HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 68.15 – Stone or other mineral substances; articles thereof (including carbon fibres, articles of carbon fibres and articles of peat), not elsewhere specified or included
What HS 68.15 covers
Heading 6815 serves as a crucial residual or 'basket' heading within Chapter 68, encompassing articles of stone or other mineral substances 'not elsewhere specified or included'. This broad category captures a diverse range of products that are mineral-based but do not fit into the more specific headings within Chapter 68 (like articles of cement, asbestos, or mica) or other chapters of the Harmonized System. Notably, this heading explicitly includes carbon fibers and articles thereof, as well as articles of peat, highlighting its expansive coverage beyond traditional stone products. The scope is defined by its exclusionary nature: if a mineral-based article isn't covered by a more specific HS code, it likely falls here. This makes it incredibly important for trade compliance, as proper classification under 6815 requires a thorough review of all other potential headings. Key sub-categories include advanced materials like carbon fiber composites, various types of insulation made from mineral wool, refractory products not covered elsewhere, and horticultural items like peat pots. The inclusion of carbon fibers reflects the growing importance of advanced materials in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods. For importers and exporters, understanding this heading prevents misclassification of unique or emerging mineral-based products, ensuring correct tariff application, adherence to specific regulations (e.g., dual-use controls for carbon fiber, environmental regulations for peat), and smooth customs clearance. It acts as the catch-all for fabricated mineral goods within Chapter 68.
- Covers
- Carbon fiber prepregs
- Carbon fiber rods
- Carbon fiber tubes
- Carbon fiber sheets (not textiles)
- Carbon fiber insulation
- Expanded graphite sheets
- Peat pots
- Compressed peat growing blocks
- Mineral wool insulation boards (not elsewhere specified)
- Slag wool articles
- Rock wool articles
- Ceramic fiber blankets
- Basalt fiber articles
- Activated carbon blocks (not elsewhere specified)
- Refractory bricks (other than 6902)
- Grindstones of natural stone (not 6804)
- Natural graphite electrodes (not electrical parts of 8545)
- Articles of agglomerated slate
- Articles of meerschaum
- Articles of amber (unworked)
- Articles of jet
- Articles of worked stone (NESOI)
- Articles of unglazed ceramics (NESOI)
- Mineral-based soundproofing panels
- Carbon fiber composite structural elements.
- Examples
A German aerospace company imports high-strength carbon fiber rods from Japan for use in aircraft structural components, where the rods are not yet part of a specific aircraft subassembly, necessitating careful classification due to dual-use potential. A horticultural supplier in the Netherlands imports compressed peat growing blocks from Ireland for professional nursery use, adhering to specific environmental regulations regarding peat extraction and trade. A US industrial manufacturer sources expanded graphite sheets from China for high-temperature gasket applications in chemical processing plants, ensuring the material meets stringent industrial standards. An Australian construction firm imports specialized mineral wool insulation panels (not classified elsewhere) from Malaysia for commercial building projects.
Subheadings under 68.15 7
Codes often confused with 68.15
Common mistake. The most significant misclassification risk for 6815 is failing to check more specific headings first. Products are often mistakenly placed here when they belong to other specific stone articles (6801-6810), asbestos articles (6811-6813), or mica articles (6814). For example, a carbon fiber *textile* would fall under Chapter 59, and a carbon fiber *part* of an aircraft under Chapter 88. Similarly, raw mineral substances (Chapter 25) should not be classified here. The 'not elsewhere specified or included' clause is paramount, requiring comprehensive review of the entire HS nomenclature.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 6815, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 6815 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 United States $1.6B 17% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.6B 16% of world exports
- 3 China $1.1B 11% of world exports
World total: $9.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 12% of world imports
- 2 China $917M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $798M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $9.3B 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.
Questions about HS 68.15
What is HS code 6815?
HS code 6815 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Stone or other mineral substances; articles thereof (including carbon fibres, articles of carbon fibres and articles of peat), not elsewhere specified or included. Heading 6815 serves as a crucial residual or 'basket' heading within Chapter 68, encompassing articles of stone or other mineral substances 'not elsewhere specified or included'. This broad category captures a diverse range of products that are mineral-based but do not fit into the more specific headings within Chapter 68 (like articles of cement, asbestos, or mica) or other chapters of the Harmonized System. Notably, this heading explicitly includes carbon fibers and articles thereof, as well as articles of peat, highlighting its expansive coverage beyond traditional stone products. The scope is defined by its exclusionary nature: if a mineral-based article isn't covered by a more specific HS code, it likely falls here. This makes it incredibly important for trade compliance, as proper classification under 6815 requires a thorough review of all other potential headings. Key sub-categories include advanced materials like carbon fiber composites, various types of insulation made from mineral wool, refractory products not covered elsewhere, and horticultural items like peat pots. The inclusion of carbon fibers reflects the growing importance of advanced materials in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods. For importers and exporters, understanding this heading prevents misclassification of unique or emerging mineral-based products, ensuring correct tariff application, adherence to specific regulations (e.g., dual-use controls for carbon fiber, environmental regulations for peat), and smooth customs clearance. It acts as the catch-all for fabricated mineral goods within Chapter 68.
What products fall under HS code 6815?
Carbon fiber prepregs, carbon fiber rods, carbon fiber tubes, carbon fiber sheets (not textiles), carbon fiber insulation, expanded graphite sheets, peat pots, compressed peat growing blocks, mineral wool insulation boards (not elsewhere specified), slag wool articles, rock wool articles, ceramic fiber blankets, basalt fiber articles, activated carbon blocks (not elsewhere specified), refractory bricks (other than 6902), grindstones of natural stone (not 6804), natural graphite electrodes (not electrical parts of 8545), articles of agglomerated slate, articles of meerschaum, articles of amber (unworked), articles of jet, articles of worked stone (NESOI), articles of unglazed ceramics (NESOI), mineral-based soundproofing panels, carbon fiber composite structural elements.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6815?
The most significant misclassification risk for 6815 is failing to check more specific headings first. Products are often mistakenly placed here when they belong to other specific stone articles (6801-6810), asbestos articles (6811-6813), or mica articles (6814). For example, a carbon fiber *textile* would fall under Chapter 59, and a carbon fiber *part* of an aircraft under Chapter 88. Similarly, raw mineral substances (Chapter 25) should not be classified here. The 'not elsewhere specified or included' clause is paramount, requiring comprehensive review of the entire HS nomenclature.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 6815?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6815 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 17% of world exports), Germany ($1.6B) and China ($1.1B). World exports came to about $9.5B, 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 6815?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6815 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 12% of world imports), China ($917M) and Germany ($798M). World imports came to about $9.3B, 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 6815 structured?
HS code 6815 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 68 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (68) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (15) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.