Product classification
HS code for Graphite blocks: 3801.90
Graphite or other carbon based preparations, in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures.
Classification of graphite blocks under HS 3801.90
Graphite blocks are classified under HS code 3801.90. This classification is governed by the provisions of Chapter 38, which encompasses miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3801 specifically covers 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 determination for 3801.90 is based on the fact that these blocks are typically artificial graphite or carbon-based preparations intended for further industrial processing. Unlike natural graphite, artificial graphite is produced through high-temperature treatment of petroleum coke or coal tar pitch. When these materials are shaped into blocks but have not yet been machined into specific finished components (such as electrical brushes or mechanical seals), they are treated as semi-manufactures under this subheading. The classification ensures that raw or semi-finished industrial materials are distinguished from both the raw mineral ore and the final consumer or industrial article.
- Covers
- Artificial graphite blocks for EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining)
- Carbon-graphite blocks for mechanical seals
- Semi-finished synthetic graphite plates
- Graphite-based pastes in block form
- Extruded or isostatically pressed graphite blocks
- Also under 3801.90
- Morgan Advanced Materials carbon blocks
- Schunk Carbon Technology plates
- Toyo Tanso isotropic graphite
- GrafTech specialty graphite
- SGL Carbon composite preforms
Codes often confused with 3801.90
Common mistake. Graphite blocks are often misclassified under HS code 2504.10, which is reserved for natural graphite in powder or flakes. If the block is composed of natural graphite that has been bonded or processed into a shape, it generally moves to Chapter 38 or 68. Another common error is using HS code 6815.19, which covers finished articles of graphite. If the block has been precision-machined into a specific part, it belongs in 6815. Finally, if the block is intended for electrical use as an electrode, it should be classified under 8545.11 or 8545.19 depending on the application.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380190 (the code used for graphite blocks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380190 (the code used for graphite blocks) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 380190, not only graphite blocks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $395M 43% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $146M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $81M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $918M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $90M 13% of world imports
- 2 Hungary $79M 11% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $74M 11% of world imports
World total: $703M 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 graphite blocks
Brazil classifies graphite blocks under NCM 3801.90.00: HS 3801.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about graphite blocks
What is the HS code for Graphite blocks?
The HS code for Graphite blocks is 380190 (Graphite or other carbon based preparations; in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures).
How do I classify Graphite blocks for customs?
Graphite blocks is classified under HS code 380190 — Graphite or other carbon based preparations; in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for artificial graphite blocks?
Artificial graphite blocks are classified under HS code 3801.90 as semi-manufactures.
How do I distinguish between blocks in 3801 and 6815?
HS code 3801 is for semi-manufactures like raw blocks or plates, while 6815 is for finished articles that have been machined into specific non-electrical shapes.
Which countries are the top exporters of graphite blocks (HS 380190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380190 (the code used for graphite blocks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($395M, 43% of world exports), Indonesia ($146M) and Germany ($81M). World exports came to about $918M, 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 graphite blocks (HS 380190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380190 (the code used for graphite blocks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($90M, 13% of world imports), Hungary ($79M) and Malaysia ($74M). World imports came to about $703M, 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 Graphite blocks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380190 for Graphite blocks 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 graphite blocks in Brazil?
In Brazil, graphite blocks (HS 380190) is classified under NCM 3801.90.00.