Product classification
HS code for Asphalt macadam: 2517.30
Tarred macadam.
Classification of asphalt macadam under HS 2517.30
Asphalt macadam, technically referred to as tarred macadam in the Harmonized System, is classified under HS code 2517.30. This classification is found in Chapter 25, which covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone. Specifically, heading 2517 deals with pebbles, gravel, and broken or crushed stone used for concrete aggregates or road metal. Subheading 2517.30 is dedicated to "tarred macadam," which consists of mineral aggregates (such as crushed stone, gravel, or slag) that have been pre-coated with a binder of tar or bitumen. This material is primarily used for road surfacing, paving, and the construction of pathways. The classification logic is based on the fact that the product is essentially a mineral aggregate that has been minimally processed with a binder, rather than a complex chemical mixture or a purely petroleum-based product. The aggregate provides the structural strength, while the tar or bitumen acts as the adhesive. It is important to note that this code applies to the mixture of stone and binder before it is laid and compacted. The presence of the binder (tar or bitumen) is what distinguishes 2517.30 from the standard crushed stone found in 2517.10. This classification is used globally to categorize the raw paving materials used in civil engineering projects.
- Covers
- Tarred macadam
- Bitumen-coated roadstone
- Coated gravel for road surfacing
- Bituminous macadam (unworked)
- Tar-coated crushed stone
- Also under 2517.30
- Hot mix asphalt concrete (HMAC)
- cold patch asphalt
- asphalt base course
- road repair tar macadam
- porous asphalt
Codes often confused with 2517.30
Common mistake. Asphalt macadam is frequently misclassified under HS code 2715.00, which covers bituminous mixtures based on natural asphalt, petroleum bitumen, or mineral tar. While 2715.00 includes "asphalt concrete" and "cut-backs," 2517.30 is specifically reserved for tarred macadam where the mineral aggregate is the predominant component. Another error is using 2517.10, which is for pebbles and gravel that have not been coated with any binder. The addition of tar or bitumen necessitates the move to 2517.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 251730 (the code used for asphalt macadam), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251730 (the code used for asphalt macadam) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 34% 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 251730, not only asphalt macadam.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $12M 30% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $7.7M 20% of world exports
- 3 Austria $7.6M 20% of world exports
World total: $38M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $14M 34% of world imports
- 2 France $12M 28% of world imports
- 3 Ireland $11M 26% of world imports
World total: $43M 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 asphalt macadam
Brazil classifies asphalt macadam under NCM 2517.30.00: HS 2517.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about asphalt macadam
What is the HS code for Asphalt macadam?
The HS code for Asphalt macadam is 251730 (Tarred macadam). The HS code for asphalt macadam (tarred macadam) is 2517.30.
How do I classify Asphalt macadam for customs?
Asphalt macadam is classified under HS code 251730 — Tarred macadam. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is asphalt macadam different from asphalt concrete?
Yes, in trade terminology, asphalt concrete is often classified under 2715.00, while tarred macadam is specifically 2517.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of asphalt macadam (HS 251730)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251730 (the code used for asphalt macadam) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($12M, 30% of world exports), Belgium ($7.7M) and Austria ($7.6M). World exports came to about $38M, 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 asphalt macadam (HS 251730)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 251730 (the code used for asphalt macadam) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($14M, 34% of world imports), France ($12M) and Ireland ($11M). World imports came to about $43M, 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 Asphalt macadam the same in all countries?
The base HS code 251730 for Asphalt macadam 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 asphalt macadam in Brazil?
In Brazil, asphalt macadam (HS 251730) is classified under NCM 2517.30.00.