Product classification
HS code for Sillimanite: 2508.50
Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806), andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined.
Classification of sillimanite under HS 2508.50
Sillimanite is classified under HS code 2508.50, a specific subheading within Chapter 25 which covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, as well as plastering materials, lime, and cement. This classification is determined by the mineralogical nature of the product. Sillimanite is an aluminum silicate polymorph (Al2SiO5) that is primarily used in the production of high-alumina refractory materials due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and thermal shock. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter Notes for Chapter 25, minerals in this category are generally in their crude state or have undergone basic processing such as washing, crushing, or grinding. HS code 2508.50 specifically groups sillimanite with its polymorphs, andalusite and kyanite, because they share nearly identical chemical compositions and industrial applications. Even when sillimanite is calcined (heated to high temperatures to remove impurities or change physical properties), it remains within this heading, provided it has not been further worked into a finished refractory shape, which would move it to Chapter 68.
- Covers
- Raw sillimanite ore
- Calcined sillimanite
- Sillimanite sand
- Ground or crushed sillimanite
- Sillimanite concentrates
- Also under 2508.50
- Imerys Refractory Minerals (andalusite, kyanite)
- LKAB Minerals (sillimanite)
- Minco (kyanite)
- Andalusite Resources
- Damrec.
Codes often confused with 2508.50
Common mistake. Sillimanite is frequently misclassified under HS code 2508.30, which is reserved for fire-clay. While both are used in refractories, sillimanite is a distinct mineral species. Another common error is using HS code 2606.00 for aluminum ores and concentrates; however, sillimanite is not considered a primary ore for the extraction of aluminum metal, but rather an industrial mineral. Additionally, if sillimanite has been manufactured into bricks or pipes, it must be classified under 6806 or 6902 rather than 2508.50.
Top exporters and importers of HS 250850 (the code used for sillimanite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250850 (the code used for sillimanite) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 250850, not only sillimanite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $44M 35% of world exports
- 2 France $32M 25% of world exports
- 3 United States $19M 15% of world exports
World total: $127M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $19M 15% of world imports
- 2 Spain $16M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $14M 11% of world imports
World total: $125M 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 sillimanite
Brazil classifies sillimanite under NCM 2508.50.00: HS 2508.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sillimanite
What is the HS code for Sillimanite?
The HS code for Sillimanite is 250850 (Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined). The HS code for sillimanite, whether in its natural state or calcined, is 2508.50.
How do I classify Sillimanite for customs?
Sillimanite is classified under HS code 250850 — Clays (excluding expanded clays of heading no. 6806); andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is calcined sillimanite classified differently than raw sillimanite?
No, both raw and calcined sillimanite are classified under HS code 2508.50, as Chapter 25 allows for heat treatment to remove volatile components or for sintering.
Which countries are the top exporters of sillimanite (HS 250850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250850 (the code used for sillimanite) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($44M, 35% of world exports), France ($32M) and the United States ($19M). World exports came to about $127M, 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 sillimanite (HS 250850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 250850 (the code used for sillimanite) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($19M, 15% of world imports), Spain ($16M) and China ($14M). World imports came to about $125M, 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 Sillimanite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 250850 for Sillimanite 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 sillimanite in Brazil?
In Brazil, sillimanite (HS 250850) is classified under NCM 2508.50.00.