HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2508.30 – Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); fireclay, whether or not calcined
HS code 2508.30 is the 6-digit subheading for clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806), fireclay, whether or not calcined. It is used for raw fireclay, calcined fireclay, refractory clay, grog and high-alumina fireclay.
What HS 2508.30 covers
Fireclay, whether or not calcined, falls under this HS code, excluding expanded clays. Fireclay is a refractory clay characterized by its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures without deforming, making it an indispensable raw material for industries requiring heat-resistant materials. It is primarily used in the manufacture of refractory bricks, furnace linings, crucibles, and other high-temperature ceramic products for sectors like steel, glass, and cement. Its high alumina and silica content provides excellent thermal stability and resistance to chemical attack. Importers are typically heavy industries in developed and developing economies, while exporters are countries with abundant fireclay deposits and processing capabilities, such as China, the USA, and Ukraine. Trade focuses on specific refractory properties, such as PCE (pyrometric cone equivalent) and calcination levels.
- Covers
- Raw fireclay
- Calcined fireclay
- Refractory clay
- Grog
- High-alumina fireclay
- Plastic fireclay
- Semi-flint fireclay
- Fireclay powder.
- Examples
- HarbisonWalker International (HWI)
- RHI Magnesita
- Vesuvius
- Resco Products
- Allied Mineral Products.
Codes often confused with 2508.30
Common mistake. Can be confused with other refractory materials like chamotte (250870) or even general industrial clays (250840) if its specific high-temperature resistance and refractory application are not clearly defined.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 250830, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 250830 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $162M 60% of world exports
- 2 United States $50M 19% of world exports
- 3 Ukraine* ~$37M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $269M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $23M 13% of world imports
- 2 France $20M 11% of world imports
- 3 Spain $19M 11% of world imports
World total: $178M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 2508.30
Brazil does not split HS 2508.30: its NCM code is 2508.30.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2508.30
What is HS code 250830?
HS code 250830 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); fireclay, whether or not calcined. Fireclay, whether or not calcined, falls under this HS code, excluding expanded clays. Fireclay is a refractory clay characterized by its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures without deforming, making it an indispensable raw material for industries requiring heat-resistant materials. It is primarily used in the manufacture of refractory bricks, furnace linings, crucibles, and other high-temperature ceramic products for sectors like steel, glass, and cement. Its high alumina and silica content provides excellent thermal stability and resistance to chemical attack. Importers are typically heavy industries in developed and developing economies, while exporters are countries with abundant fireclay deposits and processing capabilities, such as China, the USA, and Ukraine. Trade focuses on specific refractory properties, such as PCE (pyrometric cone equivalent) and calcination levels.
What products fall under HS code 250830?
Raw fireclay, calcined fireclay, refractory clay, grog, high-alumina fireclay, plastic fireclay, semi-flint fireclay, fireclay powder.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 250830?
Can be confused with other refractory materials like chamotte (250870) or even general industrial clays (250840) if its specific high-temperature resistance and refractory application are not clearly defined.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 250830?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 250830 in UN Comtrade data were China ($162M, 60% of world exports), the United States ($50M) and Ukraine (about $37M). World exports came to about $269M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 250830?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 250830 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($23M, 13% of world imports), France ($20M) and Spain ($19M). World imports came to about $178M, 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.
How is HS code 250830 structured?
HS code 250830 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 250830?
In Brazil, HS code 250830 is NCM 2508.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.