Product classification
HS code for Carbon blocks: 3801.90
Graphite or other carbon based preparations, in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures.
Classification of carbon blocks under HS 3801.90
Carbon blocks are classified under HS code 3801.90. This classification falls under Chapter 38, which encompasses miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3801 specifically covers artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, and preparations based on graphite or other carbon in the form of pastes, blocks, plates, or other semi-manufactures. Subheading 3801.90 is the residual category for carbon-based preparations that are presented in bulk semi-manufactured forms. These blocks are typically used as raw materials for further machining into electrodes, furnace linings, or mechanical parts. The classification is determined by the fact that the product is a chemical preparation of carbon in a solid, semi-finished state, rather than a finished article or a specific electrical component.
- Covers
- Artificial graphite blocks for industrial use
- Carbon-based refractory blocks
- Semi-manufactured carbon plates for mechanical seals
- Carbon blocks intended for electrode production
- Carbonaceous pastes in block form
- Also under 3801.90
- Morgan Advanced Materials carbon blocks
- Schunk Carbon Technology plates
- Toyo Tanso isotropic graphite
- GrafTech specialty graphite
- SGL Carbon composite preforms
Codes often confused with 3801.90
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8545.11 or 8545.19, which covers carbon electrodes. If the carbon block has already been shaped, threaded, or fitted for use as an electrode, it must be classified under 8545. However, if it is a plain block requiring further processing, 3801.90 is correct. Another error is using 6815.10, which covers non-electrical articles of graphite or other carbon; this is only for finished articles that are not semi-manufactures or chemical preparations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380190 (the code used for carbon blocks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380190 (the code used for carbon blocks) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 380190, not only carbon blocks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $395M 43% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $146M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $81M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $918M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $90M 13% of world imports
- 2 Hungary $79M 11% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $74M 11% of world imports
World total: $703M 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 carbon blocks
Brazil classifies carbon blocks under NCM 3801.90.00: HS 3801.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbon blocks
What is the HS code for Carbon blocks?
The HS code for Carbon blocks is 380190 (Graphite or other carbon based preparations; in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures). The HS code for carbon blocks in semi-manufactured form is 3801.90.
How do I classify Carbon blocks for customs?
Carbon blocks is classified under HS code 380190 — Graphite or other carbon based preparations; in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should I use HS code 8545 instead of 3801.90?
Use HS code 8545 if the carbon block has been specifically manufactured or machined into an electrical component, such as an electrode, brush, or battery carbon.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon blocks (HS 380190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380190 (the code used for carbon blocks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($395M, 43% of world exports), Indonesia ($146M) and Germany ($81M). World exports came to about $918M, 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 blocks (HS 380190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380190 (the code used for carbon blocks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($90M, 13% of world imports), Hungary ($79M) and Malaysia ($74M). World imports came to about $703M, 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 blocks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380190 for Carbon blocks 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 blocks in Brazil?
In Brazil, carbon blocks (HS 380190) is classified under NCM 3801.90.00.