About HS Code 2507
Heading 2507 encompasses natural kaolin and other kaolinic clays, whether or not calcined. This classification is crucial for international trade as it covers a fundamental industrial mineral used across a vast array of sectors. Kaolin, a white, soft, plastic clay mineral, is primarily composed of kaolinite. Its scope includes crude, washed, beneficiated, and calcined forms, but it strictly excludes chemically modified or expanded kaolin, which would fall under other headings. Key sub-categories include high-brightness paper coating kaolin, ceramic grade kaolin for porcelain and sanitaryware, filler kaolin for paints and plastics, and metakaolin (a calcined form used in cement and concrete). For trade compliance, correctly classifying kaolin ensures accurate duty assessment and adherence to import/export regulations, particularly concerning purity standards or specific industrial applications. Historically, kaolin has been vital since ancient times for pottery and later became indispensable for the paper industry in the 19th century. Its trade significance lies in its global availability but also in the specialized processing required to meet diverse industrial specifications. As part of Chapter 25, which deals with 'Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement,' kaolin fits perfectly as a naturally occurring mineral earth, typically traded in bulk or powdered form, underscoring its role as a raw material for manufacturing.
Products Under This Code
Crude kaolin clay, washed kaolin clay, calcined kaolin clay, metakaolin, paper coating kaolin, ceramic grade kaolin, filler grade kaolin, rubber grade kaolin, paint extender kaolin, pharmaceutical grade kaolin, cosmetic grade kaolin, refractory grade kaolin, electrical porcelain kaolin, sanitaryware kaolin, fiberglass kaolin, delaminated kaolin, structured kaolin, drilling mud kaolin, foundry kaolin, agricultural kaolin.
Real World Examples
A U.S. paper manufacturer regularly imports high-brightness calcined kaolin from Brazil via the Port of Santos to the Port of Savannah for use in coating high-quality printing paper. A Chinese ceramic producer sources crude kaolin from the United Kingdom, shipping it from Felixstowe to Shanghai, for the production of fine porcelain and sanitaryware. An Indian paint and coatings company imports processed filler-grade kaolin from the U.S., transported from Houston to Chennai, to enhance the opacity and durability of its emulsion paints.
Common Misclassification
A common misclassification involves confusing kaolin (2507) with other clays (2508). The distinction hinges on the specific mineralogical composition; 2507 is strictly for kaolinitic clays. Another error is classifying expanded clays, which belong to heading 6806, under 2507. Kaolin, when merely calcined, remains in 2507, but if it undergoes significant chemical modification or processing beyond simple calcination, it might shift to chemical preparations in Chapter 38, such as 3824. Traders must ensure the product's degree of processing and mineral identity aligns with 2507's scope.
Subheadings 1
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Industry
This code belongs to the Minerals & Fuels industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of kaolin include the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and China, known for their significant deposits and processing capabilities. Key importers are primarily industrial nations in Europe, Asia (especially China, Japan, and South Korea), and North America, driven by their robust paper, ceramics, and paint industries. Tariffs for raw and semi-processed kaolin are generally low or zero under most trade agreements, reflecting its status as a vital industrial raw material. However, specific grades or highly processed forms might face varying duties depending on bilateral agreements or regional trade blocs like the EU or ASEAN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 2507?
HS code 2507 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Kaolin and other kaolinic clays; whether or not calcined. Heading 2507 encompasses natural kaolin and other kaolinic clays, whether or not calcined. This classification is crucial for international trade as it covers a fundamental industrial mineral used across a vast array of sectors. Kaolin, a white, soft, plastic clay mineral, is primarily composed of kaolinite. Its scope includes crude, washed, beneficiated, and calcined forms, but it strictly excludes chemically modified or expanded kaolin, which would fall under other headings. Key sub-categories include high-brightness paper coating kaolin, ceramic grade kaolin for porcelain and sanitaryware, filler kaolin for paints and plastics, and metakaolin (a calcined form used in cement and concrete). For trade compliance, correctly classifying kaolin ensures accurate duty assessment and adherence to import/export regulations, particularly concerning purity standards or specific industrial applications. Historically, kaolin has been vital since ancient times for pottery and later became indispensable for the paper industry in the 19th century. Its trade significance lies in its global availability but also in the specialized processing required to meet diverse industrial specifications. As part of Chapter 25, which deals with 'Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement,' kaolin fits perfectly as a naturally occurring mineral earth, typically traded in bulk or powdered form, underscoring its role as a raw material for manufacturing.
What products fall under HS code 2507?
Crude kaolin clay, washed kaolin clay, calcined kaolin clay, metakaolin, paper coating kaolin, ceramic grade kaolin, filler grade kaolin, rubber grade kaolin, paint extender kaolin, pharmaceutical grade kaolin, cosmetic grade kaolin, refractory grade kaolin, electrical porcelain kaolin, sanitaryware kaolin, fiberglass kaolin, delaminated kaolin, structured kaolin, drilling mud kaolin, foundry kaolin, agricultural kaolin.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2507?
A common misclassification involves confusing kaolin (2507) with other clays (2508). The distinction hinges on the specific mineralogical composition; 2507 is strictly for kaolinitic clays. Another error is classifying expanded clays, which belong to heading 6806, under 2507. Kaolin, when merely calcined, remains in 2507, but if it undergoes significant chemical modification or processing beyond simple calcination, it might shift to chemical preparations in Chapter 38, such as 3824. Traders must ensure the product's degree of processing and mineral identity aligns with 2507's scope.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 2507?
Major exporters of kaolin include the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and China, known for their significant deposits and processing capabilities. Key importers are primarily industrial nations in Europe, Asia (especially China, Japan, and South Korea), and North America, driven by their robust paper, ceramics, and paint industries. Tariffs for raw and semi-processed kaolin are generally low or zero under most trade agreements, reflecting its status as a vital industrial raw material. However, specific grades or highly processed forms might face varying duties depending on bilateral agreements or regional trade blocs like the EU or ASEAN.
How is HS code 2507 structured?
HS code 2507 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.