HS Code for Carbon rod

Carbon rods intended for electrical purposes are classified under HS code 8545.90. This classification falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery, equipment, and parts thereof. Heading 8545 specifically addresses carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, lamp carbons, battery carbons, and other articles of graphite or carbon, with or without metal, used for electrical purposes. Subheading 8545.90 serves as the residual category for electrical carbon articles that are not furnace electrodes or brushes. The classification is driven by the intended electrical function of the rod. These rods are manufactured to have specific resistivity and conductivity levels, often containing metal additives to enhance performance. Whether used as a central conductor in a dry cell battery or as a heating element in an electrical appliance, the rod's role in an electrical circuit necessitates its placement in Chapter 85.

Products Included

• Battery carbons (rods for dry cells)
• Lamp carbons for arc lighting
• Carbon rods for electrical resistors
• Graphite heating elements for electric furnaces
• Carbon rods for arc-air gouging

Common Misclassification

A common error is classifying electrical carbon rods under 6815.19, which is for non-electrical carbon articles. The distinction lies entirely in the application; if the rod is used for its electrical properties, it must be in 8545. Another misclassification occurs with 8545.11, which is specifically for carbon electrodes used in furnaces. While a rod might function as an electrode, 8545.11 is generally reserved for the large-scale electrodes used in smelting or steel production. Furthermore, raw graphite rods that have not been processed for electrical use might be incorrectly placed in 3801.10 (artificial graphite), but once they are shaped into rods for a specific electrical use, 8545.90 is the appropriate code.

FAQ

What is the HS code for carbon rods?

For electrical applications, the HS code is 8545.90. For non-electrical applications, such as mechanical supports, the code is 6815.19.

Are battery carbons included in this code?

Yes, carbon rods used as the positive terminal in zinc-carbon batteries are classified under HS code 8545.90.