Product classification
HS code for Activated carbon: 3802.10
Carbon, activated.
Classification of activated carbon under HS 3802.10
Activated carbon is classified under HS code 380210 because this subheading specifically identifies "Carbon; activated." Chapter 38 of the Harmonized System covers miscellaneous chemical products, and heading 3802 is dedicated to activated carbon and other activated natural mineral products. The classification is based on the material's chemical composition (carbon) and its specialized physical treatment (activation), which significantly enhances its adsorptive properties. This distinct characteristic sets it apart from other forms of carbon and places it in a category for specialized industrial materials.
- Covers
- Granular activated carbon (GAC).
- Powdered activated carbon (PAC).
- Extruded activated carbon pellets.
- Activated carbon for water purification.
- Activated carbon for air and gas filtration.
- Activated carbon used in decolorization processes.
- Also under 3802.10
- Calgon Carbon granular activated carbon
- Jacobi Carbons powdered activated carbon
- Kuraray activated carbon
- Cabot Norit activated carbon
- Evoqua Water Technologies activated carbon
Codes often confused with 3802.10
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for activated carbon often involve other forms of carbon or activated materials. HS code 380290 covers "Activated natural mineral products; animal black, including spent animal black," which are distinct from activated carbon derived from various carbonaceous sources. HS code 280300 covers "Carbon (carbon blacks and other forms of carbon not elsewhere specified or included)," which includes general forms of carbon like carbon black or graphite, but not activated carbon, which has undergone a specific activation process to create a highly porous structure. Wood charcoal (HS 4402) is also a form of carbon but lacks the specialized activation treatment of activated carbon.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380210 (the code used for activated carbon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380210 (the code used for activated carbon) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.9% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 380210, not only activated carbon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $483M 18% of world exports
- 2 India $464M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $435M 16% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $276M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 China $189M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $189M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $2.8B 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 code for activated carbon
Brazil classifies activated carbon under NCM 3802.10.00: HS 3802.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about activated carbon
What is the HS code for Activated carbon?
The HS code for Activated carbon is 380210 (Carbon; activated). The HS code for activated carbon is 380210.
How do I classify Activated carbon for customs?
Activated carbon is classified under HS code 380210 — Carbon; activated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the primary characteristic that defines activated carbon under HS 380210?
The primary characteristic defining activated carbon under HS 380210 is its enhanced adsorptive capacity, achieved through a specific activation process. This process creates a highly porous structure with a large internal surface area, enabling it to effectively adsorb gases, liquids, and dissolved substances, distinguishing it from other forms of carbon.
Which countries are the top exporters of activated carbon (HS 380210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380210 (the code used for activated carbon) in UN Comtrade data were China ($483M, 18% of world exports), India ($464M) and the United States ($435M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 activated carbon (HS 380210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380210 (the code used for activated carbon) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($276M, 9.9% of world imports), China ($189M) and Germany ($189M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Activated carbon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380210 for Activated carbon is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for activated carbon in Brazil?
In Brazil, activated carbon (HS 380210) is classified under NCM 3802.10.00.