Product classification
HS code for Carbon paste: 3801.30
Carbonaceous pastes, for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings.
Classification of carbon paste under HS 3801.30
Carbon paste is classified under HS code 3801.30. This code is situated within Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. Specifically, 3801.30 is designated for carbonaceous pastes used for electrodes and similar pastes used for furnace linings. The classification is based on the chemical composition and the industrial application of the material. Carbon paste is typically a mixture of carbonaceous aggregates—such as calcined petroleum coke, anthracite, or graphite—and a binder, usually coal tar pitch or a synthetic resin. Because it is a prepared mixture intended for a specific industrial process (forming electrodes in situ or lining high-temperature vessels), it is classified as a chemical preparation rather than a simple mineral or a finished article. The Söderberg electrode process is a primary consumer of this material, where the paste is baked into a solid electrode during the operation of the furnace.
- Covers
- Söderberg electrode paste
- Carbonaceous ramming mass
- Cold ramming paste for furnace bottoms
- Carbon-based jointing pastes for refractory bricks
- Electrode coating compounds
- Also under 3801.30
- RHI Magnesita carbon paste
- Imerys graphite electrode paste
- Elkem Carbon Söderberg paste
- Tokai Carbon electrode paste
- GrafTech furnace lining paste
Codes often confused with 3801.30
Common mistake. Carbon paste is frequently confused with HS code 3801.10, which covers artificial graphite in primary forms like powder or flakes. While carbon paste contains these materials, the addition of a binder changes its classification to 3801.30. It may also be misclassified under 3214.10 (glaziers' putty and other mastics) or 3816.00 (refractory cements and mortars). However, 3801.30 is a more specific heading for carbon-based pastes used specifically for electrodes and furnace linings. If the paste is intended for general sealing or construction without a primary carbonaceous/conductive requirement, 3816.00 might be considered, but for industrial smelting and electrode applications, 3801.30 is the correct choice.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380130 (the code used for carbon paste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380130 (the code used for carbon paste) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 41% 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 380130, not only carbon paste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $237M 54% of world exports
- 2 Norway $71M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $41M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $441M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $179M 41% of world imports
- 2 India $27M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Norway $18M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $442M 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 codes for carbon paste
Brazil splits HS 3801.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3801.30.10Carbonaceous paste for electrodes
- 3801.30.90Other electrode or furnace-lining pastes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbon paste
What is the HS code for Carbon paste?
The HS code for Carbon paste is 380130 (Carbonaceous pastes; for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings). The HS code for carbonaceous pastes used for electrodes and furnace linings is 3801.30.
How do I classify Carbon paste for customs?
Carbon paste is classified under HS code 380130 — Carbonaceous pastes; for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between carbon paste and refractory mortar?
Carbon paste (3801.30) is specifically formulated with a high carbon content and binders for electrode or furnace lining use, whereas refractory mortar (3816.00) is generally ceramic-based and used for bonding refractory bricks.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon paste (HS 380130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380130 (the code used for carbon paste) in UN Comtrade data were China ($237M, 54% of world exports), Norway ($71M) and Germany ($41M). World exports came to about $441M, 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 paste (HS 380130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380130 (the code used for carbon paste) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($179M, 41% of world imports), India ($27M) and Norway ($18M). World imports came to about $442M, 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 paste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380130 for Carbon paste 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 paste in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 380130 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for carbon paste depends on the product's details: 3801.30.10 (Carbonaceous paste for electrodes), 3801.30.90 (Other electrode or furnace-lining pastes).