Product classification

HS code for Natural barium carbonate: 2511.20

Barium carbonate (witherite), natural, whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading no. 2816.

Classification of natural barium carbonate under HS 2511.20

Natural barium carbonate, known mineralogically as witherite, is classified under HS code 2511.20. This classification is determined by its status as a raw mineral product within Chapter 25, which covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone. The heading 2511 is divided into two subheadings: 2511.10 for the sulphate and 2511.20 for the carbonate. To qualify for this code, the material must be naturally occurring witherite. It can be in its crude state or calcined (heated to remove volatile substances), provided it has not undergone extensive chemical processing that would transform it into a pure chemical compound. Witherite is a relatively rare mineral but is industrially significant. It is primarily used in the glass industry to increase the refractive index of glass, in the production of ceramics to prevent efflorescence, and as a precursor for other barium chemicals. If the product is chemically synthesized through precipitation, it moves to Chapter 28, making the natural origin the primary driver for this specific HS code. The classification 2511.20 specifically excludes barium oxide, which is classified under heading 2816.

Covers
  • Crude natural witherite
  • Calcined natural barium carbonate
  • Lump witherite
  • Ground natural barium carbonate
  • Witherite ore concentrates
Also under 2511.20
  • Solvay (produces barium chemicals)
  • Barium & Chemicals Inc. (specialty barium compounds)
  • Noah Chemicals (specialty chemicals)
  • Sigma-Aldrich (laboratory chemicals)

Codes often confused with 2511.20

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with synthetic barium carbonate, which is classified under HS code 2836.60. Synthetic barium carbonate is a chemically manufactured product with higher purity levels than the natural mineral. Another common error is confusing it with barium oxide or hydroxide, which are classified under 2816.40. It is also sometimes confused with natural barium sulphate (2511.10).

2836.60Carbonates; barium carbonate2816.40Oxides, hydroxides and peroxides, of strontium or barium2511.10Barium sulphate (barytes); natural

Top exporters and importers of HS 251120 (the code used for natural barium carbonate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251120 (the code used for natural barium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 56% 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 251120, not only natural barium carbonate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $494K
  2. 2 Laos* ~$433K
  3. 3 Portugal $61K

World total: $1.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Malaysia $1.0M
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $370K
  3. 3 Egypt $153K

World total: $1.8M 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 barium carbonate

Brazil classifies natural barium carbonate under NCM 2511.20.00: HS 2511.20 with 00 added.

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

Questions about natural barium carbonate

What is the HS code for Natural barium carbonate?

The HS code for Natural barium carbonate is 251120 (Barium carbonate (witherite); natural, whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading no. 2816). The HS code for natural barium carbonate, also known as witherite, is 2511.20.

How do I classify Natural barium carbonate for customs?

Natural barium carbonate is classified under HS code 251120 — Barium carbonate (witherite); natural, whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading no. 2816. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can calcined witherite still be classified under 2511.20?

Yes, natural barium carbonate that has been calcined remains under HS code 2511.20, provided it has not been chemically processed into a synthetic compound.

Which countries are the top exporters of natural barium carbonate (HS 251120)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251120 (the code used for natural barium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($494K, 43% of world exports), Laos (about $433K) and Portugal ($61K). World exports came to about $1.2M, 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 barium carbonate (HS 251120)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 251120 (the code used for natural barium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($1.0M, 56% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($370K) and Egypt ($153K). World imports came to about $1.8M, 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 barium carbonate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 251120 for Natural barium carbonate 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 barium carbonate in Brazil?

In Brazil, natural barium carbonate (HS 251120) is classified under NCM 2511.20.00.