Product classification
HS code for Graphite electrode: 8545.11
Carbon electrodes, with or without metal, of a kind used for furnaces.
Classification of graphite electrode under HS 8545.11
Graphite electrodes are classified under HS code 8545.11. This classification falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8545 is specifically designated for carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, lamp carbons, battery carbons, and other articles of graphite or other carbon, with or without metal, of a kind used for electrical purposes. Within this heading, subheading 8545.11 is restricted to electrodes of a kind used for furnaces. These are critical components in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) used for steelmaking and other smelting processes. The classification is determined by the intended electrical function and the specific industrial application. Because these electrodes are designed to conduct high levels of electrical current to melt scrap metal or ores, they are distinguished from non-electrical graphite products. The high thermal conductivity and resistance to thermal shock of synthetic graphite make it the primary material for this code.
- Covers
- Ultra-High Power (UHP) graphite electrodes
- High Power (HP) graphite electrodes
- Regular Power (RP) graphite electrodes
- Graphite electrodes for ladle furnaces
- Nipples for connecting graphite electrodes
- Also under 8545.11
- GrafTech UHP Electrodes
- Showa Denko UHP Electrodes
- Tokai Carbon UHP Electrodes
- SGL Carbon Graphite Electrodes
Codes often confused with 8545.11
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8545.19, which covers "other" carbon electrodes. This code should only be used if the electrodes are not intended for furnace use, such as those used for welding or electrolysis. Another error is classifying them under 3801.10 (artificial graphite). While electrodes are made of artificial graphite, once they are shaped and fitted for an electrical function, the specific heading 8545 takes precedence over the general material heading 3801. Additionally, they should not be confused with 6815.19, which is for non-electrical graphite articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854511 (the code used for graphite electrode), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854511 (the code used for graphite electrode) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Iceland, with 10% 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 854511, not only graphite electrode.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $731M 40% of world exports
- 2 India $255M 14% of world exports
- 3 Spain $248M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Iceland $221M 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $207M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $165M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 electrode
Brazil classifies graphite electrode under NCM 8545.11.00: HS 8545.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about graphite electrode
What is the HS code for Graphite electrode?
The HS code for Graphite electrode is 854511 (Carbon electrodes; with or without metal, of a kind used for furnaces).
How do I classify Graphite electrode for customs?
Graphite electrode is classified under HS code 854511 — Carbon electrodes; with or without metal, of a kind used for furnaces. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for EAF graphite electrodes?
Graphite electrodes used in Electric Arc Furnaces are classified under HS code 8545.11.
Are the connecting nipples classified separately?
No, connecting nipples are typically classified under the same HS code (8545.11) as the electrodes they are designed to join, as they are essential parts of the electrode assembly.
Which countries are the top exporters of graphite electrode (HS 854511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854511 (the code used for graphite electrode) in UN Comtrade data were China ($731M, 40% of world exports), India ($255M) and Spain ($248M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 electrode (HS 854511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854511 (the code used for graphite electrode) in UN Comtrade data were Iceland ($221M, 10% of world imports), the United States ($207M) and Saudi Arabia ($165M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 electrode the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854511 for Graphite electrode 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 electrode in Brazil?
In Brazil, graphite electrode (HS 854511) is classified under NCM 8545.11.00.