About HS Code 680620
This HS code covers a range of lightweight, expanded mineral materials crucial for various industrial and horticultural applications. Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays (like LECA - Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate), and foamed slag are produced by heating raw minerals to high temperatures, causing them to expand and become porous. These materials are highly sought after for their excellent insulation, lightweight properties, and water retention capabilities, making them ideal for use in lightweight concrete, insulation boards, and as growing media. Importers include countries with strong construction sectors, agricultural industries (for growing media), and manufacturing of lightweight concrete or insulation products. Key exporters often have access to the raw minerals and the energy-intensive processing facilities required. The global trade in these materials is driven by demand for sustainable building solutions, hydroponics, and specialized industrial fillers, making them versatile components in diverse supply chains and contributing to resource efficiency.
Products Under This Code
Exfoliated vermiculite, Expanded clay pellets, Foamed slag aggregate, Perlite (expanded), Expanded shale, Horticultural vermiculite, Lightweight aggregate for concrete
Real World Examples
LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate), Perlite (e.g., from The Scotts Company), Vermiculite (e.g., from Sun Gro Horticulture), Fytocell, Hydroton
Common Misclassification
This code is specifically for *expanded* mineral materials, differentiating it from unexpanded raw vermiculite (2530) or unexpanded clays (2508). It might be confused with 680690 if these materials are incorporated into more complex articles, but 680620 is for the materials themselves.
Products Classified Under 6806.20
Trade Overview
Top importers include the USA, Germany, and Canada, while major exporters are often China, South Africa, and the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 680620?
HS code 680620 covers: Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag and similar expanded mineral materials (including intermixtures thereof). This HS code covers a range of lightweight, expanded mineral materials crucial for various industrial and horticultural applications. Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays (like LECA - Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate), and foamed slag are produced by heating raw minerals to high temperatures, causing them to expand and become porous. These materials are highly sought after for their excellent insulation, lightweight properties, and water retention capabilities, making them ideal for use in lightweight concrete, insulation boards, and as growing media. Importers include countries with strong construction sectors, agricultural industries (for growing media), and manufacturing of lightweight concrete or insulation products. Key exporters often have access to the raw minerals and the energy-intensive processing facilities required. The global trade in these materials is driven by demand for sustainable building solutions, hydroponics, and specialized industrial fillers, making them versatile components in diverse supply chains and contributing to resource efficiency.
What products fall under HS code 680620?
Exfoliated vermiculite, Expanded clay pellets, Foamed slag aggregate, Perlite (expanded), Expanded shale, Horticultural vermiculite, Lightweight aggregate for concrete
What are common misclassifications for HS code 680620?
This code is specifically for *expanded* mineral materials, differentiating it from unexpanded raw vermiculite (2530) or unexpanded clays (2508). It might be confused with 680690 if these materials are incorporated into more complex articles, but 680620 is for the materials themselves.
How is HS code 680620 structured?
HS code 680620 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (68) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.