Product classification
HS code for Quartz sand: 2505.10
Sands, natural, silica and quartz sands, whether or not coloured.
Classification of quartz sand under HS 2505.10
Quartz sand is classified under HS code 2505.10. This code falls within Chapter 25, which covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone. Heading 2505 specifically includes all types of natural sands, whether or not they have been colored, but excludes metal-bearing sands which are classified in Chapter 26. Quartz sand, also known as silica sand, is distinguished by its high silicon dioxide content and its granular nature. The subheading 2505.10 is specifically designated for silica sands and quartz sands. This classification applies to the sand in its natural state, even if it has undergone processes like washing, screening, or heat treatment to remove impurities, provided these processes do not alter the basic mineral structure of the sand. It is widely used in glass manufacturing, foundry molds, and hydraulic fracturing in the oil and gas industry. The classification is based on the mineralogical composition and the fact that it is a natural sand rather than a crushed stone product.
- Covers
- Industrial silica sand for glass making
- High-purity quartz sand for semi-conductors
- Frac sand for oil and gas extraction
- Colored quartz sand for architectural finishes
- Foundry sand for metal casting
- Also under 2505.10
- Ottawa Sand (USA)
- various industrial silica sands from Australia
- Belgium
- or Norway
- high-purity quartz from Brazil
Codes often confused with 2505.10
Common mistake. Quartz sand is often confused with 2506.10, which covers quartz in its bulk or crude form. The distinction lies in the granular size; 2505.10 is for natural sand, whereas 2506.10 is for quartz in larger masses or broken rock. Additionally, if the sand is a prepared binder for foundry molds containing chemical additives, it may be misclassified under 3824.10. However, pure quartz sand, even if washed or graded, remains in 2505.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 250510 (the code used for quartz sand), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250510 (the code used for quartz sand) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 13% of world imports. Germany reports $147M of its chapter 25 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher. Mexico reports $462M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 250510, not only quartz sand.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $661M 46% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $92M 6.4% of world exports
- 3 Germany $91M 6.3% of world exports
Germany reports $147M of its chapter 25 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $191M 13% of world imports
- 2 China $177M 12% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $72M 4.9% of world imports
Mexico reports $462M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.5B 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 quartz sand
Brazil classifies quartz sand under NCM 2505.10.00: HS 2505.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about quartz sand
What is the HS code for Quartz sand?
The HS code for Quartz sand is 250510 (Sands; natural, silica and quartz sands, whether or not coloured). The HS code for quartz sand, also known as silica sand, is 2505.10.
How do I classify Quartz sand for customs?
Quartz sand is classified under HS code 250510 — Sands; natural, silica and quartz sands, whether or not coloured. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is crushed quartz rock classified as quartz sand?
No, naturally occurring sand is 2505.10, while quartz obtained by crushing rock is generally classified under 2506.10 or 2517.10 depending on its size and use.
Which countries are the top exporters of quartz sand (HS 250510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250510 (the code used for quartz sand) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($661M, 46% of world exports), Belgium ($92M) and Germany ($91M). World exports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Germany reports $147M of its chapter 25 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of quartz sand (HS 250510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 250510 (the code used for quartz sand) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($191M, 13% of world imports), China ($177M) and Türkiye ($72M). World imports came to about $1.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $462M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Quartz sand the same in all countries?
The base HS code 250510 for Quartz 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 quartz sand in Brazil?
In Brazil, quartz sand (HS 250510) is classified under NCM 2505.10.00.