Product classification
HS code for Graphite paste: 3801.90
Graphite or other carbon based preparations, in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures.
Classification of graphite paste under HS 3801.90
Graphite paste is classified under HS code 3801.90 because it represents a preparation based on graphite or other carbon in a semi-manufactured form. This code specifically covers artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, and preparations that are not in bulk form but rather processed into pastes, blocks, or plates. The classification depends on the chemical composition and the physical state of the product. Since graphite paste is a mixture often used for electrical conductivity or lubrication, it falls under the miscellaneous chemical products category rather than raw minerals. The determination is based on General Interpretative Rule 1 and the specific wording of heading 3801, which encompasses carbon-based preparations. The paste form indicates that the graphite has been mixed with a binder or carrier, which distinguishes it from pure mineral graphite found in Chapter 25. Furthermore, the classification accounts for the industrial application of the product as a semi-manufactured material ready for use in manufacturing electrodes or as a conductive coating.
- Covers
- Conductive graphite paste for electronics
- Lubricating graphite paste
- Carbon-based electrode pastes
- Semi-colloidal graphite in paste form
- Graphite-based heat sink compounds
- 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 paste is frequently confused with HS code 2504.10, which covers natural graphite in powder or flakes. The distinction lies in the processing; 2504 is for raw mineral graphite, while 3801.90 is for preparations. It is also sometimes misclassified under 2713.11 for petroleum coke, but that code is reserved for residues of petroleum oil refining rather than manufactured graphite preparations. Additionally, if the paste is primarily for retail sale as a lubricant, it might be incorrectly placed in 3403, though 3801 remains the specific heading for graphite-based preparations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380190 (the code used for graphite paste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380190 (the code used for graphite paste) 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 paste.
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 paste
Brazil classifies graphite paste 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 paste
What is the HS code for Graphite paste?
The HS code for Graphite paste is 380190 (Graphite or other carbon based preparations; in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufactures). The HS code for graphite paste is 3801.90, which covers graphite or other carbon-based preparations in the form of pastes, blocks, or plates.
How do I classify Graphite paste for customs?
Graphite paste 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.
Can graphite paste be classified as a lubricant?
While it has lubricating properties, if the preparation is specifically based on graphite or carbon, it is classified under 3801.90 rather than the general lubricant heading 3403.
Which countries are the top exporters of graphite paste (HS 380190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380190 (the code used for graphite paste) 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 paste (HS 380190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380190 (the code used for graphite paste) 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 paste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380190 for Graphite 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 graphite paste in Brazil?
In Brazil, graphite paste (HS 380190) is classified under NCM 3801.90.00.