Product classification
HS code for Building stone: 2516.90
Monumental or building stone, n.e.c. in heading no. 2516, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape.
Classification of building stone under HS 2516.90
HS code 251690 classifies monumental or building stone not elsewhere specified (n.e.c.) in heading 2516. This code specifically covers natural stones, other than granite (251611, 251612) and sandstone (251620), that are used for construction or monumental purposes. The key characteristic for inclusion under 251690 is that the stone is either roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. This distinguishes it from highly processed or finished stone products. The "n.e.c." clause is vital, ensuring that a diverse range of natural stones, which do not fit the specific descriptions for granite or sandstone, are appropriately categorized when in their primary processed forms for building or monumental use.
- Covers
- Porphyry blocks and slabs for building
- Basalt, roughly trimmed or cut into rectangular shapes
- Quartzite for monumental or building purposes
- Slate in blocks or slabs
- Travertine, merely cut for construction
- Limestone (excluding marble), in blocks or slabs
- Other natural monumental or building stones, such as gneiss or diorite, when roughly trimmed or cut into rectangular blocks or slabs
- Also under 2516.90
- Italian Porphyry paving blocks
- Icelandic Basalt columns
- Brazilian Quartzite slabs
- Welsh Slate building blocks
- Norwegian Larvikite blocks
Codes often confused with 2516.90
Common mistake. Misclassification often occurs with other stone categories based on type or degree of processing. HS 251611 and 251612 are specifically for granite, crude or merely cut, respectively. HS 251620 is dedicated to sandstone. Therefore, any stone that is clearly granite or sandstone, even if roughly cut, should be classified under those specific subheadings. A common error is confusing 251690 with HS 6802, which covers "Worked monumental or building stone and articles thereof." HS 6802 applies to stone that has undergone further processing beyond mere cutting, such as polishing, carving, or shaping into specific finished articles like paving stones, tiles, or sculptures. 251690 is for less processed, bulk forms of stone.
Top exporters and importers of HS 251690 (the code used for building stone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251690 (the code used for building stone) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 27% 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 251690, not only building stone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $64M 25% of world exports
- 2 Norway $51M 19% of world exports
- 3 Bhutan $31M 12% of world exports
World total: $263M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$61M 27% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Netherlands $23M 10% of world imports
- 3 China $22M 9.9% of world imports
World total: $227M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 building stone
Brazil classifies building stone under NCM 2516.90.00: HS 2516.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about building stone
What is the HS code for Building stone?
The HS code for Building stone is 251690 (Monumental or building stone; n.e.c. in heading no. 2516, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape). The HS code for building stone, specifically monumental or building stone not elsewhere specified in heading 2516, whether roughly trimmed or merely cut into blocks or slabs, is 251690.
How do I classify Building stone for customs?
Building stone is classified under HS code 251690 — Monumental or building stone; n.e.c. in heading no. 2516, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS 251690 include polished stone?
No, HS 251690 generally covers stone that is roughly trimmed or merely cut into blocks or slabs. Polished, carved, or otherwise further worked stone typically falls under HS 6802, which is for "Worked monumental or building stone and articles thereof."
Which countries are the top exporters of building stone (HS 251690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251690 (the code used for building stone) in UN Comtrade data were India ($64M, 25% of world exports), Norway ($51M) and Bhutan ($31M). World exports came to about $263M, 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 building stone (HS 251690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 251690 (the code used for building stone) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $61M, 27% of world imports), the Netherlands ($23M) and China ($22M). World imports came to about $227M, 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 Building stone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 251690 for Building stone 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 building stone in Brazil?
In Brazil, building stone (HS 251690) is classified under NCM 2516.90.00.