Product classification
HS code for Kaolin: 2507.00
Kaolin and other kaolinic clays, whether or not calcined.
Classification of kaolin under HS 2507.00
Kaolin and other kaolinic clays are classified under HS code 2507.00. This classification is situated within Chapter 25, which covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, as well as plastering materials, lime, and cement. The Harmonized System classifies kaolin here because it is a naturally occurring mineral earth consisting primarily of kaolinite. According to the Chapter 25 notes, products are generally classified in this chapter only when they are in the crude state or have been washed, crushed, ground, powdered, levigated, sifted, screened, or concentrated by flotation or other mechanical or physical processes. Heading 2507.00 specifically includes kaolin that has been calcined. Calcination is a thermal treatment process used to remove volatile impurities or to produce specific physical characteristics required for industrial applications, such as in the manufacture of paper, ceramics, or rubber. As long as the kaolin has not been mixed with other materials to form a specific preparation or chemical compound, it remains under this heading regardless of the heat treatment applied.
- Covers
- China clay (Kaolin)
- Calcined kaolin
- Washed kaolinic clay
- Powdered kaolin for industrial use
- Levigated kaolin
- Also under 2507.00
- Imerys Kaolin
- BASF Kaolin
- Thiele Kaolin
- Huber Engineered Materials (J.M. Huber)
- KaMin LLC.
Codes often confused with 2507.00
Common mistake. Kaolin is often misclassified under HS code 3802.90, which covers activated natural mineral products. If kaolin has been chemically treated to alter its surface structure for increased adsorption, it is no longer considered a natural earth of Chapter 25. Additionally, it may be confused with HS code 2508.10 (Bentonite) or other clays. While both are in Chapter 25, kaolin is specifically isolated in 2507.00 due to its unique mineralogical composition and industrial importance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 250700 (the code used for kaolin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250700 (the code used for kaolin) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 7.3% 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 250700, not only kaolin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $590M 33% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $283M 16% of world exports
- 3 China $155M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $147M 7.3% of world imports
- 2 Italy $141M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Japan $123M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 codes for kaolin
Brazil splits HS 2507.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2507.00.10Kaolin (china clay)
- 2507.00.90Other kaolinic clays
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about kaolin
What is the HS code for Kaolin?
The HS code for Kaolin is 250700 (Kaolin and other kaolinic clays; whether or not calcined). The HS code for kaolin and other kaolinic clays, whether or not calcined, is 2507.00.
How do I classify Kaolin for customs?
Kaolin is classified under HS code 250700 — Kaolin and other kaolinic clays; whether or not calcined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
One more relevant question
Does calcining kaolin change its HS code? No, unlike many other minerals where heat treatment might change the classification, the text of heading 2507.00 explicitly includes calcined kaolin.
Which countries are the top exporters of kaolin (HS 250700)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250700 (the code used for kaolin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($590M, 33% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($283M) and China ($155M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 kaolin (HS 250700)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 250700 (the code used for kaolin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($147M, 7.3% of world imports), Italy ($141M) and Japan ($123M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 Kaolin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 250700 for Kaolin 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 kaolin in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 250700 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for kaolin depends on the product's details: 2507.00.10 (Kaolin (china clay)), 2507.00.90 (Other kaolinic clays).