HS Code 25 – Salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement

HS code 25 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement. HS Chapter 25 encompasses a broad range of natural mineral products, generally in their crude or simply processed forms, crucial for various industries worldwide. Titled "Salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement," this chapter serves as a foundational classification for unprocessed or minimally prepared non-metallic mineral raw materials. Its scope is defined by the natural state of these materials, excluding chemically processed minerals, mineral fuels (Chapter 27), precious or semi-precious stones (Chapter 71), and articles manufactured from these materials (e.g., Chapter 68 for finished stone products). The classification focuses on products like common salt (sodium chloride), crude and refined sulphur, various types of earths and clays (e.g., kaolin, bentonite), natural sands, monumental or building stone (e.g., marble, granite, limestone, slate) in rough or simply cut forms, gypsum, anhydrite, quicklime, hydrated lime, and various types of cement. Accurate classification within Chapter 25 is paramount for trade compliance, directly impacting customs duties, import/export regulations, and the application of environmental or safety standards (e.g., for asbestos). Misclassification can lead to significant penalties, delays, and incorrect trade statistics. Historically, these materials have been fundamental to human civilization, serving as basic inputs for construction, agriculture, ceramics, glass manufacturing, and the chemical industry. The trade significance of this chapter lies in its role as a global supplier of essential raw materials, underpinning infrastructure development and industrial production across continents. Key headings include salt (25.01), sulphur (25.02-25.03), various sands (25.05-25.06), clays (25.07-25.08), monumental/building stone (25.15-25.16), gypsum (25.20), lime (25.22), and cements (25.23), among others, each representing vital components of the global supply chain for basic industrial inputs.

Rock salt, sea salt, table salt, crude sulphur, refined sulphur, silica sand, industrial foundry sand, kaolin clay, ball clay, bentonite, granite blocks, marble slabs, limestone aggregates, slate roofing tiles, gypsum powder, anhydrite, quicklime, hydrated lime, Portland cement, natural steatite (talc), mica flakes, natural graphite, feldspar, fluorspar, pumice stone, natural borates, chalk, dolomite

Common misclassifications in Chapter 25 often arise from confusing crude minerals with processed articles or metallic ores. A frequent mistake is classifying articles made from stone, plaster, or cement (e.g., cut and polished marble statues, cement pipes, abrasive grinding wheels) under Chapter 25, when they correctly belong to Chapter 68 (Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials). The distinction lies in the level of processing and whether the item is a raw material or a manufactured article. Another error involves confusing non-metallic minerals of Chapter 25 with metallic ores of Chapter 26 (Ores, slag and ash); for instance, bauxite (an aluminum ore) is Chapter 26, while industrial clays are Chapter 25. The key is whether the primary economic value is derived from metal content. Additionally, natural mineral substances used as fertilizers, if prepared or mixed, might shift from Chapter 25 (e.g., crude natural phosphates, 25.10) to Chapter 31 (Fertilizers), emphasizing the importance of processing level.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 25 in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $3.6B, 5.9% of world exports), China ($3.4B) and Türkiye ($3.3B). World exports came to about $61.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 25 in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.5B, 13% of world imports), the United States ($6.1B) and India ($5.2B). World imports came to about $72.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 25 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.