Artificial graphite — HTS 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
Chapter 38 › Heading 3801
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 3801 is a broad product category for certain graphite and carbon-based products. It groups artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, and preparations made from graphite or other carbon that are presented as pastes, blocks, plates, or other semimanufactured forms. The heading describes the product’s material and form—not every product that merely contains graphite or carbon.
To reach the correct 8-digit HTSUS code, first confirm that heading 3801 fits, then narrow the product into the applicable subheading based on characteristics such as whether it is artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, or another graphite/carbon preparation. The product’s composition, physical form, manufacturing process, and intended use may all matter. Review the full legal wording, chapter and section notes, and any applicable additional provisions; a customs broker or classification specialist may be needed for unusual formulations.
What to check
- Confirm the product is a graphite or carbon material covered by heading 3801, rather than a finished article, electrode, lubricant, coating, or other product classified elsewhere.
- Identify the principal material and product type: artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, or a preparation based on graphite or other carbon.
- Record the physical form at import—such as paste, block, plate, or another semimanufactured form—and compare it with the subheading descriptions.
- Review the product specification sheet, safety data sheet, manufacturing description, and laboratory composition information for classification support.
- Verify the complete 8-digit HTSUS wording and current customs guidance; obtain broker or specialist advice if the formulation or processing creates uncertainty.
HTS heading 3801 summary
Artificial graphite is a 4-digit product category containing 3 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Sub-categories
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 3801.10 | Artificial graphite |
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3801.20.00.00 👉 | Colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite | Free | — | 10% |
| 3801.30.00.00 👉 | Carbonaceous pastes for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings | 4.9% | Free | 30% |
| 3801.90.00 👉 | Other | 4.9% | Free | 45% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS 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. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.