HS Code for Kaolin clay

Kaolin clay is classified under HS code 2507.00. This code is part of Chapter 25, which includes salt, sulfur, earths, stone, and other mineral substances. Heading 2507 is a dedicated heading for kaolin and other kaolinic clays. A critical aspect of this classification is that it includes the clay whether or not it has been calcined. Calcination is a thermal treatment process used to remove volatile fractions or to change the physical properties of the clay, such as increasing its brightness, hardness, or chemical reactivity. As long as the clay remains essentially a kaolinic earth and has not been chemically modified into a different product or activated for specific catalytic purposes, it remains within this heading. Kaolin is primarily composed of the mineral kaolinite, a hydrous aluminum silicate, and is widely used in the paper, ceramics, and rubber industries due to its unique physical properties.

Products Included

• Raw kaolin (china clay)
• Calcined kaolin
• Paper-grade kaolinic clay
• Ceramic-grade kaolin
• Refining-grade kaolinic earth

Common Misclassification

Kaolin is sometimes misclassified under HS code 3802.90, which covers activated clays. If the kaolin has been chemically treated to activate it for decolorizing or filtering, it moves to Chapter 38. It may also be confused with 2508.10 (Bentonite) or 2508.40 (Other clays), but 2507.00 is the specific and exclusive code for kaolinic varieties.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Kaolin clay?

The HS code for kaolin and other kaolinic clays, whether or not they have been calcined, is 2507.00.

Does the purity of the clay affect the HS code?

Generally, no. As long as the material is essentially kaolinic clay, it remains in 2507.00. However, if it is processed into a specific chemical compound or a finished product like a cosmetic, the classification will change.