HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3801.20 – Graphite; colloidal or semi-colloidal
HS code 3801.20 is the 6-digit subheading for graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal. It is used for colloidal graphite lubricant, graphite dispersion for coatings, semi-colloidal graphite paste, conductive graphite paint and mold release agent (graphite-based).
What HS 3801.20 covers
This HS code pertains to graphite in a finely dispersed form, suspended in a liquid medium (colloidal) or as a paste (semi-colloidal). These preparations are highly valued for their exceptional lubricating properties, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability, making them essential in specialized industrial applications. Importers are typically manufacturers of high-performance lubricants, conductive coatings, anti-friction paints, and mold release agents across various sectors. Exporters are chemical companies specializing in advanced material formulations and dispersions. The trade in colloidal and semi-colloidal graphite supports industries requiring high-performance lubricants for extreme conditions, anti-friction coatings, and conductive materials for electronics, contributing to the efficiency and longevity of industrial machinery.
- Covers
- Colloidal graphite lubricant
- Graphite dispersion for coatings
- Semi-colloidal graphite paste
- Conductive graphite paint
- Mold release agent (graphite-based)
- Graphite grease
- Dry film lubricant
- Anti-seize compound
- Examples
- Acheson Colloids DAG dispersions
- Molykote G-Rapid Plus paste
- Henkel Loctite graphite spray
- Dow Corning Molykote lubricants
- Fuchs Gleitmo graphite
Codes often confused with 3801.20
Common mistake. This is distinguished from 380110 (bulk artificial graphite) by its dispersed, ready-to-use form, and from general lubricants (Chapter 27) by its specific graphite content and specialized application.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 380120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 380120 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $20M 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $17M 20% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $12M 15% of world exports
World total: $84M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $11M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $10M 11% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $8.6M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $93M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 3801.20 2
Brazil splits HS 3801.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3801.20.10 Semi-colloidal graphite in mineral oilSuspensão semicoloidal em óleos minerais
- 3801.20.90 Other colloidal or semi-colloidal graphiteOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3801.20
What is HS code 380120?
HS code 380120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Graphite; colloidal or semi-colloidal. This HS code pertains to graphite in a finely dispersed form, suspended in a liquid medium (colloidal) or as a paste (semi-colloidal). These preparations are highly valued for their exceptional lubricating properties, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability, making them essential in specialized industrial applications. Importers are typically manufacturers of high-performance lubricants, conductive coatings, anti-friction paints, and mold release agents across various sectors. Exporters are chemical companies specializing in advanced material formulations and dispersions. The trade in colloidal and semi-colloidal graphite supports industries requiring high-performance lubricants for extreme conditions, anti-friction coatings, and conductive materials for electronics, contributing to the efficiency and longevity of industrial machinery.
What products fall under HS code 380120?
Colloidal graphite lubricant, graphite dispersion for coatings, semi-colloidal graphite paste, conductive graphite paint, mold release agent (graphite-based), graphite grease, dry film lubricant, anti-seize compound
What are common misclassifications for HS code 380120?
This is distinguished from 380110 (bulk artificial graphite) by its dispersed, ready-to-use form, and from general lubricants (Chapter 27) by its specific graphite content and specialized application.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 380120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 380120 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($20M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($17M) and the Netherlands ($12M). World exports came to about $84M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 380120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 380120 in UN Comtrade data were France ($11M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($10M) and Saudi Arabia ($8.6M). World imports came to about $93M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 380120 structured?
HS code 380120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 380120?
Brazil splits HS code 380120 into 2 NCM codes: 3801.20.10 (Semi-colloidal graphite in mineral oil), 3801.20.90 (Other colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.