HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 68.06 – Slag, rock wool and similar mineral wools; exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag, mixtures and articles of heat, sound insulating or sound-absorbing mineral materials
What HS 68.06 covers
HS Code 6806 encompasses a crucial category of heat and sound insulating or sound-absorbing mineral materials, vital for construction, industrial, and horticultural applications worldwide. This heading specifically covers a diverse range of products including slag wool, rock wool, and similar mineral wools, which are renowned for their excellent thermal and acoustic properties. It also includes exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays (like LECA), and foamed slag, alongside mixtures and articles made from these materials. The scope is broad, covering both raw forms (e.g., loose granules, fibers) and manufactured articles such as panels, blankets, batts, and pipe insulation. The defining characteristic is their mineral origin and primary function in insulation or sound absorption. For importers, exporters, and customs brokers, precise classification under 6806 is paramount for trade compliance, duty assessment, and navigating regulatory requirements. Misclassification can lead to delays, penalties, or incorrect tariff applications. This heading is a key component of Chapter 68, which deals with articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar materials, emphasizing the non-metallic mineral composition. Historically, the demand for these materials has grown steadily with increasing global focus on energy efficiency, fire safety, and sustainable building practices. Their role in creating comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient environments across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors underscores their enduring trade significance.
- Covers
- Rock wool insulation boards
- Slag wool blankets
- Mineral wool pipe insulation
- Exfoliated vermiculite granules
- Expanded clay aggregate (LECA)
- Foamed slag panels
- Fire-resistant mineral wool batts
- Sound-absorbing mineral fiber ceiling tiles
- Thermal insulation mats
- Acoustic mineral wool panels
- Horticultural vermiculite
- Loose fill mineral wool
- Insulation for HVAC ducts
- Industrial furnace insulation
- Mineral fiber ceiling panels
- Soundproofing mineral wool rolls
- Mineral fiber core panels
- Thermal-acoustic insulation composites
- High-density mineral wool slabs
- Granulated mineral wool for cavity filling.
- Examples
A German manufacturer regularly exports high-density rock wool insulation panels to construction projects in the United Arab Emirates for new high-rise buildings, utilizing ocean freight routes through the Suez Canal. Separately, a Chinese supplier ships containers of lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) to horticultural distributors in the Netherlands for use in hydroponics and green roof systems, typically via container ships across the Indian Ocean. In North America, a US company imports specialized mineral wool pipe insulation from Japan for a major chemical processing plant upgrade, relying on trans-Pacific ocean routes and subsequent inland distribution.
Subheadings under 68.06 3
Codes often confused with 68.06
Common mistake. Common misclassification errors under HS 6806 often arise from confusion with similar-looking or functionally related materials. One frequent mistake is classifying glass wool (fiberglass insulation) here; glass wool falls under HS 7019, as it is derived from glass fibers, not the mineral wools (rock or slag) specified in 6806. Another error involves certain prepared chemical products or mixtures (HS 3824) that might have insulating properties but lack the primary mineral material composition of 6806. Additionally, raw, unexfoliated vermiculite or unexpanded clays would fall under Chapter 25 (e.g., HS 2530 for mineral substances not elsewhere specified), whereas 6806 specifically covers the *exfoliated* or *expanded* forms and articles thereof.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 6806, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 6806 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.5% 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 Germany $695M 12% of world exports
- 2 Poland $598M 11% of world exports
- 3 China $563M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $5.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $505M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 United States $371M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Italy $349M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $5.9B 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.
Questions about HS 68.06
What is HS code 6806?
HS code 6806 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Slag, rock wool and similar mineral wools; exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag, mixtures and articles of heat, sound insulating or sound-absorbing mineral materials. HS Code 6806 encompasses a crucial category of heat and sound insulating or sound-absorbing mineral materials, vital for construction, industrial, and horticultural applications worldwide. This heading specifically covers a diverse range of products including slag wool, rock wool, and similar mineral wools, which are renowned for their excellent thermal and acoustic properties. It also includes exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays (like LECA), and foamed slag, alongside mixtures and articles made from these materials. The scope is broad, covering both raw forms (e.g., loose granules, fibers) and manufactured articles such as panels, blankets, batts, and pipe insulation. The defining characteristic is their mineral origin and primary function in insulation or sound absorption. For importers, exporters, and customs brokers, precise classification under 6806 is paramount for trade compliance, duty assessment, and navigating regulatory requirements. Misclassification can lead to delays, penalties, or incorrect tariff applications. This heading is a key component of Chapter 68, which deals with articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar materials, emphasizing the non-metallic mineral composition. Historically, the demand for these materials has grown steadily with increasing global focus on energy efficiency, fire safety, and sustainable building practices. Their role in creating comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient environments across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors underscores their enduring trade significance.
What products fall under HS code 6806?
Rock wool insulation boards, slag wool blankets, mineral wool pipe insulation, exfoliated vermiculite granules, expanded clay aggregate (LECA), foamed slag panels, fire-resistant mineral wool batts, sound-absorbing mineral fiber ceiling tiles, thermal insulation mats, acoustic mineral wool panels, horticultural vermiculite, loose fill mineral wool, insulation for HVAC ducts, industrial furnace insulation, mineral fiber ceiling panels, soundproofing mineral wool rolls, mineral fiber core panels, thermal-acoustic insulation composites, high-density mineral wool slabs, granulated mineral wool for cavity filling.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6806?
Common misclassification errors under HS 6806 often arise from confusion with similar-looking or functionally related materials. One frequent mistake is classifying glass wool (fiberglass insulation) here; glass wool falls under HS 7019, as it is derived from glass fibers, not the mineral wools (rock or slag) specified in 6806. Another error involves certain prepared chemical products or mixtures (HS 3824) that might have insulating properties but lack the primary mineral material composition of 6806. Additionally, raw, unexfoliated vermiculite or unexpanded clays would fall under Chapter 25 (e.g., HS 2530 for mineral substances not elsewhere specified), whereas 6806 specifically covers the *exfoliated* or *expanded* forms and articles thereof.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 6806?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6806 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($695M, 12% of world exports), Poland ($598M) and China ($563M). World exports came to about $5.7B, 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 6806?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6806 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($505M, 8.5% of world imports), the United States ($371M) and Italy ($349M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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 6806 structured?
HS code 6806 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 68 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (68) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.