HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2511.20 – Barium carbonate (witherite); natural, whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading no. 2816
HS code 2511.20 is the 6-digit subheading for barium carbonate (witherite), natural, whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading no. 2816. It is used for witherite ore, natural barium carbonate lumps, calcined witherite, barium carbonate powder (natural) and raw witherite.
What HS 2511.20 covers
This category covers natural barium carbonate, known as witherite, which may or may not have undergone calcination. Witherite is a relatively rare mineral compared to barytes. It serves as a primary source for various barium chemicals, including barium oxide, and is used in the production of specialty glass, ceramics, and certain types of glazes. Its natural form, even if calcined, distinguishes it from synthetically produced barium carbonate. Importers are typically countries with advanced chemical industries or specialized manufacturing sectors that require barium compounds. Exporters are limited to countries with known witherite deposits, which are less common globally. Key aspects for trade include its purity, the presence of impurities, and whether it has been calcined, as these factors influence its suitability for specific chemical and industrial applications. Its rarity makes it a niche but important commodity.
- Covers
- Witherite ore
- Natural barium carbonate lumps
- Calcined witherite
- Barium carbonate powder (natural)
- Raw witherite
- Milled witherite
- Examples
- Solvay (produces barium chemicals)
- Barium & Chemicals Inc. (specialty barium compounds)
- Noah Chemicals (specialty chemicals)
- Sigma-Aldrich (laboratory chemicals)
Codes often confused with 2511.20
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 283660 (barium carbonate, synthetic) and specifically excludes 2816 (barium oxide), which is a processed chemical.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 251120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 251120 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 56% 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 $494K 43% of world exports
- 2 Laos* ~$433K 37% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Portugal $61K 5.2% of world exports
World total: $1.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $1.0M 56% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $370K 21% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $153K 8.6% of world imports
World total: $1.8M 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 2511.20
Brazil does not split HS 2511.20: its NCM code is 2511.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2511.20
What is HS code 251120?
HS code 251120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Barium carbonate (witherite); natural, whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading no. 2816. This category covers natural barium carbonate, known as witherite, which may or may not have undergone calcination. Witherite is a relatively rare mineral compared to barytes. It serves as a primary source for various barium chemicals, including barium oxide, and is used in the production of specialty glass, ceramics, and certain types of glazes. Its natural form, even if calcined, distinguishes it from synthetically produced barium carbonate. Importers are typically countries with advanced chemical industries or specialized manufacturing sectors that require barium compounds. Exporters are limited to countries with known witherite deposits, which are less common globally. Key aspects for trade include its purity, the presence of impurities, and whether it has been calcined, as these factors influence its suitability for specific chemical and industrial applications. Its rarity makes it a niche but important commodity.
What products fall under HS code 251120?
Witherite ore, Natural barium carbonate lumps, Calcined witherite, Barium carbonate powder (natural), Raw witherite, Milled witherite
What are common misclassifications for HS code 251120?
This code is distinct from 283660 (barium carbonate, synthetic) and specifically excludes 2816 (barium oxide), which is a processed chemical.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 251120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 251120 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($494K, 43% of world exports), Laos (about $433K) and Portugal ($61K). World exports came to about $1.2M, 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 251120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 251120 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($1.0M, 56% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($370K) and Egypt ($153K). World imports came to about $1.8M, 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 251120 structured?
HS code 251120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) 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 251120?
In Brazil, HS code 251120 is NCM 2511.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.