Product classification
HS code for Synthetic graphite: 3801.10
Graphite, artificial.
Classification of synthetic graphite under HS 3801.10
Synthetic graphite is classified under HS code 3801.10 because it is a manufactured product resulting from the high-temperature treatment of carbonaceous materials, such as petroleum coke, coal tar pitch, or anthracite coal. Unlike natural graphite, which is a mineral extracted from the earth and classified in Chapter 25, synthetic graphite is considered a chemical product of Chapter 38. The classification process follows General Interpretative Rule 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 3801 specifically covers artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, and preparations based on graphite. Subheading 3801.10 is reserved for the primary artificial form. The material must exhibit the crystalline structure of graphite but be produced through industrial processes like graphitization in electric furnaces at temperatures exceeding 2,500 degrees Celsius. This distinction is critical because the physical properties, such as high purity, consistent crystallinity, and low ash content, differ significantly from the natural mineral. The classification also covers synthetic graphite in the form of powder, flakes, or blocks, provided they have not been further worked into specific parts or articles.
- Covers
- Electro-graphite for electrodes
- Nuclear grade synthetic graphite
- Artificial graphite powder and grains
- Graphite blocks and plates (unworked)
- Synthetic graphite flakes
- Also under 3801.10
- SGL Carbon artificial graphite electrodes
- Showa Denko synthetic graphite
- GrafTech International graphite products
- Nippon Carbon artificial graphite
- Panasonic battery graphite
Codes often confused with 3801.10
Common mistake. Synthetic graphite is frequently confused with natural graphite, which falls under HS code 2504. While they share chemical similarities, the origin (mined vs. manufactured) is the deciding factor. It is also often misclassified with 3801.20, which is specifically for colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, or 3801.30, which covers carbonaceous pastes for electrodes. Additionally, if the graphite has been shaped into specific machine parts, it may fall under 8545 for electrical carbon or 6815 for non-electrical carbon articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380110 (the code used for synthetic graphite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380110 (the code used for synthetic graphite) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 380110, not only synthetic graphite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $703M 37% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $192M 10% of world exports
- 3 Japan $166M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $546M 24% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $371M 16% of world imports
- 3 Poland $150M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 synthetic graphite
Brazil classifies synthetic graphite under NCM 3801.10.00: HS 3801.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic graphite
What is the HS code for Synthetic graphite?
The HS code for Synthetic graphite is 380110 (Graphite; artificial). The primary HS code for synthetic (artificial) graphite is 3801.10.
How do I classify Synthetic graphite for customs?
Synthetic graphite is classified under HS code 380110 — Graphite; artificial. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between natural and synthetic graphite for customs?
Natural graphite (2504) is a mineral product, while synthetic graphite (3801.10) is produced via high-temperature heat treatment of carbon precursors. Lab analysis of ash content and crystal structure often confirms the origin.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic graphite (HS 380110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380110 (the code used for synthetic graphite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($703M, 37% of world exports), Indonesia ($192M) and Japan ($166M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 synthetic graphite (HS 380110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380110 (the code used for synthetic graphite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($546M, 24% of world imports), Malaysia ($371M) and Poland ($150M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Synthetic graphite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380110 for Synthetic 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 synthetic graphite in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic graphite (HS 380110) is classified under NCM 3801.10.00.