HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2530.10 – Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites; unexpanded
HS code 2530.10 is the 6-digit subheading for vermiculite, perlite and chlorites, unexpanded. It is used for raw vermiculite ore, unexpanded perlite, chlorite flakes, horticultural vermiculite (unprocessed) and construction grade perlite (unprocessed).
What HS 2530.10 covers
This HS code encompasses vermiculite, perlite, and chlorites in their unexpanded state. These natural mineral substances are traded as raw materials, destined for further processing to unlock their unique properties. Unexpanded vermiculite and perlite are particularly important for the horticulture industry, where they are expanded through heating to create lightweight, porous materials that improve soil aeration and water retention. They are also used in construction for lightweight aggregates, insulation, and fireproofing. Chlorites, on the other hand, find applications in various industrial processes, including as fillers and pigments. Major exporters are countries with significant deposits, such as South Africa (vermiculite), China (perlite, chlorites), and the United States. Importers include agricultural, construction, and manufacturing sectors globally, seeking these minerals for their functional benefits after expansion or processing.
- Covers
- Raw vermiculite ore
- Unexpanded perlite
- Chlorite flakes
- Horticultural vermiculite (unprocessed)
- Construction grade perlite (unprocessed)
- Vermiculite concentrates
- Examples
- Palabora Mining Company Vermiculite
- Perlite Institute (raw perlite)
- Chinese Chlorite
- US Perlite (unexpanded)
Codes often confused with 2530.10
Common mistake. This code is for *unexpanded* forms; expanded forms of vermiculite and perlite fall under 6806 (slag wool, rock wool, expanded vermiculite, perlite, etc.), which is a common point of misclassification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 253010, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 253010 in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 South Africa $38M 18% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $36M 17% of world exports
- 3 Greece $34M 16% of world exports
World total: $209M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $37M 16% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $18M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Canada $13M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $239M 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 codes for 2530.10 2
Brazil splits HS 2530.10 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.30 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2530.10
What is HS code 253010?
HS code 253010 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites; unexpanded. This HS code encompasses vermiculite, perlite, and chlorites in their unexpanded state. These natural mineral substances are traded as raw materials, destined for further processing to unlock their unique properties. Unexpanded vermiculite and perlite are particularly important for the horticulture industry, where they are expanded through heating to create lightweight, porous materials that improve soil aeration and water retention. They are also used in construction for lightweight aggregates, insulation, and fireproofing. Chlorites, on the other hand, find applications in various industrial processes, including as fillers and pigments. Major exporters are countries with significant deposits, such as South Africa (vermiculite), China (perlite, chlorites), and the United States. Importers include agricultural, construction, and manufacturing sectors globally, seeking these minerals for their functional benefits after expansion or processing.
What products fall under HS code 253010?
Raw vermiculite ore, Unexpanded perlite, Chlorite flakes, Horticultural vermiculite (unprocessed), Construction grade perlite (unprocessed), Vermiculite concentrates
What are common misclassifications for HS code 253010?
This code is for *unexpanded* forms; expanded forms of vermiculite and perlite fall under 6806 (slag wool, rock wool, expanded vermiculite, perlite, etc.), which is a common point of misclassification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 253010?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 253010 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($38M, 18% of world exports), Türkiye ($36M) and Greece ($34M). World exports came to about $209M, 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 253010?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 253010 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($37M, 16% of world imports), South Korea ($18M) and Canada ($13M). World imports came to about $239M, 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 253010 structured?
HS code 253010 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (30) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 253010?
Brazil splits HS code 253010 into 2 NCM codes: 2530.10.10 (Unexpanded perlite), 2530.10.90 (Unexpanded vermiculite and chlorites). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.