HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 6806.20 – Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag and similar expanded mineral materials (including intermixtures thereof)

HS code 6806.20 is the 6-digit subheading for exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag and similar expanded mineral materials (including intermixtures thereof). It is used for exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clay pellets, foamed slag aggregate, perlite (expanded) and expanded shale.

What HS 6806.20 covers

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.

Covers
  • Exfoliated vermiculite
  • Expanded clay pellets
  • Foamed slag aggregate
  • Perlite (expanded)
  • Expanded shale
  • Horticultural vermiculite
  • Lightweight aggregate for concrete
Examples
  • LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate)
  • Perlite (e.g., from The Scotts Company)
  • Vermiculite (e.g., from Sun Gro Horticulture)
  • Fytocell
  • Hydroton

Codes often confused with 6806.20

Common mistake. 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.

25.30Mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included25.08Clays; (not including expanded clays of heading no. 6806), andalusite kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined; mullite; chamotte or dinas earth6806.90Minerals; mixtures and articles of heat-insulating, sound-insulating or sound-absorbing mineral materials, other than those of heading no. 6811 or 6812 or of chapter 69

Top exporters and importers of HS code 680620, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 680620 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 13% 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. 1 Netherlands $83M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $62M
  3. 3 United States $59M

World total: $483M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $62M
  2. 2 Germany $44M
  3. 3 Canada $28M

World total: $492M 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 6806.20

Brazil does not split HS 6806.20: its NCM code is 6806.20.00.

  1. 6806.20.00 Expanded vermiculite, clays and foamed slagVermiculita e argilas, expandidas, espuma de escórias e produtos minerais semelhantes, expandidos, mesmo misturados entre si

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 68.06 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 6806.20

What is HS code 680620?

HS code 680620 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 680620?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 680620 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($83M, 17% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($62M) and the United States ($59M). World exports came to about $483M, 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 680620?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 680620 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($62M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($44M) and Canada ($28M). World imports came to about $492M, 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 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.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 680620?

In Brazil, HS code 680620 is NCM 6806.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.