Product classification

HS code for Natural corundum: 2513.20

Emery, natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives, whether or not heat-treated.

Classification of natural corundum under HS 2513.20

Natural corundum, along with emery and natural garnet, is classified under HS code 2513.20. This classification is situated within Chapter 25, which covers mineral products used primarily for industrial purposes. Heading 2513 includes pumice stone and various natural abrasives. Subheading 2513.20 specifically addresses emery, natural corundum, and natural garnet. These materials are characterized by their extreme hardness—corundum ranks 9 on the Mohs scale—and are used extensively in grinding, polishing, and abrasive blasting. The classification applies even if the minerals have been heat-treated to improve their abrasive properties or color, provided they remain in their natural mineral form and are not of gem quality. It is important to distinguish these industrial-grade minerals from gem-quality corundum, such as rubies and sapphires. The industrial application and natural origin are the defining factors for 2513.20. This code covers the mineral in its crude form, as well as when it has been crushed or ground into grains or powder for use in abrasive papers or grinding wheels. The classification ensures that natural industrial abrasives are distinguished from synthetic alternatives.

Covers
  • Natural corundum (non-gem grade)
  • Emery
  • Natural garnet
  • Crushed natural abrasives
  • Heat-treated natural corundum grains
Also under 2513.20
  • GMA Garnet
  • Barton International (garnet abrasives)
  • Imerys (industrial minerals)
  • Saint-Gobain Abrasives (uses natural abrasives)

Codes often confused with 2513.20

Common mistake. Natural corundum is most frequently misclassified as artificial corundum (synthetic aluminum oxide), which is classified under HS code 2818.10. Another critical distinction is with gem-quality corundum (rubies and sapphires), which must be classified under heading 7103. If the corundum is already bonded onto a backing (like sandpaper), it moves to heading 6805.

2818.10Aluminium oxide; artificial corundum71.03Precious (excluding diamond) and semi-precious stone; worked, graded, not strung, mounted, set; ungraded precious (excluding diamond) and semi-precious stone, temporarily strung for convenience of transport68.05Abrasive powder or grain; natural or artificial, on a base of textile material, of paper, paperboard or of other material, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up

Top exporters and importers of HS 251320 (the code used for natural corundum), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251320 (the code used for natural corundum) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 251320, not only natural corundum.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Australia $88M
  2. 2 China $44M
  3. 3 India $39M

World total: $268M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $42M
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $35M
  3. 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$26M

World total: $262M 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 corundum

Brazil classifies natural corundum under NCM 2513.20.00: HS 2513.20 with 00 added.

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

Questions about natural corundum

What is the HS code for Natural corundum?

The HS code for Natural corundum is 251320 (Emery, natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives, whether or not heat-treated). The HS code for natural corundum, emery, and natural garnet is 2513.20.

How do I classify Natural corundum for customs?

Natural corundum is classified under HS code 251320 — Emery, natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives, whether or not heat-treated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are rubies classified under the same HS code as natural corundum?

No, while rubies are a form of corundum, gem-quality stones are classified under HS code 7103, whereas industrial natural corundum is 2513.20.

Which countries are the top exporters of natural corundum (HS 251320)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251320 (the code used for natural corundum) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($88M, 33% of world exports), China ($44M) and India ($39M). World exports came to about $268M, 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 corundum (HS 251320)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 251320 (the code used for natural corundum) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($42M, 16% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($35M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $26M). World imports came to about $262M, 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 corundum the same in all countries?

The base HS code 251320 for Natural corundum 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 corundum in Brazil?

In Brazil, natural corundum (HS 251320) is classified under NCM 2513.20.00.