Product classification
HS code for Expanded vermiculite: 6806.20
Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag and similar expanded mineral materials (including intermixtures thereof).
Classification of expanded vermiculite under HS 6806.20
Expanded vermiculite is classified under HS code 6806.20. This classification is based on the fact that the material has undergone a significant physical transformation through heat treatment, known as exfoliation or expansion. Chapter 68 of the Harmonized System covers articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar materials. Heading 6806 specifically includes exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag, and similar expanded mineral materials. The classification is determined by the manufacturing process; when raw vermiculite is heated, it expands to many times its original volume, creating a lightweight, porous material used for insulation, horticulture, or as a lightweight aggregate. This heat-treated state distinguishes it from the raw mineral found in Chapter 25. The inclusion of expanded vermiculite in 6806.20 is consistent with the Explanatory Notes which specify that this heading covers minerals that have been expanded by heat to improve their insulating or absorbent properties.
- Covers
- Exfoliated vermiculite
- Expanded perlite
- Expanded chlorite
- Expanded clays for construction
- Foamed slag
- Expanded obsidian
- Intermixtures of expanded mineral materials
- Also under 6806.20
- LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate)
- Perlite (e.g., from The Scotts Company)
- Vermiculite (e.g., from Sun Gro Horticulture)
- Fytocell
- Hydroton
Codes often confused with 6806.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for expanded vermiculite is HS code 2530.10, which covers raw, unexpanded vermiculite, perlite, and chlorites. Importers often fail to distinguish between the crude mineral and the heat-treated product. Another common error is using HS code 3824, which covers prepared binders for foundry molds or chemical products, especially when the vermiculite is mixed with other substances. However, if the mixture consists primarily of expanded minerals, 6806.20 remains the correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 680620 (the code used for expanded vermiculite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 680620 (the code used for expanded vermiculite) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, 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 680620, not only expanded vermiculite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $83M 17% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $62M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $59M 12% of world exports
World total: $483M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $62M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $44M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Canada $28M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $492M 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 expanded vermiculite
Brazil classifies expanded vermiculite under NCM 6806.20.00: HS 6806.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about expanded vermiculite
What is the HS code for Expanded vermiculite?
The HS code for Expanded vermiculite is 680620 (Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag and similar expanded mineral materials (including intermixtures thereof)). The HS code for expanded vermiculite is 6806.20, which also includes expanded perlite and expanded clays.
How do I classify Expanded vermiculite for customs?
Expanded vermiculite is classified under HS code 680620 — Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag and similar expanded mineral materials (including intermixtures thereof). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is expanded vermiculite classified differently if used for gardening?
No, the end use in horticulture does not change the classification; as long as the material is expanded vermiculite, it remains under 6806.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of expanded vermiculite (HS 680620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 680620 (the code used for expanded vermiculite) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($83M, 17% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($62M) and the United States ($59M). World exports came to about $483M, 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 expanded vermiculite (HS 680620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 680620 (the code used for expanded vermiculite) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($62M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($44M) and Canada ($28M). World imports came to about $492M, 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 Expanded vermiculite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 680620 for Expanded vermiculite 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 expanded vermiculite in Brazil?
In Brazil, expanded vermiculite (HS 680620) is classified under NCM 6806.20.00.