HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2618.00 – Slag, granulated (slag sand); from the manufacture or iron or steel
HS code 2618.00 is the 6-digit subheading for slag, granulated (slag sand), from the manufacture or iron or steel. It is used for granulated blast furnace slag, GBFS, slag sand, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and steel slag aggregate.
What HS 2618.00 covers
This HS code specifically covers granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), also known as slag sand, which is a valuable byproduct from the manufacture of iron or steel. It is produced by rapidly quenching molten blast furnace slag with water, resulting in a glassy, granular material. GBFS possesses pozzolanic properties, making it an excellent supplementary cementitious material (SCM) for concrete production, enhancing durability and reducing the carbon footprint of cement. Its international trade is driven by the construction industry's demand for sustainable and cost-effective building materials. Major steel-producing nations are the primary exporters, while countries with large infrastructure projects and a focus on green building practices are key importers, seeking to incorporate this material into their cement and concrete mixes.
- Covers
- Granulated blast furnace slag
- GBFS
- Slag sand
- Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)
- Steel slag aggregate
- Blast furnace cement additive
- Examples
- ArcelorMittal (steel producer, also slag)
- Tata Steel (steel producer, also slag)
- HeidelbergCement (cement producer, uses slag)
- LafargeHolcim (cement producer, uses slag)
Codes often confused with 2618.00
Common mistake. Can be confused with 261900 (other iron/steel slag) if not specifically granulated, or with 2523 (cement) if it's already processed into a finished cement product.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 261800, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 261800 in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 14% 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 $244M 25% of world exports
- 2 Japan $94M 9.8% of world exports
- 3 China $91M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $961M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $180M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $178M 14% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $85M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 code for 2618.00
Brazil does not split HS 2618.00: its NCM code is 2618.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 26.18 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2618.00
What is HS code 261800?
HS code 261800 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Slag, granulated (slag sand); from the manufacture or iron or steel. This HS code specifically covers granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), also known as slag sand, which is a valuable byproduct from the manufacture of iron or steel. It is produced by rapidly quenching molten blast furnace slag with water, resulting in a glassy, granular material. GBFS possesses pozzolanic properties, making it an excellent supplementary cementitious material (SCM) for concrete production, enhancing durability and reducing the carbon footprint of cement. Its international trade is driven by the construction industry's demand for sustainable and cost-effective building materials. Major steel-producing nations are the primary exporters, while countries with large infrastructure projects and a focus on green building practices are key importers, seeking to incorporate this material into their cement and concrete mixes.
What products fall under HS code 261800?
Granulated blast furnace slag, GBFS, slag sand, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), steel slag aggregate, blast furnace cement additive
What are common misclassifications for HS code 261800?
Can be confused with 261900 (other iron/steel slag) if not specifically granulated, or with 2523 (cement) if it's already processed into a finished cement product.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 261800?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 261800 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($244M, 25% of world exports), Japan ($94M) and China ($91M). World exports came to about $961M, 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 261800?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 261800 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($180M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($178M) and Singapore ($85M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 261800 structured?
HS code 261800 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 261800?
In Brazil, HS code 261800 is NCM 2618.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.