Product classification
HS code for Carbon refractory bricks: 6903.10
Refractory ceramic goods, containing, by weight, more than 50% of free carbon, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths.
Classification of carbon refractory bricks under HS 6903.10
Carbon refractory bricks are classified under HS code 6903.10 because they are refractory ceramic goods designed to withstand extreme temperatures, typically in industrial furnaces or kilns. Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, and heading 6903 applies to other refractory ceramic goods such as retorts, crucibles, and bricks, excluding those made of siliceous fossil meals. The specific subheading 6903.10 is reserved for products containing, by weight, more than 50% of free carbon. This high carbon content, often in the form of graphite or anthracite, provides the bricks with unique thermal conductivity and chemical resistance properties, particularly in reducing atmospheres. Unlike standard ceramic bricks, these are essential in the lining of blast furnaces and aluminum electrolytic cells. The classification is driven by the chemical composition (the 50% threshold) and the intended refractory application. These goods are distinct from non-refractory bricks used in general construction, as they must maintain structural integrity at temperatures where standard materials would melt or degrade.
- Covers
- Carbon-based refractory bricks
- Graphite refractory blocks for furnaces
- Carbon-magnesite bricks (>50% carbon)
- Refractory linings with high free carbon content
- Carbon blocks for electrolytic cells
- Also under 6903.10
- RHI Magnesita magnesia-carbon bricks
- Vesuvius carbon-bonded refractories
- SGL Carbon graphite components
- Tokai Carbon electrodes
Codes often confused with 6903.10
Common mistake. These are often confused with HS code 6815.10, which covers non-ceramic articles of graphite or other carbon. The distinction lies in whether the product is considered a ceramic (fired) or a composite article. They may also be confused with 6902.10 if the magnesium content is high, but the 50% carbon rule takes precedence for 6903.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 690310 (the code used for carbon refractory bricks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 690310 (the code used for carbon refractory bricks) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 21% 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 690310, not only carbon refractory bricks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $36M 29% of world exports
- 2 United States $22M 18% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $14M 11% of world exports
World total: $123M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $34M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $30M 18% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $17M 11% of world imports
World total: $163M 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 refractory bricks
Brazil splits HS 6903.10 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6903.10.11Graphite crucibles, not with silicon carbide
- 6903.10.12Graphite and silicon carbide crucibles
- 6903.10.19Other crucibles over 50% free carbon
- 6903.10.20Graphite and silicon carbide retorts
- 6903.10.30Refractory lids and plugs, over 50% free carbon
- 6903.10.40Refractory tubes over 50% free carbon
- 6903.10.90Other refractories over 50% free carbon
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbon refractory bricks
What is the HS code for Carbon refractory bricks?
The HS code for Carbon refractory bricks is 690310 (Refractory ceramic goods; containing, by weight, more than 50% of free carbon, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths). The HS code for refractory bricks containing more than 50% free carbon is 6903.10.
How do I classify Carbon refractory bricks for customs?
Carbon refractory bricks is classified under HS code 690310 — Refractory ceramic goods; containing, by weight, more than 50% of free carbon, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a brick as refractory?
A brick is refractory if it is designed to resist high temperatures (usually above 1500°C) without melting or losing strength.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon refractory bricks (HS 690310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 690310 (the code used for carbon refractory bricks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($36M, 29% of world exports), the United States ($22M) and South Korea ($14M). World exports came to about $123M, 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 refractory bricks (HS 690310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 690310 (the code used for carbon refractory bricks) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($34M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($30M) and South Korea ($17M). World imports came to about $163M, 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 refractory bricks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 690310 for Carbon refractory bricks 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 refractory bricks in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 690310 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for carbon refractory bricks depends on the product's details: 6903.10.11 (Graphite crucibles, not with silicon carbide), 6903.10.12 (Graphite and silicon carbide crucibles), 6903.10.19 (Other crucibles over 50% free carbon), 6903.10.20 (Graphite and silicon carbide retorts), 6903.10.30 (Refractory lids and plugs, over 50% free carbon), 6903.10.40 (Refractory tubes over 50% free carbon), and more.