Product classification
HS code for Slag sand: 2618.00
Slag, granulated (slag sand), from the manufacture or iron or steel.
Classification of slag sand under HS 2618.00
Slag sand, or granulated slag, is classified under HS code 2618.00. This material is a byproduct of the iron and steel manufacturing process, specifically formed when molten blast furnace slag is rapidly chilled by water or steam. This process creates a glassy, granular material that resembles sand. Chapter 26 is dedicated to ores, slag, and ash, and heading 2618 is the specific provision for granulated slag. It is important to distinguish this from natural sands, which are products of geological erosion. Slag sand is a valuable industrial commodity used extensively in the production of slag cement and as a lightweight aggregate in concrete. The classification is based on its origin (iron or steel manufacture) and its physical form (granulated). The rapid cooling process is what differentiates granulated slag from other types of slag, as it prevents the formation of large crystals, resulting in the sandy texture required for this specific HS code. It is often traded in bulk for the construction and cement industries.
- Covers
- Granulated blast furnace slag (GBS)
- Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)
- Water-quenched iron slag sand
- Steel slag sand for construction aggregate
- Granulated slag for cement manufacturing
- Also under 2618.00
- ArcelorMittal (steel producer, also slag)
- Tata Steel (steel producer, also slag)
- HeidelbergCement (cement producer, uses slag)
- LafargeHolcim (cement producer, uses slag)
Codes often confused with 2618.00
Common mistake. Slag sand is often misclassified under HS code 2505.10, which covers natural silica sands and quartz sands. However, because slag sand is a manufactured byproduct of metallurgy, it must remain in Chapter 26. Another common error is confusing it with HS code 2619.00, which covers non-granulated slag, dross, and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel. The distinction lies entirely in the granulation process; if the slag is in the form of large chunks or unscreened waste, it belongs in 2619.00. Finally, if the slag is processed into mineral wool, it moves to Chapter 68.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261800 (the code used for slag sand), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261800 (the code used for slag sand) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 14% 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 261800, not only slag sand.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $244M 25% of world exports
- 2 Japan $94M 9.8% of world exports
- 3 China $91M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $961M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $180M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $178M 14% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $85M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 slag sand
Brazil classifies slag sand under NCM 2618.00.00: HS 2618.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about slag sand
What is the HS code for Slag sand?
The HS code for Slag sand is 261800 (Slag, granulated (slag sand); from the manufacture or iron or steel). The correct HS code for granulated slag, commonly known as slag sand, is 2618.00.
How do I classify Slag sand for customs?
Slag sand is classified under HS code 261800 — Slag, granulated (slag sand); from the manufacture or iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can slag sand be used as a substitute for natural sand?
Yes, in many construction applications, slag sand is used as an eco-friendly alternative to natural sand, particularly in concrete and road base.
Which countries are the top exporters of slag sand (HS 261800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261800 (the code used for slag sand) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($244M, 25% of world exports), Japan ($94M) and China ($91M). World exports came to about $961M, 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 slag sand (HS 261800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261800 (the code used for slag sand) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($180M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($178M) and Singapore ($85M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Slag sand the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261800 for Slag 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 slag sand in Brazil?
In Brazil, slag sand (HS 261800) is classified under NCM 2618.00.00.