Product classification

HS code for Bentonite: 2508.10

Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806), bentonite, whether or not calcined.

Classification of bentonite under HS 2508.10

Bentonite is classified under HS code 2508.10, which is situated within Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System, covering salt, sulfur, earths and stone, plastering materials, lime, and cement. This specific subheading is dedicated to bentonite, a colloidal clay consisting mainly of montmorillonite. The classification applies regardless of whether the clay has been calcined (heated to high temperatures to remove volatile substances). The primary criterion for classification here is that the material remains a natural earth product that has not been chemically modified or activated. Bentonite is valued for its swelling properties when mixed with water, making it essential for drilling muds, foundry sand bond, and iron ore pelletizing. The Harmonized System treats bentonite as a raw mineral product, provided it has not been processed beyond the allowances of Chapter 25, such as washing, grinding, or heat treatment. In the context of international trade, the purity and physical state of the bentonite are paramount. While Chapter 25 allows for basic mechanical processing, any addition of polymers or significant chemical surfactants to create "premium" drilling grades can sometimes complicate the classification, though most standard industrial bentonites remain firmly within 2508.10.

Covers
  • Natural sodium bentonite
  • Calcium bentonite (non-activated)
  • Calcined bentonite clay
  • Bentonite powder for drilling mud
  • Foundry grade bentonite
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. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3802.90, which covers activated natural mineral products. If bentonite has been treated with acid or other chemicals to change its structure for better filtration (activated clay), it must be classified under 3802. It is also sometimes confused with 3004.90 if packaged for medicinal use as an antacid, though the bulk mineral remains in 2508.10.

3802.90Chemical products; activated natural mineral products, animal black, including spent animal black38.02Activated carbon; activated natural mineral products; animal black, including spent animal black3004.90Medicaments; consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 250810 (the code used for bentonite), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250810 (the code used for bentonite) 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.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $176M
  2. 2 Türkiye $153M
  3. 3 Netherlands $105M

World total: $896M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $130M
  2. 2 Netherlands $91M
  3. 3 Canada $60M

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

Brazil classifies bentonite 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

What is the HS code for Bentonite?

The HS code for Bentonite is 250810 (Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); bentonite, whether or not calcined). The HS code for natural or calcined bentonite is 2508.10.

How do I classify Bentonite for customs?

Bentonite 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.

Is calcined bentonite classified differently?

No, HS code 2508.10 specifically includes bentonite whether or not it has been calcined, provided it has not been otherwise chemically modified.

Which countries are the top exporters of bentonite (HS 250810)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250810 (the code used for bentonite) 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 (HS 250810)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 250810 (the code used for bentonite) 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 the same in all countries?

The base HS code 250810 for Bentonite 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 in Brazil?

In Brazil, bentonite (HS 250810) is classified under NCM 2508.10.00.