Product classification
HS code for Phosphate rock: 2510.20
Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk, ground.
Classification of phosphate rock under HS 2510.20
Natural calcium phosphates, commonly referred to as phosphate rock, are classified under HS code 2510.20 when they have been ground. Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, as well as plastering materials, lime, and cement. Heading 2510 is specifically designated for natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk. The distinction between subheadings 2510.10 and 2510.20 is based entirely on the physical state of the material: 2510.10 is for unground rock, while 2510.20 is for ground rock. Grinding is a mechanical process that increases the surface area of the mineral, often as a preliminary step for chemical processing or direct application in agriculture. This classification is vital for the mining and raw material sectors, as it distinguishes raw extracted ore from processed mineral products. The material must be natural and not chemically modified; once chemical treatment occurs to enhance nutrient availability, the product typically moves to Chapter 31 (Fertilizers).
- Covers
- Ground natural calcium phosphates
- Ground apatite
- Ground phosphorite
- Ground phosphatic chalk
- Ground natural aluminium calcium phosphates
- Also under 2510.20
- OCP Group (Morocco) ground phosphate
- PhosAgro (Russia) ground apatite concentrate
- Mosaic Company (USA) ground phosphate rock
- Ma'aden (Saudi Arabia) ground phosphate ore
Codes often confused with 2510.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using 2510.10, which is reserved for unground phosphate rock. Another error involves 2809, which covers pure phosphoric acid and diphosphorus pentaoxide, or 3103, which covers phosphatic fertilizers that have undergone chemical processing beyond simple grinding.
Top exporters and importers of HS 251020 (the code used for phosphate rock), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251020 (the code used for phosphate rock) in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 46% of world imports. Jordan 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 7.8% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 251020, not only phosphate rock.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $214M 19% of world exports
- 2 Togo* ~$187M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Algeria* ~$155M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
Jordan 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 7.8% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $915M 46% of world imports
- 2 Lithuania $286M 15% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $183M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 phosphate rock
Brazil splits HS 2510.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2510.20.10Ground natural calcium phosphates
- 2510.20.90Other ground phosphates and phosphatic chalk
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about phosphate rock
What is the HS code for Phosphate rock?
The HS code for Phosphate rock is 251020 (Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; ground). The HS code for ground natural phosphate rock is 2510.20, while unground rock is 2510.10.
How do I classify Phosphate rock for customs?
Phosphate rock is classified under HS code 251020 — Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ground phosphate rock considered a fertilizer?
While used in agriculture, it remains in Chapter 25 as a mineral product unless it has been chemically treated, which would move it to Chapter 31.
Which countries are the top exporters of phosphate rock (HS 251020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251020 (the code used for phosphate rock) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($214M, 19% of world exports), Togo (about $187M) and Algeria (about $155M). World exports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Jordan 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 7.8% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of phosphate rock (HS 251020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 251020 (the code used for phosphate rock) in UN Comtrade data were India ($915M, 46% of world imports), Lithuania ($286M) and Indonesia ($183M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 Phosphate rock the same in all countries?
The base HS code 251020 for Phosphate rock 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 phosphate rock in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 251020 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for phosphate rock depends on the product's details: 2510.20.10 (Ground natural calcium phosphates), 2510.20.90 (Other ground phosphates and phosphatic chalk).