HS Code for Rock wool insulation

Rock wool insulation is classified under HS code 6806.10. This code is found in Chapter 68, which covers articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar mineral materials. Heading 6806 specifically includes slag wool, rock wool, and similar mineral wools, including intermixtures thereof, in bulk, sheets, or rolls. The classification is determined by the mineral origin of the fibers. Rock wool is produced by melting basaltic rock and other minerals at high temperatures and then spinning the molten material into fibers. This material is widely used for thermal insulation, fireproofing, and acoustic dampening in residential and industrial construction. The HS code 6806.10 specifically targets the primary forms of these mineral wools before they are further fabricated into complex composite articles. The classification logic groups these materials together because they share similar physical properties and manufacturing processes, distinct from synthetic or organic insulation materials.

Products Included

• Basalt wool batts for wall insulation
• Mineral wool insulation rolls for attics
• Rock wool acoustic ceiling panels
• Loose-fill rock wool for blown-in insulation
• High-density rock wool boards for industrial furnace insulation
• Fire-resistant rock wool blankets

Common Misclassification

Rock wool is frequently misclassified under HS code 7019, which is reserved for glass wool and fiberglass products. While both are mineral-based fibers, the HS system distinguishes between glass-based fibers (Chapter 70) and stone- or slag-based fibers (Chapter 68). Another common error is using 6806.90, which is a residual category for other heat-insulating or sound-insulating mineral materials; however, if the product is primarily rock wool, 6806.10 is the more specific and correct code. Additionally, expanded minerals like vermiculite or perlite fall under 6806.20, not 6806.10.

FAQ

What is the HS code for rock wool insulation?

The HS code for rock wool insulation in bulk, sheets, or rolls is 6806.10.

How do I distinguish rock wool from glass wool for customs purposes?

Classification depends on the raw material; rock wool (6806.10) is made from volcanic stone or slag, while glass wool (7019) is made from recycled glass and sand fibers.