Product classification
HS code for Silica sand: 2505.10
Sands, natural, silica and quartz sands, whether or not coloured.
Classification of silica sand under HS 2505.10
Silica sand is classified under HS code 2505.10. Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, as well as plastering materials, lime, and cement. Heading 2505 specifically includes natural sands of all kinds, whether or not colored, other than metal-bearing sands of Chapter 26. Silica sand, also known as industrial sand or quartz sand, is characterized by its high silicon dioxide (SiO2) content. The classification under 2505.10 is appropriate for natural sands where the silica content is the primary defining feature, regardless of whether the sand has been washed, heat-treated, or graded by size. This classification follows GIR 1 and the specific subheading text for silica sands and quartz sands. It is essential that the sand is in its natural state or has only undergone the processes permitted by Note 1 to Chapter 25, such as washing or mechanical screening, without changing the essential mineralogical structure of the product.
- Covers
- Industrial silica sand for glass manufacturing
- Foundry sand for metal casting molds
- Hydraulic fracturing sand (frac sand) for oil and gas
- Quartz sand for filtration systems
- Ground silica (silica flour) if not chemically modified
- Colored natural silica sands for architectural finishes
- 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. Silica sand is often confused with HS code 2506.10, which covers quartz in its bulk or crude form. The distinction lies in the physical state; 2505 is for sand (naturally disintegrated rock), while 2506 is for quartz in blocks or larger fragments. Another misclassification occurs with 2601, particularly when the sand has a high iron content; however, if it is primarily used for its silica properties rather than for metal extraction, 2505.10 remains correct. Additionally, synthetic silica or chemically precipitated silica is classified under 2811.22.
Top exporters and importers of HS 250510 (the code used for silica sand), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250510 (the code used for silica 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 silica 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 silica sand
Brazil classifies silica 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 silica sand
What is the HS code for Silica sand?
The HS code for Silica sand is 250510 (Sands; natural, silica and quartz sands, whether or not coloured). The HS code for silica sand is 2505.10, which specifically covers natural silica and quartz sands.
How do I classify Silica sand for customs?
Silica 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 frac sand classified differently than glass sand?
No, both frac sand and glass sand are classified under 2505.10 as long as they are natural silica sands that have not been coated or chemically treated.
Which countries are the top exporters of silica sand (HS 250510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250510 (the code used for silica 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 silica sand (HS 250510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 250510 (the code used for silica 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 Silica sand the same in all countries?
The base HS code 250510 for Silica 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 silica sand in Brazil?
In Brazil, silica sand (HS 250510) is classified under NCM 2505.10.00.