Product classification
HS code for Diatomite: 2512.00
Siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths, whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less.
Classification of diatomite under HS 2512.00
Diatomite, also known as kieselguhr or diatomaceous earth, is classified under HS code 2512.00. This heading covers siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths, whether or not calcined, provided they have an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less. Chapter 25 generally includes mineral products in their crude state or washed, crushed, or calcined. Diatomite is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. The classification remains in 2512.00 even if the product has been calcined (heated) to remove organic impurities or to change its color, as long as it has not been mixed with other substances or processed into a finished article. This material is highly valued for its filtration properties, as an abrasive, and as a filler in various industrial applications. The low specific gravity is a critical technical requirement for classification under this specific code.
- Covers
- Crude diatomaceous earth
- Calcined diatomite
- Kieselguhr powder
- Tripolite
- Moler earth
- Also under 2512.00
- EP Minerals (Celite, Kenite diatomite)
- Imerys (diatomite products)
- Dicalite Management Group (diatomite)
- JRS Silvateam (diatomite)
Codes often confused with 2512.00
Common mistake. Diatomite is often confused with HS code 3802.90, which covers activated diatomite. If the diatomite has been chemically treated to increase its surface activity or filtration efficiency, it moves from Chapter 25 to Chapter 38. It is also sometimes misclassified under 2505 (natural sands) or 2508 (other clays), but its fossilized organic origin and specific gravity distinguish it from these categories. Additionally, finished products like diatomite bricks move to Chapter 69.
Top exporters and importers of HS 251200 (the code used for diatomite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251200 (the code used for diatomite) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.0% 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 251200, not only diatomite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $54M 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $28M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $19M 11% of world exports
World total: $178M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $20M 8.0% of world imports
- 2 Italy $20M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $19M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $250M 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
Brazil classifies diatomite under NCM 2512.00.00: HS 2512.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diatomite
What is the HS code for Diatomite?
The HS code for Diatomite is 251200 (Siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths; whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less). The HS code for diatomite, including kieselguhr and similar siliceous fossil meals, is 2512.00.
How do I classify Diatomite for customs?
Diatomite is classified under HS code 251200 — Siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths; whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does calcination change the HS code for diatomite?
No, HS code 2512.00 explicitly includes diatomite whether or not it has been calcined, provided it hasn't been mixed with other materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of diatomite (HS 251200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251200 (the code used for diatomite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($54M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($28M) and France ($19M). World exports came to about $178M, 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 (HS 251200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 251200 (the code used for diatomite) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($20M, 8.0% of world imports), Italy ($20M) and Brazil ($19M). World imports came to about $250M, 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 Diatomite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 251200 for Diatomite 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, diatomite (HS 251200) is classified under NCM 2512.00.00.