HS Code for Dead-burned magnesia

Dead-burned magnesia is classified under HS code 2519.90. This classification covers magnesium oxide that has been heated to very high temperatures (sintered) to render it chemically inactive and resistant to moisture. This process, known as "dead-burning," makes the material suitable for refractory applications, such as lining furnaces and kilns. The HS code 2519.90 includes both fused magnesia and dead-burned (sintered) magnesia. It is classified in Chapter 25, which covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, because it is considered a mineral product that has undergone thermal treatment without changing its fundamental mineral identity into a chemically pure compound. Even if small quantities of other oxides (like iron or aluminum) are added before sintering to facilitate the process, the product remains under 2519.90. The classification is driven by the industrial nature of the product as a refractory raw material rather than a laboratory-grade chemical.

Products Included

• Sintered magnesia (dead-burned)
• Fused magnesia
• Refractory grade magnesium oxide
• Clinkered magnesia
• Magnesia with small amounts of added oxides for sintering

Common Misclassification

Dead-burned magnesia is frequently confused with HS code 2519.10, which is for natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite) that has not been processed. Another common misclassification is HS code 2825.90, which covers chemically pure magnesium oxide. The distinction lies in the purity and the intended use; 2519.90 is for industrial/refractory grades, while 2825.90 is for purified chemical compounds. Light-burned or caustic-calcined magnesia, which is processed at lower temperatures and remains chemically reactive, is also classified under 2519.90 but must be distinguished from the dead-burned variety in commercial invoices.

FAQ

What is the HS code for dead-burned magnesia?

The HS code for dead-burned (sintered) magnesia is 2519.90.

Is dead-burned magnesia considered a chemical?

No, for customs purposes, it is classified as a mineral product under Chapter 25, provided it is not chemically pure.