Product classification
HS code for Clay minerals: 2842.10
Salts of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically defined, excluding azides.
Classification of clay minerals under HS 2842.10
Clay minerals are classified under HS code 2842.10 because they are defined as double or complex silicates, specifically aluminosilicates, that are either chemically defined or produced through synthetic chemical processes. Unlike natural clays found in Chapter 25, these minerals are often manufactured to achieve high levels of purity or specific crystalline structures, such as synthetic zeolites. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 28 notes, this heading covers inorganic chemicals that are not elsewhere specified. The classification depends on the chemical composition rather than the physical state, provided the substance is an aluminosilicate. These materials are essential in industrial applications for their ion-exchange properties and as catalysts in the petrochemical industry. The distinction between a natural mineral and a chemically defined compound is the primary factor in assigning this code, as Chapter 28 is reserved for products of the chemical industry.
- Covers
- Synthetic zeolites used for water softening
- Chemically defined sodium aluminosilicates
- Synthetic molecular sieves
- Double silicates of magnesium and aluminum
- Complex silicates used as catalysts
- Also under 2842.10
- BASF Zeolites
- Imerys Kaolin
- W. R. Grace & Co. (silica gels)
- Evonik Industries (silicates)
Codes often confused with 2842.10
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with natural clays like kaolin or bentonite, which fall under HS codes 2507.00 or 2508.10. These natural earths are excluded from Chapter 28 unless they have been chemically treated beyond simple washing or grinding. Additionally, if the clay mineral is prepared as a pharmaceutical binder, it might be confused with Chapter 30 codes. It is also important to distinguish these from activated clays in heading 3802, which have undergone specific surface-area-enhancing treatments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284210 (the code used for clay minerals), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284210 (the code used for clay minerals) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 284210, not only clay minerals.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $181M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $178M 22% of world exports
- 3 Japan $98M 12% of world exports
World total: $817M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $133M 14% of world imports
- 2 Poland $102M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $99M 10% of world imports
World total: $971M 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 clay minerals
Brazil splits HS 2842.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2842.10.10Zeolite ion exchangers for water treatment
- 2842.10.90Other double or complex silicates
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about clay minerals
What is the HS code for Clay minerals?
The HS code for Clay minerals is 284210 (Salts of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically defined, excluding azides). The HS code for chemically defined clay minerals, specifically double or complex silicates like aluminosilicates, is 2842.10.
How do I classify Clay minerals for customs?
Clay minerals is classified under HS code 284210 — Salts of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically defined, excluding azides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between Chapter 25 and Chapter 28 clays?
Chapter 25 covers natural minerals that are extracted and processed only by physical means like crushing or washing. Chapter 28, specifically 2842.10, is for synthetic or chemically defined aluminosilicates.
Which countries are the top exporters of clay minerals (HS 284210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284210 (the code used for clay minerals) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($181M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($178M) and Japan ($98M). World exports came to about $817M, 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 clay minerals (HS 284210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284210 (the code used for clay minerals) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($133M, 14% of world imports), Poland ($102M) and Germany ($99M). World imports came to about $971M, 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 Clay minerals the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284210 for Clay minerals 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 clay minerals in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for clay minerals depends on the product's details: 2842.10.10 (Zeolite ion exchangers for water treatment), 2842.10.90 (Other double or complex silicates).