Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter has a broad scope, ranging from household appliances to industrial electrical equipment, but its core consists of machines and apparatus involving the production, transmission, conversion, or utilization of electrical energy. Although carbon electrodes are graphite products, because they are specially used for conducting electricity in electric furnaces, they are parts of electrical equipment and are therefore classified in this chapter. Heading 8545 includes carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, lamp carbons, battery carbons, and other carbon articles of a kind used for electrical purposes, whether or not with metal. These articles utilize the electrical conductivity and high-temperature resistance of carbon and are used in electric arc furnaces, electrolytic cells, electric motors, and other electrical equipment. This heading includes both finished products and semi-finished products, provided they have the characteristics of electrical use. Code 854511 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 85 = Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment). Digits 3-4, 45 = Heading 8545 (carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, and other carbon articles). Digits 5-6, 11 = Subheading 854511, specifically referring to carbon electrodes used for electric furnaces. This subheading is further distinguished from 854519 (other carbon electrodes) and 854520 (carbon brushes), etc. Therefore, 854511 specifically refers to carbon electrodes specially used for electric furnaces, such as steelmaking electric arc furnaces and submerged arc furnaces. This commodity is a carbon electrode specially used for conducting electricity in electric furnaces and belongs to carbon articles for electrical use. According to General Interpretative Rule 1, it should be classified according to the terms of the heading. 8545 explicitly lists carbon electrodes, and subheading 854511 specifically refers to those for electric furnaces, so it is classified under this code. It is not classified under 854519 (other carbon electrodes) because of its specific use; it is not classified under graphite articles, such as 3801 or 6815, because it has an electrical use.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter has a broad scope, ranging from household appliances to industrial electrical equipment, but its core consists of machines and apparatus involving the production, transmission, conversion, or utilization of electrical energy. Although carbon electrodes are graphite products, because they are specially used for conducting electricity in electric furnaces, they are parts of electrical equipment and are therefore classified in this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8545 includes carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, lamp carbons, battery carbons, and other carbon articles of a kind used for electrical purposes, whether or not with metal. These articles utilize the electrical conductivity and high-temperature resistance of carbon and are used in electric arc furnaces, electrolytic cells, electric motors, and other electrical equipment. This heading includes both finished products and semi-finished products, provided they have the characteristics of electrical use.
Digit Breakdown
Code 854511 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 85 = Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment). Digits 3-4, 45 = Heading 8545 (carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, and other carbon articles). Digits 5-6, 11 = Subheading 854511, specifically referring to carbon electrodes used for electric furnaces. This subheading is further distinguished from 854519 (other carbon electrodes) and 854520 (carbon brushes), etc. Therefore, 854511 specifically refers to carbon electrodes specially used for electric furnaces, such as steelmaking electric arc furnaces and submerged arc furnaces.
Classification Basis
This commodity is a carbon electrode specially used for conducting electricity in electric furnaces and belongs to carbon articles for electrical use. According to General Interpretative Rule 1, it should be classified according to the terms of the heading. 8545 explicitly lists carbon electrodes, and subheading 854511 specifically refers to those for electric furnaces, so it is classified under this code. It is not classified under 854519 (other carbon electrodes) because of its specific use; it is not classified under graphite articles, such as 3801 or 6815, because it has an electrical use.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the commodity name accurately as "carbon electrode" or "graphite electrode," and indicate that it is for electric furnaces. Material: State the main components, such as graphite and carbon, and whether metal additives are contained. Use: Clearly state the type of electric furnace for which it is used, such as a steelmaking electric arc furnace, submerged arc furnace, or yellow phosphorus furnace. Specifications and dimensions: Declare dimensions such as diameter and length, usually expressed in millimeters, for example, diameter 500 mm, length 1,800 mm. Resistivity: Provide the resistivity value (μΩ·m), which reflects electrical conductivity and is an important technical indicator. Density: Declare the bulk density (g/cm³), reflecting the compactness of the material. Brand: Declare the brand or manufacturer name; if there is no brand, enter "none." Model: Declare the product model, such as UHP, HP, RP, etc., reflecting the quality grade. Product name: carbon electrode (for electric furnace); Material: ultra-high-power graphite electrode, graphite content ≥99%; Use: conductive use in steelmaking electric arc furnace; Specifications: diameter 600 mm, length 2,400 mm; Resistivity: 6.5 μΩ·m; Density: 1.68 g/cm³; Brand: XYZ; Model: UHP600. Failure to state "for electric furnace" may lead to incorrect classification under 854519 other carbon electrodes. Unclear material description, such as writing only "carbon" without explaining the degree of graphitization, affects the determination of the subheading. Incomplete declaration of specifications and dimensions may cause customs to question the accuracy of classification.
