Product classification
HS code for Chlorite: 2530.10
Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites, unexpanded.
Classification of chlorite under HS 2530.10
Chlorite, in its natural mineral form, is classified under HS code 2530.10. This classification falls within Chapter 25, which covers salt, sulfur, earths and stone, plastering materials, lime, and cement. Heading 2530 is a residual heading for mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included. Subheading 2530.10 specifically groups vermiculite, perlite, and chlorites, provided they are unexpanded. Chlorite is a group of phyllosilicate minerals, often found in metamorphic rocks. According to the Chapter 25 notes, products of this chapter may be washed, crushed, ground, or screened, but they cannot be roasted, calcined, or mixed together. Therefore, natural chlorite that has undergone basic mechanical processing remains in 2530.10. This classification is distinct from chemical chlorites, which are manufactured salts of chlorous acid.
- Covers
- Natural chlorite mineral
- Unexpanded chlorite schist
- Chlorite-rich clay minerals
- Crushed or powdered natural chlorite
- Also under 2530.10
- Palabora Mining Company Vermiculite
- Perlite Institute (raw perlite)
- Chinese Chlorite
- US Perlite (unexpanded)
Codes often confused with 2530.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 2828.90, which covers chemical chlorites (like sodium chlorite). While they share a name, 2530.10 is for the natural earth mineral, while 2828.90 is for inorganic chemicals. Another error involves HS code 6806.20, which covers exfoliated (expanded) vermiculite and similar expanded mineral materials. If the chlorite has been heat-treated to expand, it moves from Chapter 25 to Chapter 68.
Top exporters and importers of HS 253010 (the code used for chlorite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 253010 (the code used for chlorite) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 253010, not only chlorite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $38M 18% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $36M 17% of world exports
- 3 Greece $34M 16% of world exports
World total: $209M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $37M 16% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $18M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Canada $13M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $239M 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 codes for chlorite
Brazil splits HS 2530.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2530.10.10Unexpanded perlite
- 2530.10.90Unexpanded vermiculite and chlorites
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chlorite
What is the HS code for Chlorite?
The HS code for Chlorite is 253010 (Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites; unexpanded). The HS code for the natural mineral chlorite (unexpanded) is 2530.10.
How do I classify Chlorite for customs?
Chlorite is classified under HS code 253010 — Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites; unexpanded. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sodium chlorite classified here?
No, sodium chlorite is a chemical product and is classified under HS code 2828.90, not under the mineral heading 2530.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of chlorite (HS 253010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 253010 (the code used for chlorite) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($38M, 18% of world exports), Türkiye ($36M) and Greece ($34M). World exports came to about $209M, 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 chlorite (HS 253010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 253010 (the code used for chlorite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($37M, 16% of world imports), South Korea ($18M) and Canada ($13M). World imports came to about $239M, 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 Chlorite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 253010 for Chlorite 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 chlorite in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 253010 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for chlorite depends on the product's details: 2530.10.10 (Unexpanded perlite), 2530.10.90 (Unexpanded vermiculite and chlorites).