Product classification
HS code for Mica powder: 2525.20
Mica, powder.
Classification of mica powder under HS 2525.20
Mica powder is classified under HS code 2525.20. Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, including mineral products in their natural state or those that have been washed, crushed, or ground. Heading 2525 specifically covers mica, including splittings and waste. The sub-heading 2525.20 is designated for mica powder. This classification applies to mica that has been ground into fine particles, whether through dry or wet grinding processes. The powder must not be mixed with other materials or significantly altered chemically to remain in this chapter. Mica powder is widely used in the construction industry, in the manufacture of paints, and as a filler in plastics and rubber. Its classification in Chapter 25 reflects its status as a primary mineral product that has undergone minimal processing beyond size reduction. If the powder were to be coated with pigments or metal oxides for use as a pearlescent pigment, the classification would shift to Chapter 32.
- Covers
- Ground mica
- Pulverized mica
- Wet-ground mica powder
- Dry-ground mica powder
- Micronized mica
- Also under 2525.20
- Mica powder in automotive paints
- mica powder in cosmetics (e.g., eyeshadow)
- mica powder in plastics for insulation
- mica powder in drilling muds
Codes often confused with 2525.20
Common mistake. Mica powder is often misclassified under HS code 3206.19 or 3206.49 if it is intended for use as a pigment. However, unless the mica is specifically prepared as a coloring matter (e.g., coated with titanium dioxide), it remains in 2525.20. It is also sometimes confused with 6814.10, but that code is for agglomerated mica sheets, not the loose powder form.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252520 (the code used for mica powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252520 (the code used for mica powder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% of world imports. France reports $167M of its chapter 25 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 252520, not only mica powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $40M 28% of world exports
- 2 India $39M 27% of world exports
- 3 United States $8.9M 6.3% of world exports
France reports $167M of its chapter 25 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $142M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $30M 22% of world imports
- 2 United States $12M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $12M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $136M 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 mica powder
Brazil classifies mica powder under NCM 2525.20.00: HS 2525.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mica powder
What is the HS code for Mica powder?
The HS code for Mica powder is 252520 (Mica; powder). The HS code for mica powder is 2525.20.
How do I classify Mica powder for customs?
Mica powder is classified under HS code 252520 — Mica; powder. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cosmetic-grade mica powder classified here?
Yes, pure mica powder, even if used in cosmetics, is classified under 2525.20, provided it has not been mixed with other ingredients or surface-treated to act as a composite pigment.
Which countries are the top exporters of mica powder (HS 252520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252520 (the code used for mica powder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($40M, 28% of world exports), India ($39M) and the United States ($8.9M). World exports came to about $142M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). France reports $167M of its chapter 25 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of mica powder (HS 252520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252520 (the code used for mica powder) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($30M, 22% of world imports), the United States ($12M) and the Netherlands ($12M). World imports came to about $136M, 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 Mica powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252520 for Mica powder 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 mica powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, mica powder (HS 252520) is classified under NCM 2525.20.00.