Three things matter most when importing silicon carbide (SiC) powder into Korea: confirming the HS classification precisely, securing a certificate of origin to apply an FTA preferential tariff, and checking chemical regulations such as K-REACH. As of July 2026, SiC is not subject to Chinese export controls and faces no Korean import restrictions (such as anti-dumping), so the regulatory barrier to import is low. The one nuance: granulated forms blended with binders and sintering aids may fall under a different classification, so an advance ruling is advisable. This guide walks through the process step by step, from pre-import preparation to customs clearance and receipt.
Disclaimer: This article is for general practical information and does not guarantee the tariff rate, classification, or legal determination for any specific transaction. Always obtain verification from a licensed customs broker before importing. Tariff rates and regulations can change over time.
Step 1: Confirm the HS Classification
SiC powder's base classification is HS 2849.20-0000 (silicon carbide), with an MFN base rate of 5.5%. The point that demands the most attention in practice is the granulated (RTP) form.
Pure SiC powder falls under 2849.20, but spray-dried granules blended with a binder and sintering aids (carbon, B4C, etc.) for press-sinter forming may be treated as a "preparation" and classified under heading 3824. Because the classification changes both the duty rate and the applicable regulations, when importing a granulated form it is safer to obtain an advance classification ruling and fix the classification beforehand. The differences among SiC powder forms (angular crushed powder, spray-dried granules, plasma-spheroidized beads) are covered in detail in SiC Powder Grades Explained.
Step 2: Tariff Rate and FTA Origin
Applying an FTA preferential rate instead of the 5.5% base rate can reduce the duty burden. For SiC of Chinese origin, consider the Korea–China FTA or APTA preferential rate.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| HS code | 2849.20-0000 (silicon carbide) |
| MFN base rate | 5.5% |
| FTA preferential rate | Korea–China FTA / APTA (certificate of origin required) |
| Import restrictions | None (as of Jul 2026; no anti-dumping, etc.) |
The essential condition for a preferential rate is the certificate of origin (C/O). Under an FOB contract, the C/O issuer and cost should be specified in the contract to avoid later disputes. How to design Incoterms and origin documentation from the customs angle is best reviewed alongside the Incoterms section of Procurement Strategy Under Export Controls.
Step 3: Check Chemical Regulations Such as K-REACH
SiC (CAS 409-21-2) is an existing chemical substance under K-REACH. It is therefore not subject to new registration, but a reporting obligation may arise depending on the annual import-volume band, so check your company's annual import volume against the thresholds. If the registration or reporting determination is unclear, have it reviewed by a chemical-regulation specialist or environmental consultant.
Step 4: Packaging and Shipping
SiC powder is a non-dangerous good (Non-DG), so there are no special constraints on ocean shipping. However, fine powder and granules are prone to moisture absorption, so moisture-proof packaging is important.
- Packaging: 25 kg bags with a PE liner, or bulk bags (FIBC), are standard
- Moisture protection: Seal the liner and, if needed, include a desiccant
- Shipping: Standard containers (FCL/LCL) can be used; no dangerous-goods declaration needed
Packaging unit and liner specification directly affect storage quality after receipt, so agree on them clearly with the supplier at the time of ordering.
Step 5: Incoming Quality Verification
Clearing customs and taking receipt does not mean sourcing is complete. In particular, material sold as "granules" sometimes differs from spec in actual morphology, purity, or particle size, so verifying the lot-level certificate of analysis (COA) and, where needed, double-checking through third-party testing (SGS/KTR/KICET) is recommended. The verification methodology using SEM/EDS, PSA, and XRD is detailed in Powder Quality Verification Methodology.
Import Process Summary
- Confirm HS classification (advance ruling recommended for granules)
- Verify FTA preferential rate and certificate-of-origin requirements
- Check K-REACH reporting obligation by annual import volume
- Agree on moisture-proof packaging and shipping terms
- Verify quality by lot after customs clearance
Frequently Asked Questions
How much duty applies to importing SiC powder?
The MFN base rate is 5.5%. For Chinese-origin material, applying the Korea–China FTA or APTA preferential rate with a certificate of origin can lower the duty. The exact rate depends on classification and origin, so customs-broker verification is needed.
Why can the granulated form be classified differently?
Pure SiC powder falls under 2849.20, but granules blended with a binder and sintering aids may be treated as a "preparation" and classified under heading 3824. Because the rate and regulations change with classification, it is safer to fix it in advance through a classification ruling when importing granules.
Is SiC subject to import restrictions or export controls?
As of July 2026, SiC is not subject to Korean import restrictions (such as anti-dumping), nor to Chinese export controls. Still, regulatory conditions can change and determinations can vary with the item specification, so re-verifying the latest status at contract time is advisable. For the related control status, see the China Export Controls Timeline.
Do we have to file under K-REACH?
Because SiC is an existing chemical substance, it is not subject to new registration, but a reporting obligation may arise depending on the annual import-volume band. Check whether your import volume triggers reporting, and if the determination is unclear, have it reviewed by a specialist.
References (Public Sources)
- Korea Customs Law Information Portal (CLIP), HS 2849.20 classification
- Korea–China Free Trade Agreement text and rules of origin
- Act on Registration and Evaluation of Chemical Substances (K-REACH)
Nami Tech Solution (NTS) is a trading company specializing in global sourcing of semiconductor and energy materials. Through materials sourcing, lot-level quality verification (SEM/EDS, PSA, XRD), FTA tariff, customs and K-REACH support, and domestic inventory buffering, NTS manages the complexity of import operations on your behalf.
For a review of SiC powder classification, tariffs, and customs, or to identify a stable supply source, contact [email protected] or use our contact page.