About HS Code 250810
This HS code covers bentonite clays, whether or not calcined, excluding expanded clays. Bentonite is a highly absorbent clay known for its remarkable swelling and thixotropic properties, making it a critical material across a diverse range of industries. Its primary uses include drilling muds for oil and gas exploration, as a binder in foundry sands, in civil engineering for sealing and grouting, and famously as cat litter. The unique ability of bentonite to absorb large quantities of water and form a viscous gel drives its global demand. Importers are varied, from the energy sector to pet care and construction, while exporters are countries with significant bentonite reserves, such as the USA, China, and Greece. Trade often hinges on the specific type of bentonite (sodium or calcium) and its purity and swelling capacity.
Products Under This Code
Sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, activated bentonite, drilling bentonite, foundry bentonite, cat litter bentonite, bentonite powder, pelletized bentonite.
Real World Examples
Volclay (AMCOL/Minerals Technologies), Bentonite Performance Minerals (BPM), Wyo-Ben, Clariant, Ashapura Minechem.
Common Misclassification
Often confused with other general clays like kaolin (250700) or fuller's earth (250840), but bentonite's distinct swelling and binding properties differentiate it from other clay types.
Products Classified Under 2508.10
Industry
This code belongs to the Minerals & Fuels industry.
Trade Overview
China, USA, and India are major importers, with the USA, China, and Greece being top exporters of bentonite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 250810?
HS code 250810 covers: Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); bentonite, whether or not calcined. This HS code covers bentonite clays, whether or not calcined, excluding expanded clays. Bentonite is a highly absorbent clay known for its remarkable swelling and thixotropic properties, making it a critical material across a diverse range of industries. Its primary uses include drilling muds for oil and gas exploration, as a binder in foundry sands, in civil engineering for sealing and grouting, and famously as cat litter. The unique ability of bentonite to absorb large quantities of water and form a viscous gel drives its global demand. Importers are varied, from the energy sector to pet care and construction, while exporters are countries with significant bentonite reserves, such as the USA, China, and Greece. Trade often hinges on the specific type of bentonite (sodium or calcium) and its purity and swelling capacity.
What products fall under HS code 250810?
Sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, activated bentonite, drilling bentonite, foundry bentonite, cat litter bentonite, bentonite powder, pelletized bentonite.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 250810?
Often confused with other general clays like kaolin (250700) or fuller's earth (250840), but bentonite's distinct swelling and binding properties differentiate it from other clay types.
How is HS code 250810 structured?
HS code 250810 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.