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38
Tariff Chapter 38
Activated carbon; activated natural mineral products; animal black, including spent animal black
What does heading 3802 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 3802 covers activated carbon, activated natural mineral products and animal black, including spent animal black. Activated carbon is used for water and air filtration, in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Activated mineral products include activated bleaching earths and activated bauxite. Customs duty rates range from 3.2% to 5.7%. Activated carbon for drinking water filtration must meet quality standards. Import of activated mineral products requires a REACH declaration. Heading 3802 is part of Chapter 38 (chemical industry products, pharmaceuticals and fertilizers) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 3802 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 3802 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 3802
Heading 3802 covers activated carbon, activated natural mineral products and animal black, including spent animal black. Activated carbon is used for water and air filtration, in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Activated mineral products include activated bleaching earths and activated bauxite. Customs duty rates range from 3.2% to 5.7%. Activated carbon for drinking water filtration must meet quality standards. Import of activated mineral products requires a REACH declaration. Activated carbon for drinking water filtration must meet EN 12915 or equivalent standard. Animal black may require a veterinary certificate upon import as it is of animal origin. Distinguish activated carbon (heading 3802) from charcoal (heading 4402) for classification. Activated bleaching earths used in edible oil refining are subject to food safety regulations. When importing goods under heading 3802 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 3802 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system).
Classification of goods under heading 3802 — key considerations
Heading 3802 covers activated carbon, activated natural mineral products and animal black. Chapter 38 is a residual chapter for miscellaneous chemical products not in Chapters 28-37. Classification requires excluding defined compounds (Ch 28/29), medicines (30), fertilizers (31), dyes (32), cosmetics (33), soaps (34). Diagnostic reagents: 3822. Plant protection products: 3808. Mixed solvents: 3814.
Frequently asked questions
What duty rates apply to activated carbon (heading 3802)?
Imports of activated carbon, activated natural mineral products and animal black are subject to duty rates from 0% to 5.7%. Heading 3802 covers activated carbon used for water and air filtration, activated bleaching earths, activated bauxite and animal black. The rate depends on the product type and its application as specified in the CN subheading. Activated carbon is one of the key products under this heading, widely used in water purification, gas treatment and the pharmaceutical industry. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and regulations govern the import of activated carbon into the EU?
Imports require a REACH declaration for activated mineral products. Activated carbon for drinking water filtration must meet quality standards (EN 12915 or equivalent). A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is required. Activated carbon for food and pharmaceutical applications is subject to additional purity standards. Standard customs documentation includes SAD, invoice and certificate of origin. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is an industry standard requirement. This applies to goods classified under heading 3802 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing activated carbon?
Activated carbon is transported in bags, big bags or containers. Carbon dust can be combustible — handling precautions are required during loading and unloading. Quality is assessed by specific surface area (BET), iodine number and pore size distribution. Major producers include China, India, Sri Lanka and the USA. Coconut shell-based activated carbon is preferred for drinking water filtration. Import of activated bleaching earths is significant for the vegetable oil and refining industries. This applies to goods classified under heading 3802 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
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