About HS Code 250860
Mullite, whether or not calcined, excluding expanded clays, is classified under this HS code. Mullite is a highly prized synthetic or naturally occurring refractory mineral, formed by heating aluminosilicate minerals to high temperatures. It possesses an exceptional combination of properties, including high-temperature strength, excellent thermal shock resistance, low thermal expansion, and chemical stability, making it indispensable in advanced refractory applications, high-performance ceramics, and electronic substrates. Importers are typically high-tech manufacturing and heavy industries in countries like China, Japan, and Germany, seeking its superior performance characteristics for demanding environments. Exporters are often countries with the raw materials and sophisticated processing capabilities to produce high-purity mullite, such as China, the USA, and France. Trade focuses on the form (fused, sintered, tabular) and purity of the mullite.
Products Under This Code
Fused mullite, sintered mullite, tabular mullite, calcined mullite, mullite aggregates, mullite powder, mullite grains, mullite bricks.
Real World Examples
Imerys Refractory Minerals (fused mullite), Saint-Gobain ZirPro (sintered mullite), Almatis (tabular alumina/mullite), Denka, Washington Mills.
Common Misclassification
Frequently confused with its precursor minerals like kyanite, andalusite, or sillimanite (250850), or other high-alumina refractory materials, but mullite is a distinct, processed mineral phase with specific properties.
Products Classified Under 2508.60
Industry
This code belongs to the Minerals & Fuels industry.
Trade Overview
China, Japan, and Germany are top importers, while China, the USA, and France are leading exporters of mullite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 250860?
HS code 250860 covers: Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); mullite. Mullite, whether or not calcined, excluding expanded clays, is classified under this HS code. Mullite is a highly prized synthetic or naturally occurring refractory mineral, formed by heating aluminosilicate minerals to high temperatures. It possesses an exceptional combination of properties, including high-temperature strength, excellent thermal shock resistance, low thermal expansion, and chemical stability, making it indispensable in advanced refractory applications, high-performance ceramics, and electronic substrates. Importers are typically high-tech manufacturing and heavy industries in countries like China, Japan, and Germany, seeking its superior performance characteristics for demanding environments. Exporters are often countries with the raw materials and sophisticated processing capabilities to produce high-purity mullite, such as China, the USA, and France. Trade focuses on the form (fused, sintered, tabular) and purity of the mullite.
What products fall under HS code 250860?
Fused mullite, sintered mullite, tabular mullite, calcined mullite, mullite aggregates, mullite powder, mullite grains, mullite bricks.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 250860?
Frequently confused with its precursor minerals like kyanite, andalusite, or sillimanite (250850), or other high-alumina refractory materials, but mullite is a distinct, processed mineral phase with specific properties.
How is HS code 250860 structured?
HS code 250860 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 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.