HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2524.90 – Asbestos; other than crocidolite (blue asbestos)
HS code 2524.90 is the 6-digit subheading for asbestos, other than crocidolite (blue asbestos). It is used for chrysotile fibers, amosite fibers, asbestos-cement sheets (historical), asbestos brake pads (historical) and asbestos gaskets (historical).
What HS 2524.90 covers
This category covers all other forms of asbestos, primarily chrysotile (white asbestos), but also amosite (brown asbestos) and other less common varieties like tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Like crocidolite, these minerals are recognized carcinogens, and their use is banned or severely restricted in over 60 countries globally. While chrysotile was historically used extensively in construction materials (e.g., asbestos-cement sheets, roofing, insulation) and friction products, global trade has drastically declined due to widespread health concerns and regulatory bans. A few countries still permit its use and export, mainly to developing nations, but international pressure and health awareness continue to reduce its market. Trade is highly scrutinized and often faces import prohibitions.
- Covers
- Chrysotile fibers
- Amosite fibers
- Asbestos-cement sheets (historical)
- Asbestos brake pads (historical)
- Asbestos gaskets (historical)
- Examples
- (No current legitimate examples in most developed countries)
Codes often confused with 2524.90
Common mistake. While all asbestos types are hazardous, distinguishing between them (e.g., from crocidolite 252410) is important for specific regulatory and safety protocols, though the general ban applies broadly.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 252490, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 252490 in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 51% of world imports. Uzbekistan 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 30% of its imports here ($14M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$240M 55% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Kazakhstan $90M 21% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $85M 20% of world exports
World total: $434M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $242M 51% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $48M 10.0% of world imports
- 3 China $44M 9.3% of world imports
Uzbekistan 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 30% of its imports here ($14M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $476M 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 2524.90
Brazil does not split HS 2524.90: its NCM code is 2524.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.24 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2524.90
What is HS code 252490?
HS code 252490 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Asbestos; other than crocidolite (blue asbestos). This category covers all other forms of asbestos, primarily chrysotile (white asbestos), but also amosite (brown asbestos) and other less common varieties like tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Like crocidolite, these minerals are recognized carcinogens, and their use is banned or severely restricted in over 60 countries globally. While chrysotile was historically used extensively in construction materials (e.g., asbestos-cement sheets, roofing, insulation) and friction products, global trade has drastically declined due to widespread health concerns and regulatory bans. A few countries still permit its use and export, mainly to developing nations, but international pressure and health awareness continue to reduce its market. Trade is highly scrutinized and often faces import prohibitions.
What products fall under HS code 252490?
Chrysotile fibers, amosite fibers, asbestos-cement sheets (historical), asbestos brake pads (historical), asbestos gaskets (historical)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 252490?
While all asbestos types are hazardous, distinguishing between them (e.g., from crocidolite 252410) is important for specific regulatory and safety protocols, though the general ban applies broadly.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 252490?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 252490 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $240M, 55% of world exports), Kazakhstan ($90M) and Brazil ($85M). World exports came to about $434M, 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 252490?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 252490 in UN Comtrade data were India ($242M, 51% of world imports), Indonesia ($48M) and China ($44M). World imports came to about $476M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Uzbekistan 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 30% of its imports here ($14M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 252490 structured?
HS code 252490 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (24) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 252490?
In Brazil, HS code 252490 is NCM 2524.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.