Product classification
HS code for Graphite dispersion: 3801.20
Graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal.
Classification of graphite dispersion under HS 3801.20
Graphite dispersion is classified under HS code 3801.20, which is part of Chapter 38 for miscellaneous chemical products. This subheading specifically covers colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite. The classification is determined by the physical state of the graphite being suspended in a liquid medium, such as oil, water, or alcohol. For a product to be considered colloidal, the graphite particles must be so finely divided that they remain in a stable suspension and do not settle out quickly. These dispersions are used in industrial applications for lubrication, as conductive coatings, or as release agents in high-temperature environments. The distinction between artificial and natural graphite is less critical here than the physical form of the dispersion; however, most industrial dispersions utilize artificial graphite to ensure purity and particle size consistency, which aligns with the scope of heading 3801.
- Covers
- Colloidal graphite in aqueous suspension
- Semi-colloidal graphite in mineral oil
- Graphite-based conductive coatings in liquid form
- Graphite dispersions in alcohol for industrial lubrication
- Graphite-based mold release agents
- Also under 3801.20
- Acheson Colloids DAG dispersions
- Molykote G-Rapid Plus paste
- Henkel Loctite graphite spray
- Dow Corning Molykote lubricants
- Fuchs Gleitmo graphite
Codes often confused with 3801.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2710.19, which covers lubricating oils. If the graphite is merely a minor additive in a standard lubricating oil, it may fall under Chapter 27. However, if the product is a concentrated graphite suspension intended for specific technical uses, 3801.20 is correct. It is also sometimes confused with 3801.10, which is for artificial graphite in bulk powder or solid form without a liquid carrier.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380120 (the code used for graphite dispersion), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380120 (the code used for graphite dispersion) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 12% 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 380120, not only graphite dispersion.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $20M 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $17M 20% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $12M 15% of world exports
World total: $84M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $11M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $10M 11% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $8.6M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $93M 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 graphite dispersion
Brazil splits HS 3801.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3801.20.10Semi-colloidal graphite in mineral oil
- 3801.20.90Other colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about graphite dispersion
What is the HS code for Graphite dispersion?
The HS code for Graphite dispersion is 380120 (Graphite; colloidal or semi-colloidal). The HS code for colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite dispersion is 3801.20.
How do I classify Graphite dispersion for customs?
Graphite dispersion is classified under HS code 380120 — Graphite; colloidal or semi-colloidal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a product as colloidal under 3801.20?
A product is colloidal if the graphite particles are small enough to remain suspended in a liquid medium without rapid sedimentation, typically requiring specialized chemical stabilizers.
Which countries are the top exporters of graphite dispersion (HS 380120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380120 (the code used for graphite dispersion) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($20M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($17M) and the Netherlands ($12M). World exports came to about $84M, 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 dispersion (HS 380120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380120 (the code used for graphite dispersion) in UN Comtrade data were France ($11M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($10M) and Saudi Arabia ($8.6M). World imports came to about $93M, 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 dispersion the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380120 for Graphite dispersion 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 dispersion in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 380120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for graphite dispersion depends on the product's details: 3801.20.10 (Semi-colloidal graphite in mineral oil), 3801.20.90 (Other colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite).