Product classification
HS code for Carbon fibers: 6815.11
Stone or other mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included, carbon fibres for non-electrical uses.
Classification of carbon fibers under HS 6815.11
Carbon fibers in their primary forms, such as tow, yarn, or rovings, are classified under HS code 6815.11. This code was established to provide a specific category for carbon fibers for non-electrical uses within Chapter 68. Previously, these items might have been classified under more general subheadings, but the increasing importance of carbon fiber in global trade led to the creation of 6815.11. These fibers are produced through the carbonization of organic polymers like polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or rayon. The classification applies to the fibers themselves before they are woven into fabrics or molded into finished components. It is important to note that if the fibers are intended for electrical applications, they might move to Chapter 85. The classification process involves verifying that the fibers are not yet converted into a fabric (6815.12) or a finished article (6815.13). Carbon fibers are valued for their high strength-to-weight ratio and thermal resistance. In the context of international trade, 6815.11 covers the raw material stage, including continuous filament tow and chopped fibers, provided they have not been further processed into a textile or a specific component.
- Covers
- Carbon fiber tow
- Carbon fiber yarn
- Carbon fiber rovings
- Chopped carbon fibers
- Carbon fiber filaments
- Also under 6815.11
- Torayca carbon fibers
- Hexcel carbon fibers
- Zoltek carbon fibers
- Mitsubishi Chemical carbon fibers
- SGL Carbon fibers
Codes often confused with 6815.11
Common mistake. Raw carbon fibers are often misclassified as synthetic staple fibers under 5503 or synthetic filament yarn under 5402. However, because they are mineral-based (carbon), they must stay in Chapter 68. They are also confused with carbon fabrics (6815.12).
Top exporters and importers of HS 681511 (the code used for carbon fibers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 681511 (the code used for carbon fibers) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 681511, not only carbon fibers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $331M 20% of world exports
- 2 Japan $325M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $175M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $287M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $274M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $191M 10% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 carbon fibers
Brazil classifies carbon fibers under NCM 6815.11.00: HS 6815.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbon fibers
What is the HS code for Carbon fibers?
The HS code for Carbon fibers is 681511 (Stone or other mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included; carbon fibres for non-electrical uses). The HS code for raw carbon fibers (tow, yarn, or rovings) for non-electrical use is 6815.11.
How do I classify Carbon fibers for customs?
Carbon fibers is classified under HS code 681511 — Stone or other mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included; carbon fibres for non-electrical uses. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is PAN-based fiber classified here?
Yes, once the precursor (like PAN) has been carbonized into carbon fiber, it is classified under 6815.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon fibers (HS 681511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 681511 (the code used for carbon fibers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($331M, 20% of world exports), Japan ($325M) and France ($175M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 carbon fibers (HS 681511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 681511 (the code used for carbon fibers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($287M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($274M) and Italy ($191M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 Carbon fibers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 681511 for Carbon fibers 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 fibers in Brazil?
In Brazil, carbon fibers (HS 681511) is classified under NCM 6815.11.00.