Product classification
HS code for Perlite: 2530.10
Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites, unexpanded.
Classification of perlite under HS 2530.10
Perlite is classified under HS code 2530.10. This code is situated within Chapter 25, which encompasses salt, sulfur, earths and stone, plastering materials, lime, and cement. Heading 2530 is a residual category for mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included. Subheading 2530.10 specifically identifies vermiculite, perlite, and chlorites in their unexpanded form. The classification depends heavily on the physical state of the mineral. Unexpanded perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that has a high water content. It is typically mined and crushed but has not yet undergone the thermal expansion process that turns it into the lightweight, white material commonly used in gardening and construction. Because it is a raw mineral product that has not been significantly processed beyond crushing or grading, it remains in Chapter 25. The Harmonized System distinguishes between raw minerals and those that have been chemically altered or physically transformed by heat. As long as the perlite remains in its natural, unexpanded state, it is classified here. This classification is essential for mining companies and raw material suppliers who export the ore for processing in other countries.
- Covers
- Raw perlite ore
- Crushed unexpanded perlite
- Graded perlite rock
- Unprocessed volcanic glass (perlite variety)
- Perlite screenings in natural state
- Also under 2530.10
- Palabora Mining Company Vermiculite
- Perlite Institute (raw perlite)
- Chinese Chlorite
- US Perlite (unexpanded)
Codes often confused with 2530.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for perlite is HS code 6806.20. This code is for exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag, and similar expanded mineral materials. Once perlite is heated and expanded, it moves from Chapter 25 to Chapter 68. Importers often confuse the two, but the distinction is based on whether the material has undergone the expansion process. Additionally, perlite is sometimes confused with HS code 2508.40 (other clays), but perlite is a volcanic glass, not a clay mineral, and is specifically named in 2530.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 253010 (the code used for perlite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 253010 (the code used for perlite) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 18% 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 253010, not only perlite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $38M 18% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $36M 17% of world exports
- 3 Greece $34M 16% of world exports
World total: $209M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $37M 16% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $18M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Canada $13M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $239M 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 codes for perlite
Brazil splits HS 2530.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2530.10.10Unexpanded perlite
- 2530.10.90Unexpanded vermiculite and chlorites
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about perlite
What is the HS code for Perlite?
The HS code for Perlite is 253010 (Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites; unexpanded). The HS code for unexpanded perlite is 2530.10. If the perlite has been expanded, the code changes to 6806.20.
How do I classify Perlite for customs?
Perlite is classified under HS code 253010 — Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites; unexpanded. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include perlite mixed with fertilizer?
No, mixtures of perlite and fertilizer are generally classified under Chapter 31 (Fertilizers) or as prepared horticultural growing media under HS code 3824.99.
Which countries are the top exporters of perlite (HS 253010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 253010 (the code used for perlite) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($38M, 18% of world exports), Türkiye ($36M) and Greece ($34M). World exports came to about $209M, 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 perlite (HS 253010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 253010 (the code used for perlite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($37M, 16% of world imports), South Korea ($18M) and Canada ($13M). World imports came to about $239M, 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 Perlite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 253010 for Perlite 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 perlite in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 253010 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for perlite depends on the product's details: 2530.10.10 (Unexpanded perlite), 2530.10.90 (Unexpanded vermiculite and chlorites).