HS Code 68.01 – Stone; setts, curbstones and flagstones, of natural stone (except slate)

HS code 6801 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Stone; setts, curbstones and flagstones, of natural stone (except slate). Heading 6801 of the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses natural stone setts, curbstones, and flagstones, specifically excluding slate. This classification is vital for materials primarily used in outdoor paving, landscaping, and infrastructure projects, such as roads, pedestrian areas, and garden paths. The scope is defined by the specific forms of the stone – cut or shaped into blocks (setts), elongated pieces (curbstones), or flat slabs (flagstones) – and the limited degree of working they undergo. These products are typically rough-hewn, sawn, or split, but not finely carved, polished, or otherwise extensively worked into elaborate architectural elements. This distinction is crucial for trade compliance, as it differentiates these foundational materials from unworked stone (Chapter 25) and more elaborately worked stone articles (Heading 6802). Historically, these types of stone have been fundamental to urban development and infrastructure globally, reflecting regional geological resources and traditional construction methods. Their classification ensures proper assessment of duties, taxes, and adherence to import/export regulations, which can vary based on the specific type of natural stone (e.g., granite, sandstone, limestone). Within Section XIII, which covers articles of stone, plaster, cement, and similar materials, Heading 6801 represents the initial stage of processed natural stone dedicated to specific structural and aesthetic outdoor applications, setting the stage for more refined stone products in subsequent headings.

Granite paving setts, sandstone curbstones, limestone flagstones, basalt paving blocks, marble cobbles, quartzite curb edgings, porphyry flagstones, travertine pavers, bluestone setts, river stone cobbles, granite curb sections, sandstone paving slabs, limestone garden edging, porphyry cobblestones, quartzite flagstone tiles, basalt curb sections, marble garden path stones, sandstone street pavers, bluestone curb blocks, granite landscaping stones, travertine paving blocks, dolomitic flagstones, andesite curbstones, gneiss setts, slate-like flagstones (if not true slate).

Common misclassifications for 6801 often involve confusing it with unworked monumental or building stone of Chapter 25 (specifically 2516) or more extensively worked stone articles of 6802. The key distinction for 6801 is the specific forms (setts, curbstones, flagstones) and the minimal degree of working for these particular applications. Raw blocks of stone would fall under 2516, while intricately carved or polished architectural elements would typically be under 6802. Another mistake is classifying slate products here; 6801 explicitly excludes slate, which has its own dedicated heading at 6803 for worked articles.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6801 in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($72M, 16% of world exports), Italy ($56M) and Vietnam (about $38M). World exports came to about $458M, 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 6801 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($144M, 19% of world imports), France ($92M) and Germany ($78M). World imports came to about $776M, 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 6801 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 68 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (68) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.