Product classification
HS code for Nepheline syenite: 2529.30
Leucite, nepheline and nepheline syenite.
Classification of nepheline syenite under HS 2529.30
Nepheline syenite is classified under HS code 2529.30, which specifically covers leucite, nepheline, and nepheline syenite. This classification falls within Chapter 25, dedicated to salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, as well as plastering materials, lime, and cement. The primary reason for this classification is the mineralogical nature of the product. Nepheline syenite is a holocrystalline plutonic rock that consists largely of nepheline and alkali feldspar. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since heading 25.29 explicitly names nepheline syenite, it is the correct designation. Furthermore, the product must remain in its crude state or have undergone only basic processing such as crushing, grinding, or washing to remain in Chapter 25. If the material were chemically altered or refined into a high-purity chemical, it might shift to Chapter 28, but as a naturally occurring mineral used primarily in the glass and ceramics industries as a flux, 2529.30 is the standard international classification.
- Covers
- Crushed nepheline syenite for glass manufacturing
- Ground nepheline syenite for ceramic glazes
- Nepheline syenite powder used as a functional filler in paints
- Raw nepheline syenite rock aggregates
- Micronized nepheline syenite for polymer applications
- Also under 2529.30
- Sibelco Nepheline Syenite
- Unimin (now Covia) Nepheline Syenite
- Norwegian Nepheline Syenite
Codes often confused with 2529.30
Common mistake. Nepheline syenite is frequently misclassified under HS code 2529.10, which is reserved for feldspar. While nepheline syenite contains feldspar, it is a distinct geological entity. Another common error is using HS code 2505.10 for silica sands, especially when the material is used in glassmaking; however, nepheline syenite is silica-deficient by definition. Additionally, if the product is processed into a specific shape for construction, it might be incorrectly placed in Chapter 68.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252930 (the code used for nepheline syenite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252930 (the code used for nepheline syenite) 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 syenite.
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 syenite
Brazil classifies nepheline syenite 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 syenite
What is the HS code for Nepheline syenite?
The HS code for Nepheline syenite is 252930 (Leucite; nepheline and nepheline syenite). The HS code for Nepheline syenite is 2529.30, which falls under the category of leucite, nepheline, and nepheline syenite.
How do I classify Nepheline syenite for customs?
Nepheline syenite is classified under HS code 252930 — Leucite; nepheline and nepheline syenite. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the particle size affect the HS code for this mineral?
Generally, no. As long as the processing is limited to mechanical grinding or crushing (even to a fine powder), it remains under 2529.30. However, if it is mixed with other chemicals, it may be classified as a prepared additive.
Which countries are the top exporters of nepheline syenite (HS 252930)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252930 (the code used for nepheline syenite) 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 syenite (HS 252930)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252930 (the code used for nepheline syenite) 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 syenite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252930 for Nepheline syenite 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 syenite in Brazil?
In Brazil, nepheline syenite (HS 252930) is classified under NCM 2529.30.00.