Heading 3801

Artificial graphite; colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite; preparations based on graphite or other carbon in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semimanufactures

7 declarable lines

Heading 3801 covers artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, carbonaceous pastes for electrodes and furnace linings, and other graphite or carbon preparations Put up as pastes, blocks, plates or similar semimanufactures. The heading splits first by product type: artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, carbonaceous pastes, and a residual other group. Within artificial graphite there is a separate line for material made for manufacturing electric motor and generator brushes, and a break for surface-modified spherical graphite; the residual other group has a line for active anode material containing silicon.

Products in this heading

Synthetic graphite powder sold in bulk for battery anodes
Surface-modified spherical graphite for lithium-ion anode use
Graphite plate and rod stock intended for making electric motor brushes
Colloidal graphite dispersion used as a lubricant or release agent
Carbonaceous paste for lining electric furnace or blast furnace electrodes
Active anode material containing silicon, in powder form
Graphite blocks and plates sold as semimanufactures rather than finished articles

How to choose the right subheading

Product type: artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, carbonaceous paste, or other carbon preparation
For artificial graphite, whether it is stock for manufacturing brushes for electric generators, motors or other machines
For other artificial graphite, whether it is surface-modified spherical graphite
For the residual other group, whether the material is active anode material containing silicon
Physical form: powder, paste, block, plate, rod or other semimanufacture rather than a finished article

Often confused with

Activated carbon, including spent activated carbon
Activated carbon is a separate heading even when the starting material is carbon or graphite.
Heading 3802
Refractory cements, mortars and concretes containing graphite
Heading 3816 covers refractory compositions other than the products of heading 3801.
Heading 3816
Graphite dispersions put up as prepared oil additives
Prepared additives for mineral oils are classified in 3811, not as graphite preparations.
Heading 3811
Graphite-filled chemical preparations not elsewhere specified
Mixtures and preparations not covered by a more specific heading fall in the residual chemical heading.
Heading 3824
Finished carbon electrodes and graphite articles of a definite shape for electrical use
Finished carbon or graphite electrodes and similar electrical articles leave chapter 38.
Heading 8545

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for artificial graphite powder?

Artificial graphite powder that is not surface-modified spherical graphite and not brush stock falls under 3801.10.50.90, at a general (MFN) rate of Free.

What is the duty on carbonaceous pastes for electrodes?

Carbonaceous pastes for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings are classified in 3801.30.00.00, at a general (MFN) rate of 4.9%.

How do I classify surface-modified spherical graphite?

Surface-modified spherical graphite goes in 3801.10.50.10 at a general (MFN) rate of Free; active anode material containing silicon goes in 3801.90.00.10 at a general (MFN) rate of 4.9%, so the form and composition decide between them.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.