Product name
Declare the commodity name accurately as "carbon electrode" or "graphite electrode," and indicate that it is for electric furnaces.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring it as "graphite article" or "electrode paste," without reflecting its use in electric furnaces.
Material
State the main components, such as graphite and carbon, and whether metal additives are contained.
⚠️ Writing only "carbon" without distinguishing the degree of graphitization, or confusing artificial graphite with natural graphite.
Use
Clearly state the type of electric furnace for which it is used, such as a steelmaking electric arc furnace, submerged arc furnace, or yellow phosphorus furnace.
⚠️ Writing generally "industrial use" without specifying the type of electric furnace.
Specifications and dimensions
Declare dimensions such as diameter and length, usually expressed in millimeters, for example, diameter 500 mm, length 1,800 mm.
⚠️ Omitting dimensions or using incorrect units, leading to classification disputes.
Resistivity
Provide the resistivity value (μΩ·m), which reflects electrical conductivity and is an important technical indicator.
⚠️ Failing to provide it or providing incorrect units, such as mistakenly using Ω·m.
Density
Declare the bulk density (g/cm³), reflecting the compactness of the material.
⚠️ Failing to provide it or confusing it with true density.
Brand
Declare the brand or manufacturer name; if there is no brand, enter "none."
⚠️ Omitting the brand or providing incomplete information.
Model
Declare the product model, such as UHP, HP, RP, etc., reflecting the quality grade.
⚠️ Failing to declare the model or declaring a model inconsistent with the use.
Example： Product name: carbon electrode (for electric furnace); Material: ultra-high-power graphite electrode, graphite content ≥99%; Use: conductive use in steelmaking electric arc furnace; Specifications: diameter 600 mm, length 2,400 mm; Resistivity: 6.5 μΩ·m; Density: 1.68 g/cm³; Brand: XYZ; Model: UHP600.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to state "for electric furnace" may lead to incorrect classification under 854519 other carbon electrodes.
Unclear material description, such as writing only "carbon" without explaining the degree of graphitization, affects the determination of the subheading.
Incomplete declaration of specifications and dimensions may cause customs to question the accuracy of classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the terms of heading 8545 and the subheading structure. Carbon electrodes must be used for electrical purposes and specifically for electric furnaces. The determination should be based on material (carbon or graphite), use (conductive use in electric furnaces), and technical indicators (resistivity, density). If they are carbon electrodes for other uses, classify under 854519; if they are carbon brushes, classify under 854520. At the same time, attention should be paid to distinguishing them from graphite articles, such as 6815, which are not for electrical use. 854519 Other carbon electrodes: Carbon electrodes used in electrolytic cells, batteries, and other non-electric-furnace applications; the difference from 854511 lies in whether the use is in an electric furnace. 854520 Carbon brushes: Carbon brushes are used in motor commutators or slip rings; their shape and function are different, and they are not used for conducting electricity in electric furnaces. 854590 Other carbon articles: Includes lamp carbons, battery carbons, etc., but does not include electrodes; the use and shape differ significantly. 681510 Non-electrical graphite articles: Such as crucibles and molds, which do not have electrical conductive use; the material may be graphite but they are not electrodes. 380110 Artificial graphite: This is a raw material, not processed into an electrode; if already processed into an electrode, classify under 8545. Is it clearly used for electric furnaces? Is the material carbon or graphite? Does it have the shape of a conductive electrode? Do the technical indicators meet electrode standards? Is it confused with other carbon articles?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the terms of heading 8545 and the subheading structure. Carbon electrodes must be used for electrical purposes and specifically for electric furnaces. The determination should be based on material (carbon or graphite), use (conductive use in electric furnaces), and technical indicators (resistivity, density). If they are carbon electrodes for other uses, classify under 854519; if they are carbon brushes, classify under 854520. At the same time, attention should be paid to distinguishing them from graphite articles, such as 6815, which are not for electrical use.
Confused Codes：
854519 - Other carbon electrodes
Carbon electrodes used in electrolytic cells, batteries, and other non-electric-furnace applications; the difference from 854511 lies in whether the use is in an electric furnace.
854520 - Carbon brushes
Carbon brushes are used in motor commutators or slip rings; their shape and function are different, and they are not used for conducting electricity in electric furnaces.
854590 - Other carbon articles
Includes lamp carbons, battery carbons, etc., but does not include electrodes; the use and shape differ significantly.
681510 - Non-electrical graphite articles
Such as crucibles and molds, which do not have electrical conductive use; the material may be graphite but they are not electrodes.
