HS 380210 Activated carbon
Quick Answer: Activated carbon imported under HS 380210 enters the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.20% ad valorem, and the US at 4.8% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This HS code covers activated carbon in all forms, including granular, powdered, and pelletized, regardless of whether it is impregnated or treated for specific applications like water purification, air filtration, or industrial processes. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates available for certain trading partners in the US. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based duty rates for accurate landed cost calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3802100010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3802100090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3802100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3802100040 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3802100000 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 3802100010 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 3802100040 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 3802100090 | 3.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38021000 | 4.8% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 3802100020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 3802100010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 3802100050 | — | — | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 3802.10?
Imports of Activated carbon may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 380210 cover?
This subheading covers activated carbon, which is defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature as carbon that has been treated, typically by heating in the absence of air, to increase its porosity and surface area, making it highly adsorptive. This includes activated carbon in granular, powdered, or pelletized forms, regardless of the source material (e.g., coal, wood, coconut shells). The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to carbonaceous materials possessing a high degree of internal porosity and a large surface area, specifically prepared for adsorption purposes.
What falls outside HS 380210?
The following products are excluded from HS 380210: charcoal that has not been activated, even if it is porous and intended for fuel (typically classified under 4402); carbon black, which is a form of finely divided carbon used as a pigment or reinforcing filler (classified under 2803); and activated alumina or silica gel, which are other types of desiccants or adsorbents with different chemical compositions and manufacturing processes. These excluded items have distinct properties and applications that place them under different HS headings, such as 4402 for charcoal and 2803 for carbon black.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 380210?
A common error is the misclassification of activated carbon based solely on its intended use rather than its inherent properties. For instance, activated carbon used for water purification might be mistakenly classified under a heading related to water treatment chemicals. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers must ensure the product meets the definition of activated carbon as a highly porous, adsorptive material, irrespective of its end application, to avoid misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 380210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 380210 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical and chemical properties. Importers and customs brokers should consult the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC. Key factors include evidence of activation treatment, high surface area (often measured in m²/g), and adsorptive capacity. Obtaining a detailed technical data sheet from the manufacturer is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 380210?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of granular activated carbon, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) ad valorem duty rate of 5.0% published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS 380210, applied to the declared customs value (5.0% × $2,500 USD = $125.00). Note that some jurisdictions may also apply specific duties based on weight or volume, but for this example, only the ad valorem rate is considered.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 380210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 380210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible products originating from developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for activated carbon (HS 380210) into the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom?
For the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for activated carbon (HS 380210) is 0.00% ad valorem, as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also 0.00% ad valorem. For the United Kingdom, the UK Trade Tariff lists a duty rate of 0.00% ad valorem for this classification. These rates are subject to change and may differ based on specific trade agreements or origin of goods.
How is activated carbon classified under HS code 380210, and what are the key criteria?
HS code 380210 specifically covers 'activated carbon'. The key classification criterion is that the material must be 'activated'. Activation is a process that increases the porosity and surface area of carbonaceous materials (like charcoal, wood, coal, or coconut shells) through physical or chemical treatments. This greatly enhances their adsorptive properties. Importers must ensure the product meets this definition; documentation from the supplier detailing the activation process and the resulting high adsorptive capacity is crucial for customs verification.
What documentation is typically required for importing activated carbon under HS 380210?
Standard import documentation for activated carbon (HS 380210) usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the intended use (e.g., water purification, food processing), additional certifications or compliance documents related to safety, quality standards, or specific industry regulations might be necessary. Importers should consult with their customs broker for specific requirements based on the destination country and product application.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for activated carbon (HS 380210) into the US, EU, or UK, and what are examples of these rates?
Several trade agreements can impact duty rates for activated carbon (HS 380210). For instance, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may benefit from preferential rates, often 0.00%. The EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like South Korea, Japan, and Canada, which can reduce or eliminate duties on activated carbon originating from these partners. The UK also has similar FTAs post-Brexit. For example, if activated carbon from Australia (AU) is imported into the UK under the UK-Australia FTA, it might be eligible for Free (0.00%) duty, as indicated by some preferential rate lists. Importers must verify the specific origin of the goods and the terms of the applicable trade agreement to confirm eligibility and claim preferential treatment.
How is the import duty for activated carbon calculated, and can you provide a numerical example?
The duty calculation for activated carbon (HS 380210) depends on the duty rate applied by the importing country. If the rate is ad valorem, the duty is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of activated carbon is valued at $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate is 3.20% ad valorem, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.0320 (Duty Rate) = $320.00 USD. If a specific duty rate (e.g., per kilogram) were applied, the calculation would be Rate per Unit × Quantity. It is essential to use the correct customs value, which typically includes the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight (CIF) up to the border of the importing country.