Product classification

HS code for Natural phosphates: 2510.10

Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk, unground.

Classification of natural phosphates under HS 2510.10

Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminum calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk are classified under HS code 2510.10 when they are in an unground state. This classification is part of Chapter 25, which includes mineral substances in their crude form. Heading 2510 is dedicated to natural phosphates. The distinction between 2510.10 (unground) and 2510.20 (ground) is based on the physical processing of the material. Unground phosphates are typically in the form of crude rocks, nodules, or lumps as extracted from the earth. These materials are primarily used in the production of phosphatic fertilizers or phosphoric acid. The classification requires that the material has not been chemically treated; for example, if the phosphate has been treated with sulfuric acid to produce superphosphates, it would be classified in Chapter 31 as a fertilizer. According to GRI 1, the classification is governed by the physical state (unground) and the chemical composition (natural calcium/aluminum phosphate). This code also includes apatite, a common phosphate mineral. Even if the material has been washed or concentrated to remove impurities, it remains under 2510.10 as long as it has not been pulverized or ground into a fine powder.

Covers
  • Apatite in crude rock form
  • Natural calcium phosphate lumps
  • Phosphatic chalk (unground)
  • Natural aluminum calcium phosphate (crude)
  • Tricalcium phosphate of mineral origin
Also under 2510.10
  • OCP Group (Morocco) phosphate rock
  • PhosAgro (Russia) apatite concentrate
  • Mosaic Company (USA) phosphate rock
  • Ma'aden (Saudi Arabia) phosphate ore

Codes often confused with 2510.10

Common mistake. Natural phosphates are often misclassified under HS code 2510.20, which is for ground natural phosphates. The difference is purely mechanical (particle size). They are also frequently confused with HS code 3103.11 or 3103.19, which cover superphosphates. Superphosphates are chemically treated minerals and belong in the fertilizer chapter. Additionally, if the phosphate is purified to a high degree for use as a food additive, it may be classified under 2835.26 (calcium phosphate chemicals).

2510.20Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; ground3103.11Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; phosphatic, superphosphates, containing by weight 35% or more of diphosphorus pentaoxide (P2O5)3103.19Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; phosphatic, superphosphates, other than containing by weight 35% or more of diphosphorus pentaoxide (P2O5)2835.26Phosphates; of calcium n.e.c. in item no. 2835.25, whether or not chemically defined

Top exporters and importers of HS 251010 (the code used for natural phosphates), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251010 (the code used for natural phosphates) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 38% 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 251010, not only natural phosphates.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Morocco $1.2B
  2. 2 Jordan* ~$784M
  3. 3 Peru* ~$575M

World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $952M
  2. 2 United States $368M
  3. 3 China $156M

World total: $2.5B 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 codes for natural phosphates

Brazil splits HS 2510.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 2510.10.10Unground natural calcium phosphates
  • 2510.10.90Other unground phosphates and phosphatic chalk

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

Questions about natural phosphates

What is the HS code for Natural phosphates?

The HS code for Natural phosphates is 251010 (Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; unground). The HS code for unground natural calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk is 2510.10.

How do I classify Natural phosphates for customs?

Natural phosphates is classified under HS code 251010 — Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; unground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include ground phosphate rock?

No, ground natural phosphates are classified under HS code 2510.20. The 2510.10 code is reserved for the crude, unground state.

Which countries are the top exporters of natural phosphates (HS 251010)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251010 (the code used for natural phosphates) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($1.2B, 35% of world exports), Jordan (about $784M) and Peru (about $575M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 phosphates (HS 251010)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 251010 (the code used for natural phosphates) in UN Comtrade data were India ($952M, 38% of world imports), the United States ($368M) and China ($156M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 phosphates the same in all countries?

The base HS code 251010 for Natural phosphates 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 phosphates in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 251010 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for natural phosphates depends on the product's details: 2510.10.10 (Unground natural calcium phosphates), 2510.10.90 (Other unground phosphates and phosphatic chalk).