HS Code 3802
Activated Carbon and Mineral Products
HS code 3802 covers activated carbon and activated natural mineral products used for filtration, purification, and decolorisation in industrial processes.
4-digit Section VIFCL Hazmat 4.2
HS Code 3802 — Activated Carbon and Mineral Products
This code covers carbon and minerals that have been treated to increase their surface area for absorption. It is primarily used in water filtration, air purification, and the decolorising of sugars or oils.
What's included
- Activated charcoal
- Activated clay
- Animal black (bone black)
- Activated bauxite
What's excluded
- Unactivated charcoal → use
4402(Wood charcoal that hasn't been chemically or steam-activated stays in Chapter 44.)
Common examples
- Activated carbon granules for water filters
- Coconut shell activated carbon
- Activated bleaching earth for oil refining
- Spent animal black for waste treatment
Frequently asked questions
Is aquarium carbon under this code?
Yes, charcoal used in fish tank filters is typically activated carbon classified here.
Trade & shipping notes
- Typical duty range: 0% - 5%
- Documentation: Requires a Non-Hazardous Declaration for sea freight to prove it is not self-heating.
- Typical shipping mode: FCL
- Top exporters: India, China, Philippines, USA
- Top importers: USA, Germany, Japan, Belgium
Related HS codes
Key takeaway
Essential for environmental filtration; shipping requires specific safety testing to avoid hazmat restrictions.
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