Product classification
HS code for Natural sand: 2505.90
Sands, natural, (other than silica and quartz sands), whether or not coloured, (other than metal-bearing sands of chapter 26).
Classification of natural sand under HS 2505.90
HS code 2505.90 is used for the classification of natural sands that are not primarily composed of silica or quartz. Chapter 25 covers mineral products in their crude or minimally processed state. Heading 2505 specifically encompasses all types of natural sands, whether or not they have been colored, but excludes sands that contain significant amounts of metals (which are classified as ores in Chapter 26). Subheading 2505.90 is the residual category for sands like feldspathic sand, clayey sand, and volcanic sand. The classification is based on the mineralogical composition rather than the grain size. For instance, if a sand is predominantly quartz, it must be declared under 2505.10. However, for construction or industrial sands that are mixtures of various minerals, 2505.90 is the appropriate designation. This distinction is critical for environmental regulations and mining royalties, as different types of sand are subject to different extraction laws. The sand may be washed, dried, or screened to remove impurities or achieve specific grading, but it cannot be chemically treated or mixed with other materials if it is to remain under this heading.
- Covers
- Feldspathic sand used in glass and ceramics
- Clayey sand and kaolinitic sand
- Volcanic sand and basaltic sand
- Natural colored sands for decorative use
- Lake and river sand not primarily silica-based
- Also under 2505.90
- Local construction sands
- various river and pit sands used in infrastructure projects
- dredged marine sands
Codes often confused with 2505.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using 2505.10, which is strictly for silica and quartz sands. Another error involves metal-bearing sands; if the sand contains recoverable amounts of metals like gold, ilmenite, or zircon, it must be classified under Chapter 26 (Ores). Furthermore, crushed stone or gravel is classified under 2517, even if it has been ground to a sand-like consistency, as the HS distinguishes between naturally occurring sand and manufactured aggregates.
Top exporters and importers of HS 250590 (the code used for natural sand), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250590 (the code used for natural sand) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 40% of world imports. Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 250590, not only natural sand.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $206M 29% of world exports
- 2 Mozambique $157M 22% of world exports
- 3 Germany $81M 11% of world exports
Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $705M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Singapore $397M 40% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $132M 13% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $101M 10% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $981M 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 sand
Brazil classifies natural sand under NCM 2505.90.00: HS 2505.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about natural sand
What is the HS code for Natural sand?
The HS code for Natural sand is 250590 (Sands; natural, (other than silica and quartz sands), whether or not coloured, (other than metal-bearing sands of chapter 26)). Natural sand that is not silica or quartz sand is classified under HS code 2505.90. Silica and quartz sands are under 2505.10.
How do I classify Natural sand for customs?
Natural sand is classified under HS code 250590 — Sands; natural, (other than silica and quartz sands), whether or not coloured, (other than metal-bearing sands of chapter 26). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include sand used for construction?
Yes, most natural construction sands fall under 2505.90, provided they are not predominantly silica and have not been mixed with cement or other binders.
Which countries are the top exporters of natural sand (HS 250590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250590 (the code used for natural sand) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($206M, 29% of world exports), Mozambique ($157M) and Germany ($81M). World exports came to about $705M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of natural sand (HS 250590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 250590 (the code used for natural sand) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($397M, 40% of world imports), Belgium ($132M) and the Netherlands ($101M). World imports came to about $981M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($218M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Natural sand the same in all countries?
The base HS code 250590 for Natural sand 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 sand in Brazil?
In Brazil, natural sand (HS 250590) is classified under NCM 2505.90.00.