HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2505.90 – Sands; natural, (other than silica and quartz sands), whether or not coloured, (other than metal-bearing sands of chapter 26)
HS code 2505.90 is the 6-digit subheading for sands, natural, (other than silica and quartz sands), whether or not coloured, (other than metal-bearing sands of chapter 26). It is used for building sand, concrete sand, plastering sand, fill sand and river sand.
What HS 2505.90 covers
This HS code covers all other natural sands, excluding silica and quartz sands (250510) and metal-bearing sands (Chapter 26). This broad category primarily includes sands used in construction, civil engineering, and landscaping, such as building sand, concrete sand, and fill sand. Due to their high volume and relatively low value, international trade in these sands is often regional, with transportation costs being a significant factor. Countries with abundant local sand resources and high construction demand are key players. Environmental regulations regarding sand extraction and dredging are increasingly impacting trade and supply chains, leading to a focus on sustainable sourcing and local production where possible.
- Covers
- Building sand
- Concrete sand
- Plastering sand
- Fill sand
- River sand
- Beach sand (for construction/fill)
- General aggregate sand
- Examples
- Local construction sands
- various river and pit sands used in infrastructure projects
- dredged marine sands
Codes often confused with 2505.90
Common mistake. The key is that these are not silica/quartz sands (250510) and not metal-bearing sands (Chapter 26), which are typically mineral ores.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 250590, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 250590 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 40% of world imports. Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $206M 29% of world exports
- 2 Mozambique $157M 22% of world exports
- 3 Germany $81M 11% of world exports
Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $705M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Singapore $397M 40% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $132M 13% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $101M 10% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $981M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2505.90
Brazil does not split HS 2505.90: its NCM code is 2505.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2505.90
What is HS code 250590?
HS code 250590 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sands; natural, (other than silica and quartz sands), whether or not coloured, (other than metal-bearing sands of chapter 26). This HS code covers all other natural sands, excluding silica and quartz sands (250510) and metal-bearing sands (Chapter 26). This broad category primarily includes sands used in construction, civil engineering, and landscaping, such as building sand, concrete sand, and fill sand. Due to their high volume and relatively low value, international trade in these sands is often regional, with transportation costs being a significant factor. Countries with abundant local sand resources and high construction demand are key players. Environmental regulations regarding sand extraction and dredging are increasingly impacting trade and supply chains, leading to a focus on sustainable sourcing and local production where possible.
What products fall under HS code 250590?
Building sand, concrete sand, plastering sand, fill sand, river sand, beach sand (for construction/fill), general aggregate sand
What are common misclassifications for HS code 250590?
The key is that these are not silica/quartz sands (250510) and not metal-bearing sands (Chapter 26), which are typically mineral ores.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 250590?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 250590 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($206M, 29% of world exports), Mozambique ($157M) and Germany ($81M). World exports came to about $705M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 250590?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 250590 in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($397M, 40% of world imports), Belgium ($132M) and the Netherlands ($101M). World imports came to about $981M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 250590 structured?
HS code 250590 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 250590?
In Brazil, HS code 250590 is NCM 2505.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.