HS Code for Graphite flakes

Graphite flakes are classified under HS code 2504.10. This code is situated in Chapter 25, which covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, as well as plastering materials, lime, and cement. Heading 2504 is dedicated to natural graphite, a mineral substance composed of carbon. The subheading 2504.10 specifically applies to natural graphite that is presented in the form of powder or flakes. Flake graphite is a naturally occurring form of graphite that is found as isolated, flat, plate-like particles in metamorphic rocks. The classification depends on the graphite being "natural"—meaning it was extracted from the earth and has not undergone the high-temperature graphitization process used to create synthetic graphite. Processing steps such as crushing, grinding, and flotation to remove impurities are permitted under Chapter 25, provided they do not change the fundamental crystalline structure of the mineral.

Products Included

• Natural crystalline flake graphite
• Fine natural graphite powder
• Amorphous natural graphite powder
• Vein graphite in crushed flake form
• High-purity natural flake graphite

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 3801.10, which is for artificial (synthetic) graphite. Artificial graphite is manufactured from petroleum coke or coal tar pitch and has different physical properties. Another error is using 2504.90, which is a residual category for natural graphite that is not in powder or flake form, such as large lumps or "run-of-mine" ore that has not been processed into flakes.

FAQ

What is the HS code for graphite flakes?

Natural graphite flakes are classified under HS code 2504.10.

How do you distinguish between 2504.10 and 3801.10?

2504.10 is for graphite mined from the earth (natural), while 3801.10 is for graphite produced through industrial thermal processes (artificial).