Product classification
HS code for Natural graphite: 2504.90
Graphite, natural, in other forms, excluding powder or flakes.
Classification of natural graphite under HS 2504.90
Natural graphite is classified under HS code 2504.90 based on its mineralogical origin and physical state. Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System encompasses salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, which includes naturally occurring minerals that have not been chemically modified. Within this chapter, heading 2504 is dedicated to natural graphite. The subheading 2504.90 specifically addresses natural graphite in forms other than powder or flakes. This typically includes amorphous graphite or vein graphite, which are characterized by their massive or microcrystalline structure. The classification depends heavily on the absence of processing that would transform the mineral into a chemical product or a manufactured article. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. For natural graphite, the material must remain in its crude state or have undergone only basic mechanical processes like crushing or washing to remove impurities. If the graphite is synthetic or has undergone significant chemical purification beyond the removal of impurities, it would move to Chapter 38. The distinction between 2504.10 (powder/flakes) and 2504.90 (other) is determined by the particle size and morphology; 2504.90 covers the raw, bulk mineral as extracted from the mine before it is milled into fine powders or separated into distinct flakes.
- Covers
- Amorphous natural graphite in lumps
- Vein graphite (plumbago) in crude form
- Crystalline graphite not in flake form
- Natural graphite rocks and ores
- Crushed natural graphite (non-powder)
- Also under 2504.90
- Sri Lankan vein graphite
- various raw graphite lumps from mines in Brazil or Madagascar
- crude graphite from Tanzania
Codes often confused with 2504.90
Common mistake. Natural graphite is frequently confused with HS code 2504.10, which is reserved specifically for natural graphite in the form of powder or flakes. The distinction is based on physical morphology. Furthermore, it is often misclassified under HS code 3801.10, which covers artificial (synthetic) graphite. Artificial graphite is produced through high-temperature treatment of petroleum coke or coal tar pitch and does not belong in Chapter 25. Additionally, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite falls under 3801.20, regardless of whether the base material is natural or synthetic.
Top exporters and importers of HS 250490 (the code used for natural graphite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250490 (the code used for natural graphite) in UN Comtrade data was Tanzania, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% 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 250490, not only natural graphite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Tanzania $17M 42% of world exports
- 2 China $14M 36% of world exports
- 3 Germany $2.5M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $39M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $15M 32% of world imports
- 2 United States $7.9M 16% of world imports
- 3 Japan $3.7M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $49M 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 natural graphite
Brazil classifies natural graphite under NCM 2504.90.00: HS 2504.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about natural graphite
What is the HS code for Natural graphite?
The HS code for Natural graphite is 250490 (Graphite; natural, in other forms, excluding powder or flakes). The HS code for natural graphite in forms other than powder or flakes is 2504.90. If it is in powder or flake form, it is 2504.10.
How do I classify Natural graphite for customs?
Natural graphite is classified under HS code 250490 — Graphite; natural, in other forms, excluding powder or flakes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is synthetic graphite classified under this code?
No, synthetic or artificial graphite is classified under HS code 3801.10, as it is a chemically manufactured product rather than a naturally occurring mineral.
Which countries are the top exporters of natural graphite (HS 250490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250490 (the code used for natural graphite) in UN Comtrade data were Tanzania ($17M, 42% of world exports), China ($14M) and Germany ($2.5M). World exports came to about $39M, 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 natural graphite (HS 250490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 250490 (the code used for natural graphite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($15M, 32% of world imports), the United States ($7.9M) and Japan ($3.7M). World imports came to about $49M, 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 Natural graphite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 250490 for Natural graphite 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 natural graphite in Brazil?
In Brazil, natural graphite (HS 250490) is classified under NCM 2504.90.00.