Product classification
HS code for Graphite refractories: 6903.10
Refractory ceramic goods, containing, by weight, more than 50% of free carbon, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths.
Classification of graphite refractories under HS 6903.10
Graphite refractories are classified under HS code 6903.10 as refractory ceramic goods containing more than 50% by weight of free carbon. This classification is determined by the material's ability to withstand high temperatures and its chemical composition. Unlike standard ceramic goods, these items are specifically designed for metallurgical and industrial furnace applications where high thermal conductivity and resistance to chemical erosion are required. The 50% threshold for free carbon is a critical technical requirement for this specific subheading. If the carbon content is lower, or if the product is a brick or block of a type used for structural masonry, different codes within Chapter 69 would apply. The classification follows the guidelines for Chapter 69, which distinguishes between refractory goods (those capable of resisting temperatures above 1,500 degrees Celsius) and ordinary ceramic ware. Because these products are shaped into specific industrial components like crucibles or nozzles, they are classified under 6903 rather than the raw material headings.
- Covers
- Graphite crucibles for metal melting
- Refractory nozzles containing >50% carbon
- Graphite retorts and stoppers
- Refractory plugs for industrial furnaces
- Carbon-bonded ceramic refractory shapes
- Also under 6903.10
- RHI Magnesita magnesia-carbon bricks
- Vesuvius carbon-bonded refractories
- SGL Carbon graphite components
- Tokai Carbon electrodes
Codes often confused with 6903.10
Common mistake. These products are often confused with HS code 6815.10, which covers non-electrical articles of graphite or other carbon. The difference is that 6903.10 is specifically for fired ceramic refractory goods, whereas 6815 is for non-ceramic carbon articles. Another common error is using 6902.10, which is reserved for refractory bricks and blocks; 6903 is the correct heading for other shapes like crucibles and tubes. Importers must verify the carbon percentage to ensure the product exceeds the 50% threshold required for 6903.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 690310 (the code used for graphite refractories), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 690310 (the code used for graphite refractories) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 21% 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 690310, not only graphite refractories.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $36M 29% of world exports
- 2 United States $22M 18% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $14M 11% of world exports
World total: $123M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $34M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $30M 18% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $17M 11% of world imports
World total: $163M 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 refractories
Brazil splits HS 6903.10 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6903.10.11Graphite crucibles, not with silicon carbide
- 6903.10.12Graphite and silicon carbide crucibles
- 6903.10.19Other crucibles over 50% free carbon
- 6903.10.20Graphite and silicon carbide retorts
- 6903.10.30Refractory lids and plugs, over 50% free carbon
- 6903.10.40Refractory tubes over 50% free carbon
- 6903.10.90Other refractories over 50% free carbon
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about graphite refractories
What is the HS code for Graphite refractories?
The HS code for Graphite refractories is 690310 (Refractory ceramic goods; containing, by weight, more than 50% of free carbon, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths). The HS code for graphite refractories containing more than 50% free carbon is 6903.10.
How do I classify Graphite refractories for customs?
Graphite refractories is classified under HS code 690310 — Refractory ceramic goods; containing, by weight, more than 50% of free carbon, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS 6902 and 6903?
HS 6902 is used for refractory bricks, blocks, and tiles, while HS 6903 is used for other refractory shapes such as crucibles, nozzles, and tubes.
Which countries are the top exporters of graphite refractories (HS 690310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 690310 (the code used for graphite refractories) in UN Comtrade data were China ($36M, 29% of world exports), the United States ($22M) and South Korea ($14M). World exports came to about $123M, 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 refractories (HS 690310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 690310 (the code used for graphite refractories) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($34M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($30M) and South Korea ($17M). World imports came to about $163M, 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 refractories the same in all countries?
The base HS code 690310 for Graphite refractories 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 refractories in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 690310 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for graphite refractories depends on the product's details: 6903.10.11 (Graphite crucibles, not with silicon carbide), 6903.10.12 (Graphite and silicon carbide crucibles), 6903.10.19 (Other crucibles over 50% free carbon), 6903.10.20 (Graphite and silicon carbide retorts), 6903.10.30 (Refractory lids and plugs, over 50% free carbon), 6903.10.40 (Refractory tubes over 50% free carbon), and more.