Product classification
HS code for Natural borates: 2528.00
Natural borates and concentrates thereof (whether or not calcined), but not including borates separated from natural brine, natural boric acid containing not more than 85 % of H3BO3 calculated on the dry weight.
Classification of natural borates under HS 2528.00
Natural borates are classified under HS code 2528.00 because they represent mineral substances obtained directly from the earth that have not undergone significant chemical transformation. The Harmonized System distinguishes between crude minerals and refined chemicals. Heading 2528 specifically encompasses natural sodium borates such as kernite and tincal, as well as natural calcium borates like colemanite and ulexite. Even if these minerals have been calcined to remove water of crystallization or have been crushed and ground, they remain in this category. However, the code explicitly excludes borates that have been separated from natural brines through complex chemical processes or those that have been refined into pure chemical compounds. Natural boric acid is also included here, provided its H3BO3 content does not exceed 85% on a dry weight basis; higher concentrations are classified as chemicals in Chapter 28. The classification process requires a detailed chemical analysis to ensure the H3BO3 content is accurately measured, as this determines whether the product stays in Chapter 25 or moves to the more strictly regulated Chapter 28.
- Covers
- Kernite (natural sodium borate)
- Tincal (crude natural borax)
- Colemanite (natural calcium borate)
- Ulexite (natural sodium-calcium borate)
- Pandermite
- Natural boric acid (concentration <= 85%)
- Calcined natural borates
- Also under 2528.00
- Rio Tinto Borates
- Eti Maden (Turkey) borates
- US Borax products
- Borax Consolidated minerals
Codes often confused with 2528.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2840, which covers refined borates and disodium tetraborate (refined borax). While 2528.00 is for natural, crude minerals, 2840 is for chemically pure or commercially refined products. Another common error involves HS code 2519, which covers natural magnesium carbonates (magnesite); though both are industrial minerals, their chemical composition is distinct. Importers often confuse natural boric acid (2528.00) with refined boric acid (2810.00) if the H3BO3 concentration exceeds the 85% threshold.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252800 (the code used for natural borates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252800 (the code used for natural borates) in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 252800, not only natural borates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Türkiye $242M 55% of world exports
- 2 Bolivia $90M 20% of world exports
- 3 Argentina $39M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $438M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $136M 27% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $118M 23% of world imports
- 3 India $36M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $513M 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 natural borates
Brazil classifies natural borates under NCM 2528.00.00: HS 2528.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about natural borates
What is the HS code for Natural borates?
The HS code for Natural borates is 252800 (Natural borates and concentrates thereof (whether or not calcined), but not including borates separated from natural brine; natural boric acid containing not more than 85 % of H3BO3 calculated on the dry weight). The HS code for natural borates and their concentrates, including those that have been calcined but excluding those separated from natural brine, is 2528.00.
How do I classify Natural borates for customs?
Natural borates is classified under HS code 252800 — Natural borates and concentrates thereof (whether or not calcined), but not including borates separated from natural brine; natural boric acid containing not more than 85 % of H3BO3 calculated on the dry weight. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include refined borax?
No, refined borax or disodium tetraborate is classified under HS code 2840. HS code 2528.00 is strictly for natural, unrefined mineral borates.
Which countries are the top exporters of natural borates (HS 252800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252800 (the code used for natural borates) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($242M, 55% of world exports), Bolivia ($90M) and Argentina ($39M). World exports came to about $438M, 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 borates (HS 252800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252800 (the code used for natural borates) in UN Comtrade data were China ($136M, 27% of world imports), Brazil ($118M) and India ($36M). World imports came to about $513M, 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 borates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252800 for Natural borates 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 borates in Brazil?
In Brazil, natural borates (HS 252800) is classified under NCM 2528.00.00.