380110 - Artificial graphite
This is a raw material, not processed into an electrode; if already processed into an electrode, classify under 8545.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly used for electric furnaces?
✓ Is the material carbon or graphite?
✓ Does it have the shape of a conductive electrode?
✓ Do the technical indicators meet electrode standards?
✓ Is it confused with other carbon articles?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the HS code for carbon electrodes? First confirm that the commodity is a carbon electrode and is used for electric furnaces, then look up Chapter 85, heading 8545, subheading 854511. You can use the customs tariff, HS code query websites, or consult a customs broker. Be sure to verify the use and material description. Are the HS codes for carbon electrodes and graphite electrodes the same? Yes. HS code 854511 covers both carbon electrodes and graphite electrodes, as long as they are used for electric furnaces. However, the material must be stated when declaring, because graphite electrodes may involve export controls and require additional attention. What is the most common error when declaring carbon electrodes for electric furnaces? The most common error is failing to state "for electric furnaces," resulting in classification under 854519. In addition, vague material descriptions and incomplete specifications can also easily trigger inspection. It is recommended to fill in the declaration elements strictly. How can I check the tariff rate for carbon electrodes? Tariff rates vary by country and may change. You can check the importing country's customs tariff or use the WTO tariff database. For exports from China, you can consult the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China; the specific rate is subject to the latest version. What regulatory documents are required for exporting carbon electrodes? Generally, no special documents are required, but if they are high-purity graphite electrodes, they may involve dual-use item controls. It is necessary to confirm whether they are listed in the Catalogue of Dual-Use Items and Technologies Subject to Import and Export License Administration. It is recommended to consult the local customs authority. How can carbon electrodes and carbon brushes be distinguished? Carbon electrodes are used for conducting electricity in electric furnaces and are usually large cylindrical shapes; carbon brushes are used in motors, are small, and have lead wires. Their HS codes are 854511 and 854520 respectively. They can be distinguished by use and shape. Is resistivity important among the declaration elements for carbon electrodes? Yes. Resistivity is a key indicator for distinguishing electrode quality grades and affects classification determination. Customs may use resistivity to confirm whether it is an electrode for electric furnaces. Accurate values should be provided when declaring. If a carbon electrode is used in an electrolytic cell, what is the code? Carbon electrodes used in electrolytic cells should be classified under 854519 (other carbon electrodes), not 854511, because 854511 specifically refers to those for electric furnaces. The use must be clearly stated when declaring to avoid incorrect classification.
Q: How can I check the HS code for carbon electrodes?
A: First confirm that the commodity is a carbon electrode and is used for electric furnaces, then look up Chapter 85, heading 8545, subheading 854511. You can use the customs tariff, HS code query websites, or consult a customs broker. Be sure to verify the use and material description.
Q: Are the HS codes for carbon electrodes and graphite electrodes the same?
A: Yes. HS code 854511 covers both carbon electrodes and graphite electrodes, as long as they are used for electric furnaces. However, the material must be stated when declaring, because graphite electrodes may involve export controls and require additional attention.
Q: What is the most common error when declaring carbon electrodes for electric furnaces?
A: The most common error is failing to state "for electric furnaces," resulting in classification under 854519. In addition, vague material descriptions and incomplete specifications can also easily trigger inspection. It is recommended to fill in the declaration elements strictly.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for carbon electrodes?
A: Tariff rates vary by country and may change. You can check the importing country's customs tariff or use the WTO tariff database. For exports from China, you can consult the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China; the specific rate is subject to the latest version.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for exporting carbon electrodes?
A: Generally, no special documents are required, but if they are high-purity graphite electrodes, they may involve dual-use item controls. It is necessary to confirm whether they are listed in the Catalogue of Dual-Use Items and Technologies Subject to Import and Export License Administration. It is recommended to consult the local customs authority.
Q: How can carbon electrodes and carbon brushes be distinguished?
A: Carbon electrodes are used for conducting electricity in electric furnaces and are usually large cylindrical shapes; carbon brushes are used in motors, are small, and have lead wires. Their HS codes are 854511 and 854520 respectively. They can be distinguished by use and shape.
Q: Is resistivity important among the declaration elements for carbon electrodes?
A: Yes. Resistivity is a key indicator for distinguishing electrode quality grades and affects classification determination. Customs may use resistivity to confirm whether it is an electrode for electric furnaces. Accurate values should be provided when declaring.
Q: If a carbon electrode is used in an electrolytic cell, what is the code?
A: Carbon electrodes used in electrolytic cells should be classified under 854519 (other carbon electrodes), not 854511, because 854511 specifically refers to those for electric furnaces. The use must be clearly stated when declaring to avoid incorrect classification.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.