Electrode Paste for Aluminum Smelting from Japan

A semi-manufactured paste composed of artificial graphite, petroleum coke, and coal tar pitch, used to fabricate Söderberg electrodes in aluminum reduction cells. It falls under HTS 3801.90.0050 as a preparation based on artificial graphite in paste form for industrial electrode production. This product is specifically designed for high-temperature smelting applications.

Duty Rate — Japan → United States

14.9%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter

Import Tips

Verify graphite content exceeds 50% by weight and ensure supplier provides chemical composition certificate for CBP classification

Include safety data sheets (SDS) documenting non-hazardous status; common pitfall is misclassification as carbon electrodes under 8545

Label packages with UN number if pitch content requires it; obtain prior notice via ACE system for bulk shipments