HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2510.20 – Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; ground
HS code 2510.20 is the 6-digit subheading for natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk, ground. It is used for ground phosphate rock, ground apatite, ground phosphorite, ground phosphatic chalk and phosphate flour.
What HS 2510.20 covers
This category encompasses natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk that have been ground into a finer consistency. Unlike their unground counterparts (251010), these materials are often ready for direct application as soil amendments or as more refined inputs for chemical processing. The grinding process increases their surface area, enhancing reactivity and bioavailability, making them more effective as slow-release fertilizers or for industrial applications. Countries with advanced agricultural sectors or chemical industries that require processed raw materials are key importers, while nations with significant phosphate reserves and processing capabilities are major exporters. Understanding the particle size distribution and P2O5 content is crucial for trade, as these factors dictate suitability for various applications, from direct-application fertilizers to feed supplements and industrial chemicals.
- Covers
- Ground phosphate rock
- Ground apatite
- Ground phosphorite
- Ground phosphatic chalk
- Phosphate flour
- Finely milled phosphate ore
- Phosphate powder
- Examples
- OCP Group (Morocco) ground phosphate
- PhosAgro (Russia) ground apatite concentrate
- Mosaic Company (USA) ground phosphate rock
- Ma'aden (Saudi Arabia) ground phosphate ore
Codes often confused with 2510.20
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 251010 (unground phosphates) due to the grinding process, and from 3103 (phosphatic fertilizers) if it has not been chemically modified or blended into a finished fertilizer product.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 251020, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 251020 in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 46% of world imports. Jordan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.8% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $214M 19% of world exports
- 2 Togo* ~$187M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Algeria* ~$155M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
Jordan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.8% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $915M 46% of world imports
- 2 Lithuania $286M 15% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $183M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 codes for 2510.20 2
Brazil splits HS 2510.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2510.20.10 Ground natural calcium phosphatesFosfatos de cálcio naturais
- 2510.20.90 Other ground phosphates and phosphatic chalkOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.10 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2510.20
What is HS code 251020?
HS code 251020 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; ground. This category encompasses natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk that have been ground into a finer consistency. Unlike their unground counterparts (251010), these materials are often ready for direct application as soil amendments or as more refined inputs for chemical processing. The grinding process increases their surface area, enhancing reactivity and bioavailability, making them more effective as slow-release fertilizers or for industrial applications. Countries with advanced agricultural sectors or chemical industries that require processed raw materials are key importers, while nations with significant phosphate reserves and processing capabilities are major exporters. Understanding the particle size distribution and P2O5 content is crucial for trade, as these factors dictate suitability for various applications, from direct-application fertilizers to feed supplements and industrial chemicals.
What products fall under HS code 251020?
Ground phosphate rock, Ground apatite, Ground phosphorite, Ground phosphatic chalk, Phosphate flour, Finely milled phosphate ore, Phosphate powder
What are common misclassifications for HS code 251020?
This code is distinct from 251010 (unground phosphates) due to the grinding process, and from 3103 (phosphatic fertilizers) if it has not been chemically modified or blended into a finished fertilizer product.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 251020?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 251020 in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($214M, 19% of world exports), Togo (about $187M) and Algeria (about $155M). World exports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Jordan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.8% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 251020?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 251020 in UN Comtrade data were India ($915M, 46% of world imports), Lithuania ($286M) and Indonesia ($183M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 251020 structured?
HS code 251020 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (10) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 251020?
Brazil splits HS code 251020 into 2 NCM codes: 2510.20.10 (Ground natural calcium phosphates), 2510.20.90 (Other ground phosphates and phosphatic chalk). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.