Product classification
HS code for Talc: 2526.10
Steatite, natural, (not crushed or powdered), whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape, talc.
Classification of talc under HS 2526.10
Talc is classified under HS code 252610 because it is a naturally occurring mineral substance consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate. This specific subheading is reserved for talc and natural steatite that remains in its crude or natural state, meaning it has not been crushed, ground, or powdered. The classification follows the principles of Chapter 25, which covers mineral products in their natural state or those that have undergone minimal mechanical processing such as washing, cleaning, or simple sawing into blocks. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, the classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 2526 specifically mentions steatite and talc, and the 10-suffix denotes the uncrushed state, this is the legally correct classification for raw mineral blocks or slabs. The product must not contain any additives or be chemically modified to remain within this chapter.
- Covers
- Natural talc in crude blocks
- Uncrushed steatite mineral
- Soapstone slabs roughly trimmed
- Natural magnesium silicate rocks
- Unprocessed talc stones
- Also under 2526.10
- Vermont Soapstone blocks
- Brazilian Soapstone slabs
- Chinese Talc lumps
- Indian Steatite blocks
Codes often confused with 2526.10
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 252620, which is specifically designated for talc that has been crushed or powdered. Importers often fail to distinguish between the raw mineral state and the processed powder state. Another common error is using HS code 330491, which covers talcum powder prepared for cosmetic or toilet use. If the talc has been perfumed or put up for retail sale as a beauty product, it must be moved to Chapter 33. Additionally, chemically pure magnesium silicate is classified under 2839, which is a common point of confusion for laboratory-grade materials.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252610 (the code used for talc), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252610 (the code used for talc) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% 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 252610, not only talc.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $29M 30% of world exports
- 2 United States $15M 15% of world exports
- 3 India $13M 13% of world exports
World total: $98M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $30M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $26M 18% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $19M 14% of world imports
World total: $141M 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 talc
Brazil classifies talc under NCM 2526.10.00: HS 2526.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about talc
What is the HS code for Talc?
The HS code for Talc is 252610 (Steatite; natural, (not crushed or powdered), whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape; talc). The HS code for natural, uncrushed talc is 252610. If the talc has been crushed or powdered, the code changes to 252620.
How do I classify Talc for customs?
Talc is classified under HS code 252610 — Steatite; natural, (not crushed or powdered), whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape; talc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include soapstone?
Yes, natural steatite, commonly known as soapstone, is classified under the same heading as talc (2526) provided it is in its natural, uncrushed state.
Which countries are the top exporters of talc (HS 252610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252610 (the code used for talc) in UN Comtrade data were China ($29M, 30% of world exports), the United States ($15M) and India ($13M). World exports came to about $98M, 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 talc (HS 252610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252610 (the code used for talc) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($30M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($26M) and South Korea ($19M). World imports came to about $141M, 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 Talc the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252610 for Talc 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 talc in Brazil?
In Brazil, talc (HS 252610) is classified under NCM 2526.10.00.