Product classification

HS code for Graphite rod: 8545.90

Carbon, lamp carbons, battery carbons and other articles of graphite or other carbon, with or without metal, of a kind used for electrical purposes.

Classification of graphite rod under HS 8545.90

Graphite rods are classified under HS code 8545.90, which falls within the category of electrical carbons and articles of graphite used for electrical purposes. This classification is determined by the functional application of the product rather than its raw material composition alone. While graphite is a naturally occurring mineral, once it is processed into a specific shape like a rod for use as an electrode, heating element, or brush, it is categorized under Chapter 85. This chapter covers electrical machinery and equipment. The 8545.90 subheading specifically captures carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, and other graphite articles that may or may not contain metal, provided they are intended for electrical conductivity or resistance. These rods are essential in industrial processes such as electric arc furnaces, electrolysis, and specialized heating systems where high thermal stability and electrical conductivity are required.

Covers
  • Carbon electrodes for furnaces
  • Graphite heating rods
  • Battery carbons
  • Graphite rods for electrical discharge machining (EDM)
  • Carbon brushes for motors
  • Lamp carbons for cinematic projectors
Also under 8545.90
  • Energizer Carbon-Zinc Battery Rods
  • Panasonic Carbon Rods
  • SGL Carbon Heating Elements
  • Mersen Graphite Components
  • Tokai Carbon Battery Carbons

Codes often confused with 8545.90

Common mistake. Graphite rods are frequently misclassified under HS code 3801.10, which covers artificial graphite in bulk forms like blocks or plates. However, if the graphite is shaped into a rod specifically for electrical use, 8545.90 is the correct designation. Another common error is using 6815.10, which applies to non-electrical articles of graphite or carbon. If the rod is used for structural or mechanical purposes rather than electrical ones, 6815.10 would be appropriate, making the intended use the primary factor in selection.

3801.10Graphite; artificial

Top exporters and importers of HS 854590 (the code used for graphite rod), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854590 (the code used for graphite rod) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 16% 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 854590, not only graphite rod.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $90M
  2. 2 Japan $57M
  3. 3 China $51M

World total: $406M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $96M
  2. 2 India $91M
  3. 3 United States $67M

World total: $600M 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 rod

Brazil splits HS 8545.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about graphite rod

What is the HS code for Graphite rod?

The HS code for Graphite rod is 854590 (Carbon; lamp carbons, battery carbons and other articles of graphite or other carbon, with or without metal, of a kind used for electrical purposes). The HS code for a graphite rod used for electrical purposes is 8545.90.

How do I classify Graphite rod for customs?

Graphite rod is classified under HS code 854590 — Carbon; lamp carbons, battery carbons and other articles of graphite or other carbon, with or without metal, of a kind used for electrical purposes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does the presence of metal change the classification?

No, HS code 8545.90 specifically includes articles of graphite or carbon with or without metal, as long as they are used for electrical purposes.

Which countries are the top exporters of graphite rod (HS 854590)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854590 (the code used for graphite rod) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($90M, 22% of world exports), Japan ($57M) and China ($51M). World exports came to about $406M, 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 rod (HS 854590)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 854590 (the code used for graphite rod) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($96M, 16% of world imports), India ($91M) and the United States ($67M). World imports came to about $600M, 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 rod the same in all countries?

The base HS code 854590 for Graphite rod 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 rod in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 854590 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for graphite rod depends on the product's details: 8545.90.10 (Battery carbons), 8545.90.20 (Bare carbon heating resistors without terminals), 8545.90.30 (Carbon electrode connecting nipples), 8545.90.90 (Other carbon or graphite electrical articles).