HS Code 25.07 – Kaolin and other kaolinic clays; whether or not calcined

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.

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.

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.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2507 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($590M, 33% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($283M) and China ($155M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 2507 in UN Comtrade data were China ($147M, 7.3% of world imports), Italy ($141M) and Japan ($123M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 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.