Product classification
HS code for Activated charcoal: 3802.10
Carbon, activated.
Classification of activated charcoal under HS 3802.10
Activated charcoal is classified under HS code 3802.10 because it is a carbonaceous material that has undergone a specific activation process to increase its internal porosity and surface area. This classification falls within Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. Specifically, heading 3802 is designated for activated carbon and activated natural mineral products. The classification is determined by the physical and chemical state of the carbon; unlike ordinary wood charcoal, activated charcoal has been treated with steam, carbon dioxide, or chemicals at high temperatures to enhance its adsorptive properties. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, the product is placed here because it meets the specific definition of "activated" carbon. It is important to note that the source material, whether it be wood, coal, or coconut shell, does not change the primary heading, provided the end product is activated carbon used for filtration, purification, or decolorization.
- Covers
- Activated coconut shell carbon
- Activated coal-based carbon
- Activated wood charcoal
- Steam-activated carbon pellets
- Chemically activated carbon powder
- 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. Activated charcoal is frequently confused with wood charcoal classified under HS code 4402.90. The primary difference is that 4402 covers charcoal obtained by the carbonization of wood in the absence of air, which has not been "activated" to increase its porosity. Another common error is classifying it under HS code 2803.00, which is reserved for carbon black and other forms of carbon not elsewhere specified. Furthermore, medicinal charcoal prepared for retail sale as a medicament is classified under heading 3003 or 3004, rather than 3802.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380210 (the code used for activated charcoal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380210 (the code used for activated charcoal) 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 charcoal.
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 charcoal
Brazil classifies activated charcoal 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 charcoal
What is the HS code for Activated charcoal?
The HS code for Activated charcoal is 380210 (Carbon; activated). The primary HS code for activated charcoal is 3802.10, which specifically covers activated carbon.
How do I classify Activated charcoal for customs?
Activated charcoal is classified under HS code 380210 — Carbon; activated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is activated charcoal for medical use classified here?
No, if the activated charcoal is prepared as a medicament for internal use, it is typically classified under Chapter 30 (3003 or 3004) rather than 3802.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of activated charcoal (HS 380210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380210 (the code used for activated charcoal) 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 charcoal (HS 380210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380210 (the code used for activated charcoal) 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 charcoal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380210 for Activated charcoal 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 charcoal in Brazil?
In Brazil, activated charcoal (HS 380210) is classified under NCM 3802.10.00.