Metal-Graphite Contact Strips for Pantographs
Metal-graphite contact strips for pantographs are high-conductivity composite strips used on electric locomotives and trains to maintain electrical contact with overhead catenary wires. They are made of graphite and metal, designed for electrical purposes, and are classified under tariff item 8545.90.00 as other articles of graphite or other carbon for electrical use.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the strips are specifically designed as brushes for electrical machinery
Brushes are a distinct category under heading 85.45, and if the strips function as brushes, they may be classified there.
If the strips are presented as parts of pantographs for heading 86.07
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with a particular machine may fall under the parts heading for that machine.
If the strips are part of a complete pantograph assembly
Complete pantographs or their parts may be classified under railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the strips are declared as articles of graphite or other carbon for electrical purposes, not as parts of railway equipment, to avoid misclassification
• Provide a detailed product description and material composition to the CBSA to support the tariff classification
• Verify if any free trade agreements apply to reduce the duty rate
Related Products under Tariff item 8545.90.00
Battery Carbons for Zinc-Carbon Dry Cells
Cylindrical graphite rods functioning as positive electrodes (battery carbons) in disposable zinc-carbon primary batteries, conducting electrical current during discharge. These are battery carbons of a kind used for electrical purposes under heading 85.45.
Carbon Block Electrodes for Aluminum Smelting
Large prebaked carbon blocks serving as anodes in Hall-Héroult electrolytic cells for primary aluminum production, conducting massive electrical currents through the electrolyte. These are other carbon articles of a kind used for electrical purposes under heading 85.45.
Carbon Brushes for Universal Electric Motors
Wear-resistant carbon brushes with copper commutator contacts, used in universal AC/DC electric motors for power tools and appliances to transfer electrical current to the rotor. These are carbon brushes of a kind used for electrical purposes under heading 85.45.
Carbon Pickup Fingers for Electrical Substations
Low-friction carbon composite fingers used in substation disconnect switches to maintain sliding electrical contact during operation, minimizing wear on copper busbars. These are other carbon articles of a kind used for electrical purposes under heading 85.45.
Cinema Projector Upper Carbon Electrodes
Positive upper carbon rods (anodes) engineered for professional 35mm cinema projectors, providing sustained high-lumen arc illumination. Made from high-purity graphite to minimize flicker during film projection. These are lamp carbons of a kind used for electrical purposes, classifiable under this tariff item.
Copper-Coated Arc Welder Carbons
Copper-coated carbons primarily designed for arc lighting, occasionally used as substitutes in portable arc welders for light-duty applications. Their primary function is to produce a stable electrical arc in illumination systems, making them lamp carbons under this tariff item.