Product classification
HS code for Chamotte: 2508.70
Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806), chamotte or dinas earths.
Classification of chamotte under HS 2508.70
Chamotte, also known as grog or calcined clay, is classified under HS code 2508.70. This classification is determined by its nature as a raw or semi-processed mineral product. Chamotte is produced by the high-temperature calcination of fireclays or other aluminous clays until they reach a state of vitrification or extreme hardness. The resulting material is then crushed and graded. Under the Harmonized System, heading 2508 covers various clays, and subheading 2508.70 specifically identifies chamotte and dinas earths. These materials are essential in the production of refractory ceramics because they reduce shrinkage during the drying and firing of the final product. Because it is a mineral substance that has been heat-treated but not yet formed into a finished article, it remains within the scope of Chapter 25.
- Covers
- Calcined fireclay (grog)
- Crushed refractory brick waste (secondary chamotte)
- Dinas earths
- Granulated calcined clay for ceramic bodies
- High-alumina chamotte for refractory mortars
- Also under 2508.70
- RHI Magnesita (refractory materials)
- Vesuvius (refractory products)
- HarbisonWalker International (HWI)
- Resco Products
- Krosaki Harima.
Codes often confused with 2508.70
Common mistake. Chamotte is often confused with products in heading 3816, which covers refractory cements, mortars, and concretes. The distinction lies in the level of preparation; 3816 products are mixtures of various minerals and binders ready for use, whereas 2508.70 is a single mineral component. It is also sometimes misclassified under 6806.20 as expanded clays. However, expanded clays are lightweight aggregates produced by bloating the clay, whereas chamotte is a dense, non-bloated material. Additionally, if chamotte is shaped into bricks or tiles, it must be classified in Chapter 69 (Refractory ceramic goods) under codes such as 6902.10 or 6902.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 250870 (the code used for chamotte), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250870 (the code used for chamotte) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% 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 250870, not only chamotte.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $15M 21% of world exports
- 2 Germany $13M 17% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $12M 17% of world exports
World total: $74M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $19M 19% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $13M 13% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $9.4M 9.7% of world imports
World total: $97M 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 chamotte
Brazil classifies chamotte under NCM 2508.70.00: HS 2508.70 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chamotte
What is the HS code for Chamotte?
The HS code for Chamotte is 250870 (Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); chamotte or dinas earths). The HS code for chamotte and dinas earths is 2508.70.
How do I classify Chamotte for customs?
Chamotte is classified under HS code 250870 — Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); chamotte or dinas earths. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is chamotte the same as refractory cement?
No, chamotte is a raw material used to make refractory cement; the cement itself is classified under HS code 3816.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of chamotte (HS 250870)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250870 (the code used for chamotte) in UN Comtrade data were France ($15M, 21% of world exports), Germany ($13M) and Czechia ($12M). World exports came to about $74M, 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 chamotte (HS 250870)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 250870 (the code used for chamotte) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($19M, 19% of world imports), Türkiye ($13M) and the Netherlands ($9.4M). World imports came to about $97M, 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 Chamotte the same in all countries?
The base HS code 250870 for Chamotte 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 chamotte in Brazil?
In Brazil, chamotte (HS 250870) is classified under NCM 2508.70.00.