Analysis
Heading 2504 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule covers natural graphite. It divides into 2 six-digit subheadings and 3 eight-digit tariff lines, with 3 ten-digit statistical suffixes below them.
Every one of its 3 tariff lines is duty-free at the general rate, so classification within the heading affects statistics and Chapter 99 measures rather than the base duty.
The largest subheadings are 2504.10 (in powder or in flakes, 2 lines) and 2504.90 (unnamed, 1 line).
By Census's concordance, most of its statistical lines are made by Ground or Treated Mineral and Earth Manufacturing (327992) and Other Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying (21239). Those are the NAICS industries a US producer of these goods would report under.
Its median rate of duty-free sits at the 46th percentile of the headings in chapter 25.
The heading text decides whether a product belongs here at all (General Rule of Interpretation 1); the subheadings and lines below it only apply once that is settled. Section and chapter notes can override the heading wording, so read them for borderline goods.
Tariff lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2504.10.10 | Crystalline flake (not including flake dust) | Free |
| 2504.10.50 | In powder or in flakes: other | Free |
| 2504.90.00 | Natural graphite: other | Free |