Product classification
HS code for Carbon black: 2803.00
Carbon, carbon blacks and other forms of carbon n.e.c.
Classification of carbon black under HS 2803.00
Carbon black is a material produced by the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products such as FCC tar, coal tar, or ethylene cracking tar. It is classified under HS code 2803.00, which encompasses carbon in various forms not elsewhere specified or included. This heading specifically includes carbon blacks such as furnace black, acetylene black, and lamp black. The classification is based on the elemental nature of the product and its production method. Unlike graphite or diamonds, which have their own specific headings, carbon black is categorized as an inorganic chemical within Chapter 28. It is primarily used as a reinforcing filler in tires and other rubber products, as well as a pigment in plastics, paints, and inks. The HS code 2803.00 is a single-dash level heading, meaning it is quite broad but specifically excludes natural graphite and certain types of activated carbon. The material must be in its primary form and not mixed with other substances to the point where it becomes a preparation of another heading.
- Covers
- Furnace black
- Acetylene black
- Channel black
- Lamp black
- Thermal black
- Carbon black for rubber reinforcement
- Also under 2803.00
- Birla Carbon
- Cabot Corporation Carbon Black
- Orion Engineered Carbons
- Continental Carbon
Codes often confused with 2803.00
Common mistake. Carbon black is often confused with HS code 3802.10, which covers activated carbon. While both are forms of carbon, activated carbon has been treated to increase its porosity and surface area for filtration purposes. Another common misclassification is HS code 3206.49, which covers other coloring matter. While carbon black is used as a pigment, the Harmonized System dictates that carbon black in its pure form must be classified under 2803.00 rather than as a general pigment. Additionally, artificial graphite (3801.10) is sometimes used interchangeably in trade language but is chemically and structurally distinct.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280300 (the code used for carbon black), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280300 (the code used for carbon black) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 9.5% 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 280300, not only carbon black.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 20% of world exports
- 2 India $518M 8.2% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$438M 7.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $6.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $603M 9.5% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $509M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $421M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $6.3B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 carbon black
Brazil splits HS 2803.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2803.00.11Acetylene black
- 2803.00.19Other carbon blacks
- 2803.00.90Other carbon, not elsewhere specified
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbon black
What is the HS code for Carbon black?
The HS code for Carbon black is 280300 (Carbon; carbon blacks and other forms of carbon n.e.c.). The HS code for carbon black and other forms of carbon not elsewhere specified is 2803.00.
How do I classify Carbon black for customs?
Carbon black is classified under HS code 280300 — Carbon; carbon blacks and other forms of carbon n.e.c.. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between carbon black and activated carbon in HS classification?
Carbon black (2803.00) is primarily used as a filler or pigment, while activated carbon (3802.10) is carbon that has been processed to have high porosity for use in adsorption and filtration.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon black (HS 280300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280300 (the code used for carbon black) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 20% of world exports), India ($518M) and Russia (about $438M). World exports came to about $6.3B, 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 carbon black (HS 280300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280300 (the code used for carbon black) in UN Comtrade data were China ($603M, 9.5% of world imports), Thailand ($509M) and the United States ($421M). World imports came to about $6.3B, 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 Carbon black the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280300 for Carbon black 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 carbon black in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280300 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for carbon black depends on the product's details: 2803.00.11 (Acetylene black), 2803.00.19 (Other carbon blacks), 2803.00.90 (Other carbon, not elsewhere specified).