Product classification
HS code for Nepheline: 2529.30
Leucite, nepheline and nepheline syenite.
Classification of nepheline under HS 2529.30
Nepheline and nepheline syenite are classified under HS code 2529.30. Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, as well as plastering materials, lime, and cement. Heading 2529 is specifically for feldspar, leucite, nepheline, and nepheline syenite. Nepheline syenite is a holocrystalline plutonic rock that consists largely of nepheline and alkali feldspar. It is widely used in the glass and ceramics industries as a flux to lower the melting temperature of a batch, providing alumina and alkali. The classification 2529.30 is specific to these minerals. To remain in Chapter 25, the material must be in the crude state or washed, crushed, ground, or powdered, but not calcined or further processed in a way that changes its basic mineralogical structure. The presence of impurities does not generally affect the classification as long as the product remains a naturally occurring mineral. This classification follows GRI 1, as the mineral is named specifically in the subheading text.
- Covers
- Crude nepheline syenite rock
- Ground nepheline for ceramic glazes
- Pulverized nepheline syenite for glass manufacturing
- Nepheline concentrates
- Micronized nepheline syenite used as functional fillers
- Also under 2529.30
- Sibelco Nepheline Syenite
- Unimin (now Covia) Nepheline Syenite
- Norwegian Nepheline Syenite
Codes often confused with 2529.30
Common mistake. Nepheline is often misclassified under 2529.10, which is the code for Feldspar. While they are mineralogically related and often found together, the tariff provides a specific subheading (2529.30) for nepheline. It may also be confused with 2507.00 (Kaolin) or 2505.10 (Silica sands) due to its similar appearance and industrial applications in the ceramics industry.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252930 (the code used for nepheline), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252930 (the code used for nepheline) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 252930, not only nepheline.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $117M 61% of world exports
- 2 Norway $41M 22% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $17M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $193M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $109M 56% of world imports
- 2 Poland $13M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $8.8M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $195M 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 nepheline
Brazil classifies nepheline under NCM 2529.30.00: HS 2529.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nepheline
What is the HS code for Nepheline?
The HS code for Nepheline is 252930 (Leucite; nepheline and nepheline syenite). The HS code for nepheline and nepheline syenite is 2529.30.
How do I classify Nepheline for customs?
Nepheline is classified under HS code 252930 — Leucite; nepheline and nepheline syenite. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is processed nepheline still in Chapter 25?
As long as the processing is limited to crushing, grinding, or washing, it remains in 2529.30. If it is calcined or mixed with other chemicals, it may move to Chapter 38.
Which countries are the top exporters of nepheline (HS 252930)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252930 (the code used for nepheline) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($117M, 61% of world exports), Norway ($41M) and the Netherlands ($17M). World exports came to about $193M, 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 nepheline (HS 252930)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252930 (the code used for nepheline) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($109M, 56% of world imports), Poland ($13M) and the Netherlands ($8.8M). World imports came to about $195M, 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 Nepheline the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252930 for Nepheline 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 nepheline in Brazil?
In Brazil, nepheline (HS 252930) is classified under NCM 2529.30.00.