Product classification
HS code for Crushed steatite: 2526.20
Steatite, natural, crushed, powdered, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape, talc.
Classification of crushed steatite under HS 2526.20
Crushed steatite, commonly known as soapstone or talc in its mineral form, is classified under HS code 252620. This classification is part of Chapter 25, which encompasses salt, sulfur, earths, and stone. Heading 2526 specifically covers natural steatite and talc. The subheading 252620 is designated for these minerals when they have been crushed or powdered. The classification applies regardless of whether the material is used for industrial, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical purposes, provided it remains a natural mineral that has not been mixed with other substances to the point of becoming a preparation. The process of crushing or powdering is a mechanical treatment allowed under this heading, as long as it does not alter the essential character of the natural stone. This code is essential for the global trade of talc-based minerals used in paper, plastics, and ceramics manufacturing.
- Covers
- Natural steatite, crushed or powdered
- Natural talc, crushed or powdered
- Soapstone powder for industrial use
- Unscented talcum powder in bulk
- Ground steatite for ceramic production
- Also under 2526.20
- Imerys Talc
- Luzenac Talc
- Mondo Minerals Talc
- Johnson's Baby Powder (talc component)
Codes often confused with 2526.20
Common mistake. Crushed steatite is often misclassified under 252610, which is reserved for natural steatite that is not crushed or powdered (e.g., blocks or slabs). It may also be confused with 330491 if it is packaged and scented for retail sale as a cosmetic powder. Furthermore, if the steatite is chemically modified or mixed with other minerals, it may fall under Chapter 38 for miscellaneous chemical products.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252620 (the code used for crushed steatite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252620 (the code used for crushed steatite) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 252620, not only crushed steatite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $120M 14% of world exports
- 2 France $99M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $93M 11% of world exports
World total: $833M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $120M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $67M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Japan $58M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $896M 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 crushed steatite
Brazil classifies crushed steatite under NCM 2526.20.00: HS 2526.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about crushed steatite
What is the HS code for Crushed steatite?
The HS code for Crushed steatite is 252620 (Steatite; natural, crushed, powdered, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape; talc). The HS code for crushed or powdered natural steatite and talc is 252620.
How do I classify Crushed steatite for customs?
Crushed steatite is classified under HS code 252620 — Steatite; natural, crushed, powdered, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape; talc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include cosmetic talcum powder?
It includes the raw, powdered mineral. However, if the talc is perfumed or put up in retail packaging for cosmetic use, it is classified under heading 3304 rather than 252620.
Which countries are the top exporters of crushed steatite (HS 252620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252620 (the code used for crushed steatite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($120M, 14% of world exports), France ($99M) and the Netherlands ($93M). World exports came to about $833M, 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 crushed steatite (HS 252620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252620 (the code used for crushed steatite) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($120M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($67M) and Japan ($58M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Crushed steatite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252620 for Crushed steatite 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 crushed steatite in Brazil?
In Brazil, crushed steatite (HS 252620) is classified under NCM 2526.20.00.