ✔️ | Detailed breakdown of ingredients to justify "Artificial Graphite" vs. "General Carbon Paste". |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Clear images of packaging, labels, and product texture (paste form). |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must accurately describe the product as "Graphite Electrode Paste" or "Carbonaceous Paste" with precise HS Code. |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Weight and dimensions. |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin | ✔️ | Essential for origin verification and potential future exemption claims. |
| ✅ FCC/CE Certificates | ❌ | Not typically required for industrial chemicals/pastes unless specified by buyer. |
✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
🔥 "Material First, Function Second, Name Precise, Tax Clear!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration Approach | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| High Artificial Graphite Content | Use 3801.10.50.90. Emphasize "Artificial Graphite" in description. |
Mislabeling as "Clay Refractory" → Risk of re-classification. |
| General Carbon Paste for Furnaces | Use 3801.30.00.00. Describe as "Carbonaceous Paste for Electrodes". |
Vague terms like "Industrial Carbon Material" → Delays. |
| Refractory Context | Use 6903.10.00.00 or 6903.90.00.50. Highlight "Refractory Grade" and "Non-Clay". |
Ignoring refractory properties → Incorrect Chapter 38/69 split. |
✅ 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Paste | Provide client contract + technical datasheet. Prove it's a specialized industrial input, not a general consumer good. |
| Mixed Origin Components | If binder is from China but graphite filler is from elsewhere, consult customs on substantial transformation rules. |
| High-Value Shipments | Consider applying for an Advance Ruling to lock in the HS Code and avoid post-entry audits. |
| Packaging Integrity | Ensure paste is sealed in non-porous containers to prevent leakage, which could trigger hazardous material inspections (though usually non-hazardous, smell may raise flags). |
🌍 5. Global Market Comparison for Graphite Electrode Paste (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Tariff (China Origin) | Key Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3801.10.50.90 / 3801.30.00.00 |
35% - 39.9% | Section 301 + 122 Surtaxes Apply | High tariff burden. Critical to choose precise code. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3801.10.50.90 |
0-5% | Standard Export Declarations | No surtaxes for exports. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3801.30.90 / 6903.90 |
0-6.5% | REACH Registration | REACH compliance is mandatory for carbon materials. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 3801.30.00.00 |
0-3% | JIS Standards | Generally low tariffs. |
| 🇮🇳 India | 3801.10.00 |
7.5-10% | BIS Certification | May require additional testing. |
📌 Conclusion:
- The USA imposes the highest costs due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs.
- Europe requires REACH registration, which can be a hidden cost/time barrier.
- Precision in HS Code selection in the US directly impacts profitability (35% vs 39.9% difference is marginal but relevant for high volumes).
📌 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned the Hard Way)
❌ Error 1: Describing product vaguely as "Carbon Paste" without specifying "Artificial" vs "Natural" or "Refractory".
👉 Consequence: Customs may assign a different code with higher base rates or trigger an audit for missing technical data.
❌ Error 2: Classifying as "General Chemical" (Chapter 38) when it is clearly a "Refractory Product" (Chapter 69) or vice versa.
👉 Consequence: Delayed clearance, potential penalties for misdeclaration. Although total rates are similar (35% vs 39.9%), the legal basis differs.
❌ Error 3: Ignoring the 122 Section Tariff.
👉 Consequence: Many importers forget the additional 10% punitive tariff. Ensure your broker includes it in the quote.
❌ Error 4: Providing incomplete technical data sheets.
👉 Consequence: Customs may request additional info, holding the cargo at the port. Daily demurrage fees can exceed the tariff savings.
✅ Correct Approach:
"Graphite Electrode Paste, Artificial Graphite based, Coal Tar Pitch binder, High Purity, Industrial Grade, for Electric Arc Furnaces, Model XYZ, REACH Compliant (if EU), FCC Not Applicable."
🎯 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration for Cost Efficiency
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Artificial Graphite = 35%, Carbon Paste = 39.9%, Refractory = 35%. Check Base Rate First!"
🔹 "Section 301 + 122 = 35%+ Surtax. No De Minimis. Declare Accurately."
📌 Pro Tip:
If your graphite filler is sourced from non-Chinese countries (e.g., Vietnam, Russia, Brazil), the Section 301 and 122 tariffs may not apply to the graphite component. However, if the final paste is manufactured in China, the surcharges likely still apply to the finished good. Consult a customs attorney for Substantial Transformation arguments if parts are sourced globally.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Engage a Licensed Customs Broker
📄 Submit Technical Datasheet + Formula Breakdown
🚀 Apply for Advance Ruling to lock in HS Code3801.10.50.90or3801.30.00.00before shipment.
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Every percentage point saved is pure profit!
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.