Product classification
HS code for Bentonite clay: 2508.10
Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806), bentonite, whether or not calcined.
Classification of bentonite clay under HS 2508.10
Bentonite clay is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 250810 due to its specific mineralogical composition and natural origin. HS Chapter 25 encompasses "Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement." Within this chapter, Heading 2508 is dedicated to "Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading 6806), andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined; mullite; chamotte or dinas earths." The subheading 250810 specifically identifies "Bentonite, whether or not calcined." This precise classification reflects bentonite's status as a naturally occurring clay mineral, primarily composed of montmorillonite, and its common forms, including calcined variations. The explicit mention of bentonite within this subheading ensures its accurate and consistent classification for international trade purposes.
- Covers
- Sodium bentonite
- Calcium bentonite
- Activated bentonite
- Calcined bentonite
- Bentonite for drilling fluids
- Bentonite for foundry applications
- Bentonite for cat litter
- Also under 2508.10
- Volclay (AMCOL/Minerals Technologies)
- Bentonite Performance Minerals (BPM)
- Wyo-Ben
- Clariant
- Ashapura Minechem.
Codes often confused with 2508.10
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for bentonite clay often involve other types of clays or processed clay products. HS code 250830, which covers "Fireclay," is sometimes confused with bentonite. While both are clays, fireclay is characterized by its high refractoriness and different mineralogical composition, primarily kaolinite, whereas bentonite is known for its swelling and binding properties. Another potential misclassification is HS code 250840, designated for "Other clays." This is a residual category for clays not specifically enumerated. Since bentonite is explicitly named in 250810, it should not be classified under this general "other" category. Furthermore, HS code 6806, pertaining to "Expanded clays," represents a distinct processed product used as lightweight aggregates, which is fundamentally different from raw or simply calcined bentonite.
Top exporters and importers of HS 250810 (the code used for bentonite clay), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250810 (the code used for bentonite clay) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 250810, not only bentonite clay.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $176M 20% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $153M 17% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $105M 12% of world exports
World total: $896M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $130M 10% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $91M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Canada $60M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 bentonite clay
Brazil classifies bentonite clay under NCM 2508.10.00: HS 2508.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bentonite clay
What is the HS code for Bentonite clay?
The HS code for Bentonite clay is 250810 (Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); bentonite, whether or not calcined). The HS code for bentonite clay is 250810. This code specifically covers bentonite, whether or not it has been calcined, reflecting its natural mineral classification.
How do I classify Bentonite clay for customs?
Bentonite clay is classified under HS code 250810 — Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); bentonite, whether or not calcined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the primary industrial applications of bentonite clay?
Bentonite clay is widely used in drilling fluids, as a binder in foundry sands, as an absorbent in cat litter, for sealing and waterproofing, and in various cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.
Which countries are the top exporters of bentonite clay (HS 250810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250810 (the code used for bentonite clay) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($176M, 20% of world exports), Türkiye ($153M) and the Netherlands ($105M). World exports came to about $896M, 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 bentonite clay (HS 250810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 250810 (the code used for bentonite clay) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($130M, 10% of world imports), the Netherlands ($91M) and Canada ($60M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Bentonite clay the same in all countries?
The base HS code 250810 for Bentonite clay 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 bentonite clay in Brazil?
In Brazil, bentonite clay (HS 250810) is classified under NCM 2508.10.00.