HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2508.40 – Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); n.e.c. in heading no. 2508, whether or not calcined
HS code 2508.40 is the 6-digit subheading for clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806), n.e.c. in heading no. 2508, whether or not calcined. It is used for fuller's earth, attapulgite clay, sepiolite clay, palygorskite clay and common clay.
What HS 2508.40 covers
This HS code serves as a residual category for clays not elsewhere specified in heading 2508, whether or not calcined, excluding expanded clays. It encompasses a broad spectrum of industrial clays, each with unique mineralogical and physical properties, finding diverse applications across various sectors. These clays might be used as absorbents (e.g., fuller's earth), fillers, catalysts, binders, or in specialized construction materials. Their utility depends heavily on characteristics like plasticity, absorbency, cation exchange capacity, and chemical composition. Both importers and exporters are highly diverse, reflecting the wide-ranging industrial uses of these specialized clays. Trade often involves specific grades tailored for niche applications, requiring careful specification to ensure the correct material is sourced.
- Covers
- Fuller's earth
- Attapulgite clay
- Sepiolite clay
- Palygorskite clay
- Common clay
- Brick clay
- Drilling clay (non-bentonite)
- Bleaching clay.
- Examples
- Oil-Dri Corporation (absorbent clays)
- EP Minerals (diatomaceous earth)
- Tolsa (sepiolite/palygorskite)
- Active Minerals International (attapulgite)
- Clariant (specialty clays).
Codes often confused with 2508.40
Common mistake. As a residual category, misclassification is common; specific clays like bentonite (250810) or kaolin (250700) are sometimes incorrectly placed here, or conversely, general clays are mistakenly classified under more specific headings.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 250840, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 250840 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 21% 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 United States $152M 22% of world exports
- 2 Spain $119M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $101M 14% of world exports
World total: $705M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $179M 21% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $58M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Canada $49M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $843M 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 codes for 2508.40 2
Brazil splits HS 2508.40 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2508.40.10 Plastic clays, under 1.5% Fe2O3, over 12% LOIPlásticas, com um teor de Fe2O3, em peso, inferior a 1,5 % e com perda por calcinação, em peso, superior a 12 %
- 2508.40.90 Other clays, not bentonite or fireclayOutras
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 2508.40
What is HS code 250840?
HS code 250840 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); n.e.c. in heading no. 2508, whether or not calcined. This HS code serves as a residual category for clays not elsewhere specified in heading 2508, whether or not calcined, excluding expanded clays. It encompasses a broad spectrum of industrial clays, each with unique mineralogical and physical properties, finding diverse applications across various sectors. These clays might be used as absorbents (e.g., fuller's earth), fillers, catalysts, binders, or in specialized construction materials. Their utility depends heavily on characteristics like plasticity, absorbency, cation exchange capacity, and chemical composition. Both importers and exporters are highly diverse, reflecting the wide-ranging industrial uses of these specialized clays. Trade often involves specific grades tailored for niche applications, requiring careful specification to ensure the correct material is sourced.
What products fall under HS code 250840?
Fuller's earth, attapulgite clay, sepiolite clay, palygorskite clay, common clay, brick clay, drilling clay (non-bentonite), bleaching clay.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 250840?
As a residual category, misclassification is common; specific clays like bentonite (250810) or kaolin (250700) are sometimes incorrectly placed here, or conversely, general clays are mistakenly classified under more specific headings.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 250840?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 250840 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($152M, 22% of world exports), Spain ($119M) and Germany ($101M). World exports came to about $705M, 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 250840?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 250840 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($179M, 21% of world imports), the Netherlands ($58M) and Canada ($49M). World imports came to about $843M, 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 250840 structured?
HS code 250840 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 250840?
Brazil splits HS code 250840 into 2 NCM codes: 2508.40.10 (Plastic clays, under 1.5% Fe2O3, over 12% LOI), 2508.40.90 (Other clays, not bentonite or fireclay). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.