Product classification
HS code for Kieselguhr: 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 kieselguhr under HS 2512.00
Kieselguhr, also known as 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. This material is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are microscopic algae. The classification within Chapter 25 (Salt; sulfur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement) is reserved for natural mineral substances that have not been chemically modified or activated. The inclusion of \"calcined\" in the heading means that kieselguhr that has been heat-treated to remove volatile impurities remains under 2512.00. However, the specific gravity requirement is a technical threshold used by customs authorities to distinguish these lightweight siliceous earths from denser mineral sands or clays. Kieselguhr is widely used as a filtration aid, an abrasive, and an insecticide. Its classification is strictly dependent on its physical properties and the lack of chemical activation. If the material is mixed with other substances or significantly altered, it may fall under different chapters entirely.
- Covers
- Natural kieselguhr
- Calcined kieselguhr (unactivated)
- Diatomite
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3802.90, which covers activated kieselguhr or activated diatomite. Activation involves chemical treatment to increase surface area. It is also sometimes confused with 2505.10 (silica sands) or 2508.10 (bentonite) due to similar industrial applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 251200 (the code used for kieselguhr), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251200 (the code used for kieselguhr) 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 kieselguhr.
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 kieselguhr
Brazil classifies kieselguhr 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 kieselguhr
What is the HS code for Kieselguhr?
The HS code for Kieselguhr 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 kieselguhr and similar siliceous fossil meals is 2512.00.
How do I classify Kieselguhr for customs?
Kieselguhr 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 this code include activated diatomaceous earth?
No, activated diatomaceous earth is classified under HS code 3802.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of kieselguhr (HS 251200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251200 (the code used for kieselguhr) 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 kieselguhr (HS 251200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 251200 (the code used for kieselguhr) 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 Kieselguhr the same in all countries?
The base HS code 251200 for Kieselguhr 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 kieselguhr in Brazil?
In Brazil, kieselguhr (HS 251200) is classified under NCM 2512.00.00.