Product classification
HS code for Diatomite bricks: 6901.00
Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths.
Classification of diatomite bricks under HS 6901.00
Diatomite bricks are classified under HS code 6901.00. This heading is specific to bricks, blocks, tiles, and other ceramic goods made of siliceous fossil meals (such as kieselguhr, tripolite, or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths. These products are primarily used for heat insulation due to their low density and low thermal conductivity. Unlike standard ceramic bricks in 6904, these are characterized by their specific raw material (diatomaceous earth) and their lightweight, porous structure. The classification under 6901.00 is determined by the manufacturing process (firing/ceramic process) and the specific mineral composition of the fossil meals used. These bricks are essential in the construction of industrial furnaces, kilns, and other high-temperature equipment where thermal efficiency is required. To fall under this code, the articles must have been shaped and then fired, distinguishing them from raw minerals or unfired mixtures.
- Covers
- Insulating diatomite bricks
- Kieselguhr blocks for furnaces
- Diatomaceous earth tiles
- Heat-insulating ceramic slabs made of fossil meals
- Lightweight siliceous fossil meal blocks
- Also under 6901.00
- Johns Manville insulating firebricks
- Imerys diatomite products
- Celite filter aids (in brick/block form)
- Promat high-temperature insulation
Codes often confused with 6901.00
Common mistake. Diatomite bricks are frequently misclassified under HS code 6902, which covers refractory bricks. While diatomite bricks provide insulation, 6902 is reserved for bricks with a different chemical composition (like alumina or silica) intended for much higher temperatures. They may also be confused with 6806, which covers slag wool or expanded mineral materials for insulation, but the ceramic firing process of diatomite bricks mandates classification in Chapter 69.
Top exporters and importers of HS 690100 (the code used for diatomite bricks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 690100 (the code used for diatomite bricks) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 17% of world imports. Ireland reports $309M of its chapter 69 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 690100, not only diatomite bricks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $18M 18% of world exports
- 2 Spain $14M 15% of world exports
- 3 Italy $12M 12% of world exports
World total: $97M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $33M 17% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $31M 16% of world imports
- 3 France $7.3M 3.7% of world imports
Ireland reports $309M of its chapter 69 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $197M 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 diatomite bricks
Brazil classifies diatomite bricks under NCM 6901.00.00: HS 6901.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diatomite bricks
What is the HS code for Diatomite bricks?
The HS code for Diatomite bricks is 690100 (Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths). The HS code for bricks and other ceramic goods made of diatomite or similar siliceous fossil meals is 6901.00.
How do I classify Diatomite bricks for customs?
Diatomite bricks is classified under HS code 690100 — Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are these the same as refractory bricks?
No, while they are used in high-temperature environments, diatomite bricks are specifically for insulation and are classified under 6901.00, whereas standard refractory bricks fall under 6902.
Which countries are the top exporters of diatomite bricks (HS 690100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 690100 (the code used for diatomite bricks) in UN Comtrade data were France ($18M, 18% of world exports), Spain ($14M) and Italy ($12M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of diatomite bricks (HS 690100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 690100 (the code used for diatomite bricks) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($33M, 17% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($31M) and France ($7.3M). World imports came to about $197M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Ireland reports $309M of its chapter 69 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Diatomite bricks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 690100 for Diatomite bricks 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 diatomite bricks in Brazil?
In Brazil, diatomite bricks (HS 690100) is classified under NCM 6901.00.00.