Product classification
HS code for Slate slabs: 2514.00
Slate, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape.
Classification of slate slabs under HS 2514.00
Slate slabs are classified under HS code 2514.00 when they are in a raw or minimally processed state. This classification is part of Chapter 25, which encompasses salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, specifically focusing on mineral products in their natural form. To qualify for 2514.00, the slate must be either in its natural state, roughly trimmed, or merely cut by sawing or otherwise into blocks or slabs of a rectangular or square shape. The key distinction for this code is the lack of further "working." If the slabs are polished, chamfered, or shaped into specific finished products, they would transition to Chapter 68. Therefore, 2514.00 is the correct code for industrial-sized slabs intended for further fabrication or for use as basic building materials without decorative finishing.
- Covers
- Raw slate blocks
- Roughly trimmed slate slabs
- Sawn rectangular slate blocks
- Unworked slate sheets for further processing
- Square-cut slate slabs without edge finishing
- Also under 2514.00
- Cupa Pizarras (Spanish slate)
- Vermont Structural Slate Company (USA)
- SSQ Slate (UK/Argentina slate)
- Welsh Slate (UK)
Codes often confused with 2514.00
Common mistake. Slate slabs are often misclassified under 6803.00, which is the code for "worked" slate. The distinction lies in the degree of processing; if the slab has been polished or has finished edges, it belongs in 6803.00. Another common error is using 2515.11 or 2516.11, which are specific to marble and granite respectively. While these are all stones, the HS system provides a specific heading for slate (2514) regardless of its intended use, provided it remains unworked.
Top exporters and importers of HS 251400 (the code used for slate slabs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251400 (the code used for slate slabs) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% 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 251400, not only slate slabs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $13M 27% of world exports
- 2 India $8.4M 17% of world exports
- 3 Spain $7.7M 16% of world exports
World total: $48M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $6.2M 11% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $5.1M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $5.0M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $59M 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 slate slabs
Brazil classifies slate slabs under NCM 2514.00.00: HS 2514.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about slate slabs
What is the HS code for Slate slabs?
The HS code for Slate slabs is 251400 (Slate; whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape). The HS code for raw or merely sawn slate slabs is 2514.00.
How do I classify Slate slabs for customs?
Slate slabs is classified under HS code 251400 — Slate; whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should a slate slab be classified under Chapter 68 instead of Chapter 25?
A slate slab moves to Chapter 68 (specifically 6803.00) once it has been further worked, such as being polished, rounded at the edges, or cut into a specific shape for a final application like a countertop or roofing tile.
Which countries are the top exporters of slate slabs (HS 251400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251400 (the code used for slate slabs) in UN Comtrade data were France ($13M, 27% of world exports), India ($8.4M) and Spain ($7.7M). World exports came to about $48M, 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 slate slabs (HS 251400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 251400 (the code used for slate slabs) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($6.2M, 11% of world imports), Denmark ($5.1M) and Portugal ($5.0M). World imports came to about $59M, 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 Slate slabs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 251400 for Slate slabs 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 slate slabs in Brazil?
In Brazil, slate slabs (HS 251400) is classified under NCM 2514.00.00.