HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2512.00 – Siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths; whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less
HS code 2512.00 is the 6-digit subheading for siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths, whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less. It is used for diatomaceous earth, kieselguhr, tripolite, diatomite filter aid and diatomite absorbent.
What HS 2512.00 covers
This code encompasses lightweight, porous siliceous fossil meals like kieselguhr, tripolite, and diatomite, along with similar siliceous earths, whether calcined or not, characterized by an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less. These materials are primarily composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, microscopic aquatic organisms. Their unique porous structure and abrasive properties make them invaluable as filter aids in various industries (beverages, chemicals), as mild abrasives in polishes, as absorbents, and as functional fillers in paints and plastics. Countries with significant food and beverage processing, chemical manufacturing, or agricultural sectors are major importers. Exporters are typically nations with large diatomite deposits, such as the USA, China, and Peru. Key trade considerations include purity, particle size distribution, porosity, and calcination status, which all impact their performance in specific applications.
- Covers
- Diatomaceous earth
- Kieselguhr
- Tripolite
- Diatomite filter aid
- Diatomite absorbent
- Calcined diatomite
- Flux-calcined diatomite
- Examples
- EP Minerals (Celite, Kenite diatomite)
- Imerys (diatomite products)
- Dicalite Management Group (diatomite)
- JRS Silvateam (diatomite)
Codes often confused with 2512.00
Common mistake. This code could be confused with other lightweight mineral fillers or absorbents, but the "fossil meal" and "siliceous" nature, along with specific gravity, are key differentiators.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 251200, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 251200 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.0% 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 $54M 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $28M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $19M 11% of world exports
World total: $178M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $20M 8.0% of world imports
- 2 Italy $20M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $19M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $250M 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 2512.00
Brazil does not split HS 2512.00: its NCM code is 2512.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2512.00
What is HS code 251200?
HS code 251200 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths; whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less. This code encompasses lightweight, porous siliceous fossil meals like kieselguhr, tripolite, and diatomite, along with similar siliceous earths, whether calcined or not, characterized by an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less. These materials are primarily composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, microscopic aquatic organisms. Their unique porous structure and abrasive properties make them invaluable as filter aids in various industries (beverages, chemicals), as mild abrasives in polishes, as absorbents, and as functional fillers in paints and plastics. Countries with significant food and beverage processing, chemical manufacturing, or agricultural sectors are major importers. Exporters are typically nations with large diatomite deposits, such as the USA, China, and Peru. Key trade considerations include purity, particle size distribution, porosity, and calcination status, which all impact their performance in specific applications.
What products fall under HS code 251200?
Diatomaceous earth, Kieselguhr, Tripolite, Diatomite filter aid, Diatomite absorbent, Calcined diatomite, Flux-calcined diatomite
What are common misclassifications for HS code 251200?
This code could be confused with other lightweight mineral fillers or absorbents, but the "fossil meal" and "siliceous" nature, along with specific gravity, are key differentiators.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 251200?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 251200 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($54M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($28M) and France ($19M). World exports came to about $178M, 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 251200?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 251200 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($20M, 8.0% of world imports), Italy ($20M) and Brazil ($19M). World imports came to about $250M, 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 251200 structured?
HS code 251200 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 251200?
In Brazil, HS code 251200 is NCM 2512.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.