HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2508.50 – Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined
HS code 2508.50 is the 6-digit subheading for clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806), andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined. It is used for andalusite concentrate, kyanite sand, sillimanite lumps, calcined kyanite and refractory grade andalusite.
What HS 2508.50 covers
This HS code covers andalusite, kyanite, and sillimanite clays, whether or not calcined, excluding expanded clays. These three minerals are polymorphs of aluminosilicate, highly valued in international trade for their exceptional refractory properties and their ability to transform into mullite at high temperatures. They are critical raw materials in the production of high-performance refractories, advanced ceramics, and metallurgical applications where extreme heat resistance, chemical stability, and low thermal expansion are paramount. Importers are typically advanced manufacturing industries in countries like China, Japan, and Germany, seeking materials for high-temperature furnaces, kilns, and specialized components. Exporters are countries with specific geological deposits, such as South Africa (andalusite), India (kyanite, sillimanite), and the USA. Purity, grain size, and the specific mineral form are crucial trade specifications.
- Covers
- Andalusite concentrate
- Kyanite sand
- Sillimanite lumps
- Calcined kyanite
- Refractory grade andalusite
- Mullite precursors
- Sillimanite flour.
- Examples
- Imerys Refractory Minerals (andalusite, kyanite)
- LKAB Minerals (sillimanite)
- Minco (kyanite)
- Andalusite Resources
- Damrec.
Codes often confused with 2508.50
Common mistake. These are often confused with mullite (250860) as they are its precursors, or with other high-alumina refractory materials (e.g., bauxite 260600) if not specifically identified as aluminosilicate polymorphs.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 250850, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 250850 in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 South Africa $44M 35% of world exports
- 2 France $32M 25% of world exports
- 3 United States $19M 15% of world exports
World total: $127M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $19M 15% of world imports
- 2 Spain $16M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $14M 11% of world imports
World total: $125M 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 code for 2508.50
Brazil does not split HS 2508.50: its NCM code is 2508.50.00.
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 2508.50
What is HS code 250850?
HS code 250850 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined. This HS code covers andalusite, kyanite, and sillimanite clays, whether or not calcined, excluding expanded clays. These three minerals are polymorphs of aluminosilicate, highly valued in international trade for their exceptional refractory properties and their ability to transform into mullite at high temperatures. They are critical raw materials in the production of high-performance refractories, advanced ceramics, and metallurgical applications where extreme heat resistance, chemical stability, and low thermal expansion are paramount. Importers are typically advanced manufacturing industries in countries like China, Japan, and Germany, seeking materials for high-temperature furnaces, kilns, and specialized components. Exporters are countries with specific geological deposits, such as South Africa (andalusite), India (kyanite, sillimanite), and the USA. Purity, grain size, and the specific mineral form are crucial trade specifications.
What products fall under HS code 250850?
Andalusite concentrate, kyanite sand, sillimanite lumps, calcined kyanite, refractory grade andalusite, mullite precursors, sillimanite flour.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 250850?
These are often confused with mullite (250860) as they are its precursors, or with other high-alumina refractory materials (e.g., bauxite 260600) if not specifically identified as aluminosilicate polymorphs.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 250850?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 250850 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($44M, 35% of world exports), France ($32M) and the United States ($19M). World exports came to about $127M, 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 250850?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 250850 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($19M, 15% of world imports), Spain ($16M) and China ($14M). World imports came to about $125M, 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 250850 structured?
HS code 250850 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 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 250850?
In Brazil, HS code 250850 is NCM 2508.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.