HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2530.90 – Mineral substances; n.e.c. in chapter 25
HS code 2530.90 is the 6-digit subheading for mineral substances, n.e.c. in chapter 25. It is used for natural cryolite, sepiolite, attapulgite, zeolites (natural) and fuller's earth (unactivated).
What HS 2530.90 covers
This is a residual HS code for 'other mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included' in Chapter 25. It serves as a catch-all for a diverse range of natural minerals that do not fit into more specific categories, often encompassing materials with niche industrial applications or those traded in smaller volumes. Examples include natural cryolite, sepiolite, attapulgite, unactivated diatomaceous earth, and certain types of pumice stone. Importers and exporters vary widely depending on the specific mineral, but generally involve countries with unique geological resources and industries requiring specialized mineral inputs. Key things to know include the importance of precise identification to avoid misclassification and the potential for these 'other' minerals to be crucial for specific manufacturing processes or emerging technologies, despite their less common status in global trade statistics.
- Covers
- Natural cryolite
- Sepiolite
- Attapulgite
- Zeolites (natural)
- Fuller's earth (unactivated)
- Diatomaceous earth (unactivated)
- Pumice stone (unworked)
- Examples
- Imerys Sepiolite
- Zeolyst International (natural zeolites)
- EP Minerals Diatomaceous Earth
- Turkish Pumice (unworked)
Codes often confused with 2530.90
Common mistake. This is a catch-all, so it's frequently confused with more specific mineral codes in Chapter 25 (e.g., 2508 for clays, 2513 for pumice if worked) if the mineral has a more precise classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 253090, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 253090 in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% 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 Australia $3.0B 59% of world exports
- 2 Zimbabwe* ~$327M 6.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $171M 3.4% of world exports
World total: $5.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.8B 59% of world imports
- 2 Germany $98M 3.1% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $97M 3.1% of world imports
World total: $3.1B 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 codes for 2530.90 5
Brazil splits HS 2530.90 into 5 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2530.90.10 Spodumene (lithium mineral)Espodumênio
- 2530.90.20 Micronised zircon sand for ceramic glazesAreia de zircônio micronizada, própria para a preparação de esmaltes cerâmicos
- 2530.90.30 Rare-earth metal mineralsMinerais de metais das terras raras
- 2530.90.40 Colouring earths (natural pigments)Terras corantes
- 2530.90.90 Other mineral substances not elsewhere specifiedOutras
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 2530.90
What is HS code 253090?
HS code 253090 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mineral substances; n.e.c. in chapter 25. This is a residual HS code for 'other mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included' in Chapter 25. It serves as a catch-all for a diverse range of natural minerals that do not fit into more specific categories, often encompassing materials with niche industrial applications or those traded in smaller volumes. Examples include natural cryolite, sepiolite, attapulgite, unactivated diatomaceous earth, and certain types of pumice stone. Importers and exporters vary widely depending on the specific mineral, but generally involve countries with unique geological resources and industries requiring specialized mineral inputs. Key things to know include the importance of precise identification to avoid misclassification and the potential for these 'other' minerals to be crucial for specific manufacturing processes or emerging technologies, despite their less common status in global trade statistics.
What products fall under HS code 253090?
Natural cryolite, Sepiolite, Attapulgite, Zeolites (natural), Fuller's earth (unactivated), Diatomaceous earth (unactivated), Pumice stone (unworked)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 253090?
This is a catch-all, so it's frequently confused with more specific mineral codes in Chapter 25 (e.g., 2508 for clays, 2513 for pumice if worked) if the mineral has a more precise classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 253090?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 253090 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($3.0B, 59% of world exports), Zimbabwe (about $327M) and Canada ($171M). World exports came to about $5.0B, 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 253090?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 253090 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 59% of world imports), Germany ($98M) and South Korea ($97M). World imports came to about $3.1B, 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 253090 structured?
HS code 253090 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 253090?
Brazil splits HS code 253090 into 5 NCM codes: 2530.90.10 (Spodumene (lithium mineral)), 2530.90.20 (Micronised zircon sand for ceramic glazes), 2530.90.30 (Rare-earth metal minerals), 2530.90.40 (Colouring earths (natural pigments)), 2530.90.90 (Other mineral substances not elsewhere specified). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.