HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 3801.30 – Carbonaceous pastes; for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings

HS code 3801.30 is the 6-digit subheading for carbonaceous pastes, for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings. It is used for Söderberg electrode paste, carbon electrode paste, furnace lining paste, ramming paste for furnaces and cathode paste.

What HS 3801.30 covers

This code covers specialized carbonaceous pastes primarily used in the production of electrodes for various industrial furnaces, particularly in the aluminum and ferroalloy industries, and as lining materials for these high-temperature environments. These pastes are critical for forming self-baking electrodes (Söderberg electrodes) or for repairing furnace linings, providing essential electrical conductivity and thermal resistance. Importers are typically primary metal producers, foundries, and metallurgical plants that rely on these materials for their smelting and refining processes. Exporters are specialized chemical and metallurgical companies with expertise in carbon-based materials. The trade volume is directly linked to the health of the global aluminum and steel industries, making it a foundational material for heavy manufacturing.

Covers
  • Söderberg electrode paste
  • Carbon electrode paste
  • Furnace lining paste
  • Ramming paste for furnaces
  • Cathode paste
  • Anode paste (pre-baked)
  • Refractory carbon paste
  • Tamping paste
Examples
  • RHI Magnesita carbon paste
  • Imerys graphite electrode paste
  • Elkem Carbon Söderberg paste
  • Tokai Carbon electrode paste
  • GrafTech furnace lining paste

Codes often confused with 3801.30

Common mistake. This is distinct from 380190 (other carbon preparations) by its specific use for electrodes and furnace linings, and from finished electrodes (8545) which are manufactured products.

3801.90Graphite or other carbon based preparations; in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures85.45Carbon 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

Top exporters and importers of HS code 380130, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 380130 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 41% 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. 1 China $237M
  2. 2 Norway $71M
  3. 3 Germany $41M

World total: $441M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Indonesia $179M
  2. 2 India $27M
  3. 3 Norway $18M

World total: $442M 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 3801.30 2

Brazil splits HS 3801.30 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 3801.30.10 Carbonaceous paste for electrodesPasta carbonada para eletrodos
  2. 3801.30.90 Other electrode or furnace-lining pastesOutras

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 3801.30

What is HS code 380130?

HS code 380130 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbonaceous pastes; for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings. This code covers specialized carbonaceous pastes primarily used in the production of electrodes for various industrial furnaces, particularly in the aluminum and ferroalloy industries, and as lining materials for these high-temperature environments. These pastes are critical for forming self-baking electrodes (Söderberg electrodes) or for repairing furnace linings, providing essential electrical conductivity and thermal resistance. Importers are typically primary metal producers, foundries, and metallurgical plants that rely on these materials for their smelting and refining processes. Exporters are specialized chemical and metallurgical companies with expertise in carbon-based materials. The trade volume is directly linked to the health of the global aluminum and steel industries, making it a foundational material for heavy manufacturing.

What products fall under HS code 380130?

Söderberg electrode paste, carbon electrode paste, furnace lining paste, ramming paste for furnaces, cathode paste, anode paste (pre-baked), refractory carbon paste, tamping paste

What are common misclassifications for HS code 380130?

This is distinct from 380190 (other carbon preparations) by its specific use for electrodes and furnace linings, and from finished electrodes (8545) which are manufactured products.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 380130?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 380130 in UN Comtrade data were China ($237M, 54% of world exports), Norway ($71M) and Germany ($41M). World exports came to about $441M, 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 380130?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 380130 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($179M, 41% of world imports), India ($27M) and Norway ($18M). World imports came to about $442M, 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 380130 structured?

HS code 380130 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 380130?

Brazil splits HS code 380130 into 2 NCM codes: 3801.30.10 (Carbonaceous paste for electrodes), 3801.30.90 (Other electrode or furnace-lining pastes). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.