Product classification

HS code for Natural asphalt: 2714.90

Bitumen and asphalt, natural, asphaltites and asphaltic rock.

Classification of natural asphalt under HS 2714.90

Natural asphalt is classified under HS code 2714.90 because it is a naturally occurring mineral substance composed primarily of hydrocarbons. Unlike petroleum bitumen, which is a residue obtained from the distillation of crude oil in refineries, natural asphalt is found in geological deposits. Heading 2714 specifically encompasses bitumen and asphalt that occur naturally, as well as bituminous or oil-shale and tar sands. The classification depends on the substance being in its natural state, though it may have been treated to remove water or gangue (impurities). This code is used for solid or semi-solid forms of natural bitumen that are often used in road construction, waterproofing, and the manufacture of specialized paints and varnishes. The distinction between natural and synthetic versions is critical for customs purposes, as they fall under different chapters or headings based on their origin and processing level. Natural asphaltites, such as Gilsonite, are highly valued for their high purity and high melting points, making them distinct from common refinery bitumen. The classification under 2714.90 ensures that these unique geological products are tracked separately from industrial byproducts.

Covers
  • Gilsonite (uintahite)
  • Grahamite
  • Natural asphaltic limestone
  • Natural bitumen
  • Asphaltites
  • Glance pitch
  • Natural asphaltic sands
Also under 2714.90
  • Trinidad Lake Asphalt
  • Gilsonite (American Gilsonite Company)
  • Uintah Basin Asphaltite
  • Bermudez Asphalt

Codes often confused with 2714.90

Common mistake. Natural asphalt is frequently confused with petroleum bitumen, which is classified under HS code 2713.20. The primary difference is that 2713.20 covers residues from the processing of petroleum, whereas 2714.90 is for naturally occurring minerals. Additionally, bituminous mixtures based on natural asphalt are classified under 2715.00, which includes cut-backs and emulsions where asphalt is mixed with other substances like mineral aggregates or solvents.

2713.20Petroleum bitumen; obtained from bituminous minerals2715.00Bituminous mixtures based on natural asphalt, on natural bitumen, on petroleum bitumen, on mineral tar or on mineral tar pitch (e.g. bituminous mastics, cut-backs)

Top exporters and importers of HS 271490 (the code used for natural asphalt), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 271490 (the code used for natural asphalt) in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 15% 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 271490, not only natural asphalt.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$30M
  2. 2 United States $29M
  3. 3 Iraq* ~$26M

World total: $177M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Philippines $62M
  2. 2 Uruguay $43M
  3. 3 United States $36M

World total: $414M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 natural asphalt

Brazil classifies natural asphalt under NCM 2714.90.00: HS 2714.90 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about natural asphalt

What is the HS code for Natural asphalt?

The HS code for Natural asphalt is 271490 (Bitumen and asphalt, natural; asphaltites and asphaltic rock). The HS code for natural asphalt, including asphaltites and asphaltic rock, is 2714.90.

How do I classify Natural asphalt for customs?

Natural asphalt is classified under HS code 271490 — Bitumen and asphalt, natural; asphaltites and asphaltic rock. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How does natural asphalt differ from petroleum bitumen in classification?

Natural asphalt (2714.90) is a mineral found in nature, while petroleum bitumen (2713.20) is a byproduct of the oil refining process.

Which countries are the top exporters of natural asphalt (HS 271490)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 271490 (the code used for natural asphalt) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $30M, 17% of world exports), the United States ($29M) and Iraq (about $26M). World exports came to about $177M, 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 natural asphalt (HS 271490)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 271490 (the code used for natural asphalt) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($62M, 15% of world imports), Uruguay ($43M) and the United States ($36M). World imports came to about $414M, 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 Natural asphalt the same in all countries?

The base HS code 271490 for Natural asphalt 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 natural asphalt in Brazil?

In Brazil, natural asphalt (HS 271490) is classified under NCM 2714.90.00.