HS Code 25.30 – Mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included

HS code 2530 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included. Heading 2530 serves as a crucial residual or 'basket' classification for mineral substances not specified or included elsewhere in the Harmonized System. This heading encompasses a diverse range of naturally occurring minerals, earths, and stones in their raw, crushed, ground, or otherwise minimally processed forms. Examples include expanded perlite, vermiculite (crude or exfoliated), pyrophyllite, natural pigments like ochre, umber, and sienna (when not specified elsewhere), meerschaum, amber (unworked), fuller's earth (not bentonite), and various other earths and stones. The defining characteristic is that the substance must be a mineral and must not fit into any more specific HS heading within Chapter 25 or other chapters. This classification is vital for ensuring that all natural mineral products have a place in the tariff schedule. For trade compliance, it demands thorough due diligence to confirm that no other specific heading applies, preventing misclassification that could lead to incorrect duties or regulatory issues. This heading highlights the vast array of geological resources with specialized industrial, agricultural, or artistic applications, reflecting their unique roles in global supply chains. As part of Chapter 25, it maintains the focus on natural, unprocessed or minimally processed mineral substances before they are chemically altered or manufactured into finished goods.

Expanded perlite, crude vermiculite, exfoliated vermiculite, pyrophyllite powder, natural steatite (not talc), meerschaum (unworked), amber (unworked), natural iron oxides (e.g., ochre, umber, sienna) not specified elsewhere, fuller's earth (not bentonite), diatomite (not specified elsewhere), natural graphite (not specified elsewhere), natural mineral pigments (crude), natural cryolite (not synthetic), natural strontianite, natural witherite, natural celestite, raw kyanite, andalusite, sillimanite, crude lapis lazuli, crushed slate (not for roofing), ground pumice (not abrasive), raw alunite.

The primary misclassification risk is applying 2530.90 when a more specific HS code exists. Traders must exhaust all other possibilities within Chapter 25 (e.g., 2504 for natural graphite, 2505 for natural sands) and other relevant chapters. Another common error is confusing natural mineral pigments with prepared pigments (Chapter 32, e.g., 3207.10), which have undergone further processing. Similarly, industrial waste or residues containing metals (e.g., 2620.99) can be mistaken for natural mineral substances if their origin isn't carefully scrutinized, leading to incorrect duties and regulatory non-compliance.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2530 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($3.0B, 55% of world exports), Zimbabwe (about $331M) and Germany ($194M). World exports came to about $5.4B, 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 2530 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 52% of world imports), the United States ($135M) and South Korea ($115M). World imports came to about $3.5B, 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 2530 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (30) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.