HS Code 25.13 – Pumice stone; emery; natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives, whether or not heat treated

HS code 2513 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pumice stone; emery; natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives, whether or not heat treated. Heading 2513 encompasses a range of natural abrasive materials, including pumice stone, emery, natural corundum, natural garnet, and other natural abrasives. This classification covers these materials whether they are in their crude, unworked state, merely crushed, ground, or sifted, and importantly, whether or not they have been heat-treated. The key differentiator for this heading is the 'natural' origin of the abrasive material and its primary use or characteristic as an abrasive. Pumice stone, a lightweight, porous volcanic rock, is used as an abrasive, in lightweight concrete, and for stone washing textiles. Emery, a dark granular rock, is a mixture of corundum and other minerals, known for its hardness and used in abrasive papers and grinding wheels. Natural corundum (excluding gem-quality ruby and sapphire) and natural garnet are hard silicates widely employed in sandblasting, waterjet cutting, and as loose abrasive grains. The scope of 2513 is strictly limited to these natural materials. Any artificial abrasives, even if chemically identical to their natural counterparts, are excluded (e.g., artificial corundum falls under Chapter 28). Furthermore, if these natural abrasives are incorporated into manufactured articles, such as grinding wheels, abrasive papers, or polishing cloths, they move out of this heading and into Chapter 68. The 'heat-treated' allowance refers to processes like calcining or drying, which enhance their properties without fundamentally altering their natural abrasive character. Accurate classification under 2513 is vital for trade compliance, as it determines applicable duties and ensures adherence to import/export regulations for raw industrial materials. Historically, natural abrasives have been indispensable since ancient times, evolving from simple tools to sophisticated industrial applications. This heading resides in Chapter 25, which focuses on natural mineral products in their crude or minimally processed forms.

Pumice stone (raw), crushed pumice, pumice powder, emery grains, natural corundum powder, garnet sand for waterjet cutting, garnet grit for sandblasting, heat-treated pumice, uncrushed pumice, natural abrasive aggregates, polishing media (natural), grinding media (natural), non-metallic abrasive blasting media, natural industrial abrasives, natural stone washing pumice, natural abrasive for denim finishing, natural abrasive for dental polishing, raw emery lumps, natural corundum lumps, natural garnet concentrates, uncalcined pumice, calcined pumice, heat-treated garnet, natural abrasive fillers.

A common misclassification error involves confusing natural abrasives with artificial abrasives. For instance, artificial corundum (aluminium oxide) is classified under 2818 or 2828 (depending on purity and form), not 2513, despite its similar abrasive properties. Another mistake is classifying articles made from these abrasives, such as grinding wheels or abrasive paper, which belong to Chapter 68 (e.g., 6804 or 6805). The key is the 'natural' origin and the minimal processing level (crushing, grinding, heat-treating only), ensuring the material remains in a raw or semi-finished bulk form, not an article.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2513 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($88M, 23% of world exports), China ($47M) and Türkiye ($40M). World exports came to about $375M, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2513 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($47M, 12% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($36M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $28M). World imports came to about $377M, 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.

HS code 2513 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.