HS 250490 Other
Quick Answer: HS 250490, "Other," covers natural graphite not in powder, flake, or other specified forms. This residual subheading captures various unprocessed or minimally processed natural graphite products. For importers and exporters, understanding the specific form of graphite is crucial for correct classification. Duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction: the UK and EU apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty, while the US imposes a 10% ad valorem duty on certain entries and "Free" for others, depending on specific trade agreements or programs. Importers should verify the exact duty rate based on the country of origin and any applicable trade preferences to ensure compliance and accurate cost calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2504900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2504900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2504900000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 250490 cover?
This subheading covers natural graphite, other than in powder or flake form, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature Explanatory Notes for Heading 2504. Specifically, HS 250490 encompasses all forms of natural graphite that do not meet the specific criteria for classification under HS 250410 (powder or flakes). This includes various lump, chip, or amorphous forms of natural graphite, provided they have not undergone further processing beyond basic beneficiation, such as crushing, grinding, or flotation, which would alter their fundamental character or create a specific powder or flake size. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and EU TARIC system align with this WCO definition, classifying non-powder/non-flake natural graphite here.
What falls outside HS 250490?
The following products are excluded from HS 250490: natural graphite in powder or flake form, which is specifically classified under HS 250410. Furthermore, artificial graphite, regardless of its form, is excluded and falls under HS 380110. Products containing graphite that have been further worked beyond simple beneficiation, such as graphite electrodes (typically HS 854511 or 854519), graphite crucibles (HS 690310), or other manufactured articles of graphite, are also excluded from Chapter 25 entirely. These exclusions are critical for maintaining the integrity of the "crude minerals" nature of Chapter 25 and preventing misclassification of value-added products.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 250490?
A common error is misclassifying natural graphite that has been processed into a fine powder or distinct flakes under HS 250490, when it correctly belongs in HS 250410. Importers often overlook the specific particle size or morphological criteria that differentiate "powder or flakes" from "other" forms. Another frequent mistake involves classifying artificial graphite, which is a manufactured product, within Heading 2504, instead of its proper heading, HS 3801. This error often arises from a lack of understanding of the distinction between naturally occurring minerals and synthetically produced materials. Proper application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is essential to avoid these pitfalls.
How should importers classify products under HS 250490?
The correct procedure for classifying natural graphite under HS 250490 involves first determining if the product is indeed natural graphite, as opposed to artificial graphite. Subsequently, importers must meticulously assess the physical form of the natural graphite. If it is not in powder or flake form, meaning it consists of lumps, chips, or amorphous pieces that do not meet the specific size and shape criteria for powder or flakes, then HS 250490 is the appropriate classification. Importers and customs brokers should always consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2504, along with the specific national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS or EU TARIC), to ensure accurate classification and prevent potential penalties or delays.
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FAQ
What is the Harmonized System (HS) code 2504.90 and what does it cover?
HS code 2504.90, specifically '2504.90.00' in many tariff schedules, covers 'Natural graphite: Other'. Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System pertains to 'Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement'. Within this, heading 2504 covers 'Natural graphite'. The '.90' subheading is a residual category for natural graphite that does not fall under '2504.10' (e.g., 'Powder or flakes'). This typically includes natural graphite in forms such as lumps, chips, or other unworked or semi-worked forms not specifically powdered or flaked, provided it remains 'natural graphite' and has not undergone processing that would alter its fundamental character or classify it under another heading (e.g., purified artificial graphite under Chapter 28).
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2504.90, and are there preferential rates available?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2504.90 are often 0.00% ad valorem in many major economies, reflecting the raw material nature of natural graphite. For instance, the current MFN duty rate for 2504.90.00 in the United States (HTSUS) is 'Free' (0.00%). Similarly, the EU TARIC database lists a 0.00% MFN duty rate for 2504.90.00. The UK Global Tariff also shows a 0.00% duty rate. Preferential duty rates are generally 'Free' (0.00%) under various trade agreements, such as the USMCA for imports into the US from Mexico or Canada, or under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes for eligible developing countries, provided all rules of origin are met. Importers should verify the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and applicable free trade agreements (FTAs) or preferential programs.
What specific documentation is required for importing natural graphite under HS 2504.90?
Standard import documentation is required for natural graphite under HS 2504.90. This typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration. For preferential duty treatment, a Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 movement certificate, or GSP Form A) is essential to substantiate the claim. While natural graphite is generally not subject to extensive regulatory controls, importers should confirm if any specific environmental, health, or safety regulations apply in the destination country, especially concerning dust or particulate matter handling, or if it's intended for specific industrial uses (e.g., food contact, medical devices), which might trigger additional certifications or declarations. A chemical analysis or specification sheet from the supplier can also be beneficial for customs verification of the 'natural graphite' classification.
What are the key classification criteria to ensure natural graphite is correctly classified under HS 2504.90 rather than other headings?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2504.90 is that the product must be 'natural graphite' and not fall under the more specific subheading 2504.10 (powder or flakes). 'Natural graphite' refers to the mineral form of carbon. Key considerations include: 1. Origin: It must be naturally occurring, distinguishing it from artificial graphite (typically classified under Chapter 28 or 38, depending on form and purity). 2. Form: For 2504.90, it typically includes lumps, chips, granules, or other unworked or semi-worked forms that are not predominantly in powder or flake form. If it's predominantly powder or flakes, it would fall under 2504.10. 3. Processing: The graphite should not have undergone significant processing that alters its fundamental character as natural graphite. Minor crushing, screening, or sorting generally does not change its classification. However, extensive purification, chemical treatment, or shaping into specific articles would likely lead to classification elsewhere. The Explanatory Notes to HS Chapter 25 and heading 2504 provide further guidance on distinguishing natural graphite from other carbon forms.