Heading 8545

Carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, lamp carbons, battery carbons and other articles of graphite or other carbon, with or without metal, of a kind used for electrical purposes

8 declarable lines

Heading 8545 covers carbon and graphite articles made for electrical purposes, whether or not combined with metal. It is split by article type: carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, and a residual group for arc light carbons and other carbon articles. Electrodes get their own subheadings based on whether they are used in furnaces or for electrolytic purposes, and furnace graphite electrodes are further split by diameter.

Products in this heading

Graphite furnace electrodes for electric arc furnaces
Carbon brushes used in electric motors and generators
Carbon electrodes for electrolytic cells
Arc light carbons for lighting equipment
Carbon battery carbons and carbon rods
Graphite rods and blocks cut for electrical use
Carbon contacts and electrical current-carrying carbon parts

How to choose the right subheading

Whether the carbon or graphite article is designed for an electrical purpose; non-electrical graphite goods fall outside this heading.
The article type: electrode, brush, or other carbon article such as arc light carbon.
For electrodes, whether they are for furnaces or for electrolytic use.
For graphite furnace electrodes, the diameter, since 425 mm is the break point between the two lines.
Whether metal is combined with the carbon article; metal content does not move it out of this heading.

Often confused with

Coated metal welding electrodes
Metal-based welding wire and rods are covered by heading 8311, not carbon articles.
Heading 8311
Graphite crucibles and other graphite articles not for electrical use
Graphite goods for non-electrical purposes are classified in chapter 68.
Heading 6815
Electric heating resistors
Heading 8516 covers heating resistors other than those of heading 8545.
Heading 8516
Arc lamps and other electric lamps
Finished lamps and light sources are classified in heading 8539, while only the carbon for them is in 8545.
Heading 8539

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for carbon brushes for electric motors?

Carbon brushes are classified under 8545.20.00.00. The general (MFN) rate for that line is Free.

What is the duty on graphite furnace electrodes?

Graphite furnace electrodes not exceeding 425 mm in diameter are 8545.11.00.10, and those exceeding 425 mm are 8545.11.00.20. Both lines carry a general (MFN) rate of Free.

How do I classify carbon electrodes used in electrolytic cells?

Electrodes for electrolytic purposes go under 8545.19.20.00, which has a general (MFN) rate of Free. Carbon electrodes not for furnaces or electrolytic use go under 8545.19.40.00, also Free.

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.