HS Code 25.19 – Natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite); fused magnesia; dead-burned (sintered) magnesia, whether or not containing small quantities of other oxides added before sintering; magnesium oxide, pure or not

HS code 2519 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite); fused magnesia; dead-burned (sintered) magnesia, whether or not containing small quantities of other oxides added before sintering; magnesium oxide, pure or not. Heading 2519 is crucial for classifying various forms of magnesium compounds, primarily focused on their industrial applications, especially in refractories. It encompasses natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite), which is the raw mineral. Crucially, it also covers highly processed forms such as fused magnesia and dead-burned (sintered) magnesia, specifying that these may or may not contain small quantities of other oxides added before sintering to enhance performance. The heading also includes magnesium oxide (MgO), whether pure or not, provided it is not a chemically defined pure compound of heading 2816. The scope is defined by the chemical composition centered on magnesium and the specific processing methods (fusing, sintering, calcining) that prepare these materials for high-temperature and chemical resistance applications. Key sub-categories include raw magnesite, caustic calcined magnesia (lightly burned), dead-burned magnesia (hard-burned), fused magnesia, and industrial-grade magnesium oxide. Accurate classification is vital for trade compliance, determining tariff rates, potential anti-dumping duties, and adherence to specific quality standards required for different industries like steel, cement, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Historically, these materials have been indispensable for industries requiring extreme heat resistance. This heading is part of Chapter 25, which deals with basic mineral products, and distinguishes these processed mineral forms from more complex chemical compounds found in Chapter 28, emphasizing their role as fundamental industrial raw materials.

Raw magnesite ore, calcined magnesite, fused magnesia grains, dead-burned magnesia powder, magnesium oxide powder (industrial grade), caustic calcined magnesia, high-purity magnesium oxide (technical grade), refractory grade magnesia, insulation grade magnesia, chemical grade magnesium oxide, magnesia clinker, basic refractory materials (unshaped), magnesium carbonate powder (industrial), light calcined magnesia, heavy calcined magnesia, electrolytic magnesia, pharmaceutical grade magnesium oxide (not chemically pure), feed grade magnesium oxide, magnesia for abrasive wheels, magnesia for electrical heating elements, magnesia for rubber compounding, metallurgical magnesia, ceramic grade magnesia.

Common misclassification issues for 2519 arise from the distinction between mineral forms and chemically defined compounds or manufactured articles. A frequent error is confusing industrial magnesium oxide (2519) with chemically pure magnesium oxide (magnesium peroxide, 2816), which falls under inorganic chemicals. The 'pure or not' clause in 2519 is key; if it's chemically defined, it moves to 2816. Another mistake involves refractory products; while unshaped magnesia materials are in 2519, shaped refractory bricks or blocks made from magnesia are classified under 6902. Similarly, prepared refractory cements or mortars containing magnesia are found in 3824. The crucial factor is whether it is the raw/processed mineral material or a chemically defined substance, or a finished manufactured article.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2519 in UN Comtrade data were China ($891M, 47% of world exports), the Netherlands ($143M) and Brazil ($100M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 2519 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($269M, 12% of world imports), India ($194M) and Germany ($184M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 2519 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (19) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.