Product classification
HS code for Andalusite: 2508.50
Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806), andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined.
Classification of andalusite under HS 2508.50
Andalusite, a nesosilicate mineral composed of aluminium nesosilicate (Al₂SiO₅), is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 250850. This classification is appropriate because the HS description for this code explicitly includes "andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined," alongside various types of clays. Andalusite is a naturally occurring mineral primarily valued for its high alumina content and excellent refractory properties, making it a crucial raw material in industries requiring high-temperature resistance. Its inclusion in this heading reflects its status as a natural mineral product, often traded in its raw or simply calcined form, distinguishing it from more processed or manufactured ceramic materials.
- Covers
- Raw andalusite
- Calcined andalusite
- Kyanite (whether or not calcined)
- Sillimanite (whether or not calcined)
- Various types of clays (excluding expanded clays of heading 6806)
- Also under 2508.50
- Imerys Refractory Minerals (andalusite, kyanite)
- LKAB Minerals (sillimanite)
- Minco (kyanite)
- Andalusite Resources
- Damrec.
Codes often confused with 2508.50
Common mistake. Andalusite is sometimes confused with other mineral products or processed materials. One common misclassification involves HS 261790, which covers "Other ores and concentrates of base metals, n.e.c." While andalusite is a mineral, it is not typically considered an ore for base metal extraction; its primary industrial application is in refractory materials and ceramics. Another area of potential confusion is with HS 6806, specifically "expanded clays." The description for 250850 explicitly excludes "expanded clays of heading no. 6806," highlighting that while some clays are covered, those that have undergone expansion processes are classified elsewhere. Andalusite itself is not an expanded material, reinforcing its placement in 250850.
Top exporters and importers of HS 250850 (the code used for andalusite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250850 (the code used for andalusite) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 250850, not only andalusite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $44M 35% of world exports
- 2 France $32M 25% of world exports
- 3 United States $19M 15% of world exports
World total: $127M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $19M 15% of world imports
- 2 Spain $16M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $14M 11% of world imports
World total: $125M 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 andalusite
Brazil classifies andalusite under NCM 2508.50.00: HS 2508.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about andalusite
What is the HS code for Andalusite?
The HS code for Andalusite is 250850 (Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined). The HS code for Andalusite is 250850. This code specifically covers andalusite, kyanite, and sillimanite, whether or not calcined, along with certain clays.
How do I classify Andalusite for customs?
Andalusite is classified under HS code 250850 — Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the primary industrial uses of Andalusite?
Andalusite is primarily used in the production of high-performance refractory materials, ceramics, and as a raw material for mullite production. Its high alumina content and thermal stability make it ideal for applications requiring resistance to extreme temperatures and chemical attack, such as in kilns, furnaces, and foundries.
Which countries are the top exporters of andalusite (HS 250850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250850 (the code used for andalusite) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($44M, 35% of world exports), France ($32M) and the United States ($19M). World exports came to about $127M, 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 andalusite (HS 250850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 250850 (the code used for andalusite) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($19M, 15% of world imports), Spain ($16M) and China ($14M). World imports came to about $125M, 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.
Is the HS code for Andalusite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 250850 for Andalusite is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for andalusite in Brazil?
In Brazil, andalusite (HS 250850) is classified under NCM 2508.50.00.