Product classification
HS code for Carbon electrodes: 6815.19
Stone or other mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included, non-electrical articles of graphite or carbon n.e.c. in heading 6815.
Classification of carbon electrodes under HS 6815.19
Carbon electrodes are classified under HS code 6815.19 when they are identified as non-electrical articles of graphite or other carbon. This classification falls within Chapter 68, which encompasses articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar mineral substances. The determination for 6815.19 is primarily based on the absence of an electrical function. While carbon is a highly conductive material, many industrial components utilize its thermal resistance, chemical inertness, or structural integrity rather than its ability to carry a current. For instance, carbon components used as structural supports in high-temperature vacuum furnaces or as chemically resistant linings in non-electrolytic processing tanks are classified here. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that if a product is not specifically described in a more specific heading (such as those in Chapter 85 for electrical goods), it must be classified under the residual heading for the material of composition, which in this case is 6815.
- Covers
- Non-electrical graphite blocks
- Carbon linings for non-electrolytic vessels
- Structural carbon components for high-heat environments
- Graphite seals and gaskets for mechanical use
- Carbon molds for glass or metal casting
- Also under 6815.19
- SGL Carbon graphite products
- Tokai Carbon graphite electrodes
- Mersen graphite components
- GrafTech graphite materials
- Morgan Advanced Materials carbon parts
Codes often confused with 6815.19
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS codes 8545.11 and 8545.19. Heading 8545 is specifically reserved for carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, and other articles of graphite or carbon used for electrical purposes. If the electrode is intended for use in an electric furnace or as part of an electrical circuit, it must be moved to Chapter 85. Importers often default to 8545 for any item named "electrode," but if the item is a mechanical component or a structural lining without a conductive role, 6815.19 is the correct designation. Another confusion arises with 3801.10 for artificial graphite in bulk form; however, once the graphite is shaped into a specific article, it moves to Chapter 68 or 85.
Top exporters and importers of HS 681519 (the code used for carbon electrodes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681519 (the code used for carbon electrodes) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% 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 681519, not only carbon electrodes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $631M 31% of world exports
- 2 United States $318M 16% of world exports
- 3 Japan $194M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $240M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $196M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $191M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 electrodes
Brazil classifies carbon electrodes under NCM 6815.19.00: HS 6815.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbon electrodes
What is the HS code for Carbon electrodes?
The HS code for Carbon electrodes is 681519 (Stone or other mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included; non-electrical articles of graphite or carbon n.e.c. in heading 6815). The HS code for non-electrical carbon electrodes is 6815.19. If the electrodes are for electrical purposes, such as those used in furnaces, the code is 8545.11.
How do I classify Carbon electrodes for customs?
Carbon electrodes is classified under HS code 681519 — Stone or other mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included; non-electrical articles of graphite or carbon n.e.c. in heading 6815. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between electrical and non-electrical carbon?
Classification depends on the end-use of the product. If the article is designed to conduct electricity or facilitate an electrochemical process, it is electrical (Chapter 85). If it is used for its physical or chemical properties, such as heat resistance or lubrication, it is non-electrical (Chapter 68).
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon electrodes (HS 681519)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681519 (the code used for carbon electrodes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($631M, 31% of world exports), the United States ($318M) and Japan ($194M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 electrodes (HS 681519)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681519 (the code used for carbon electrodes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($240M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($196M) and Germany ($191M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 electrodes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681519 for Carbon electrodes 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 electrodes in Brazil?
In Brazil, carbon electrodes (HS 681519) is classified under NCM 6815.19.00.