Product classification

HS code for Electrode paste: 3801.30

Carbonaceous pastes, for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings.

Classification of electrode paste under HS 3801.30

Electrode paste is classified under HS code 3801.30, which pertains to carbonaceous pastes for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings. This classification is based on the chemical composition and the intended industrial application of the product. Chapter 38 of the Harmonized System covers miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3801 specifically includes artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, and preparations based on graphite or other carbon in the form of pastes, blocks, plates, or other semi-manufactures. The classification under 3801.30 is driven by the fact that these pastes are typically composed of a mixture of carbonaceous materials such as calcined anthracite, petroleum coke, or pitch coke, bonded with coal tar or petroleum pitch. These materials are essential for the production of self-baking electrodes (Söderberg electrodes) used in electric arc furnaces for the smelting of ferroalloys, calcium carbide, and aluminum. The technical requirement for the paste to conduct high electrical currents while resisting thermal shock necessitates its placement in this specific chemical preparation category.

Covers
  • Söderberg electrode paste
  • Carbonaceous furnace lining paste
  • Cold ramming paste for aluminum cells
  • Graphite-based conductive pastes for industrial electrodes
  • Tamping pastes for metallurgical furnaces
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. Electrode paste is often confused with HS code 2713.12 (calcined petroleum coke) or 2708.10 (pitch). While these are raw materials used to make the paste, the finished paste is a prepared chemical mixture and must be classified in Chapter 38. Another common misclassification is HS code 3824.99, the residual category for chemical products not elsewhere specified. However, because 3801.30 specifically mentions carbonaceous pastes for electrodes, it is the more specific and therefore correct heading according to GIR 3(a). Furthermore, some may attempt to classify it under 8545.19 (carbon electrodes), but that code is reserved for finished articles, not the raw paste used to form them.

2713.12Petroleum coke; calcined, obtained from bituminous minerals2708.10Pitch; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars3824.99Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; n.e.c. heading 38248545.19Carbon electrodes; with or without metal, of a kind used for other than furnaces

Top exporters and importers of HS 380130 (the code used for electrode paste), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380130 (the code used for electrode 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 electrode paste.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $237M
  2. 2 Norway $71M
  3. 3 Germany $41M

World total: $441M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Indonesia $179M
  2. 2 India $27M
  3. 3 Norway $18M

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 electrode paste

Brazil splits HS 3801.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about electrode paste

What is the HS code for Electrode paste?

The HS code for Electrode paste is 380130 (Carbonaceous pastes; for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace linings). The HS code for electrode paste is 3801.30, which covers carbonaceous pastes used for electrodes and furnace linings.

How do I classify Electrode paste for customs?

Electrode 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.

Is graphite powder classified under the same code?

No, pure artificial graphite powder is generally classified under HS code 3801.10, whereas the prepared paste mixture containing binders is classified under 3801.30.

Which countries are the top exporters of electrode paste (HS 380130)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380130 (the code used for electrode 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 electrode paste (HS 380130)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 380130 (the code used for electrode 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 Electrode paste the same in all countries?

The base HS code 380130 for Electrode 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 electrode paste in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 380130 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for electrode paste depends on the product's details: 3801.30.10 (Carbonaceous paste for electrodes), 3801.30.90 (Other electrode or furnace-lining pastes).