HS Code for Granulated slag

Granulated slag, also known as slag sand, is classified under HS code 2618.00. This product is a byproduct of the manufacture of iron or steel, specifically from the blast furnace process. When molten slag is rapidly quenched with water or steam, it solidifies into glassy, granular particles rather than forming a solid mass. This granulation process is what defines the product for classification purposes. Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2618 is a single-dash heading that specifically identifies granulated slag from the iron and steel industry. The classification is straightforward because the product is a distinct industrial raw material used primarily in the production of cement and as an abrasive. It must not be confused with other types of slag or ash that result from different industrial processes or that have been further processed into finished construction materials like slag wool.

Products Included

• Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)
• Water-quenched slag sand
• Granulated iron slag for cement manufacturing
• Glassy granular slag from steel production
• Slag sand used as a sand-blasting abrasive

Common Misclassification

Granulated slag is often confused with HS code 2619.00, which covers non-granulated slag, dross, scalings, and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel. The key difference is the physical form; 2618.00 is specifically for the "sand-like" granulated version. It may also be misclassified under 2621.90, which is a residual category for other slags and ashes, including municipal waste ash. However, because granulated slag from iron/steel is specifically named in 2618.00, that code takes precedence according to the principle of specific description over general description. Additionally, if the slag is processed into "slag wool," it moves to Chapter 68.

FAQ

What is the HS code for granulated slag?

The HS code for granulated slag (slag sand) from the manufacture of iron or steel is 2618.00.

Is granulated slag the same as fly ash?

No, fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion and is typically classified under HS code 2621.90, whereas granulated slag is a byproduct of metal smelting classified under 2618.00.