Product classification
HS code for Talc powder: 2526.20
Steatite, natural, crushed, 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 powder under HS 2526.20
Talc powder is classified under HS code 252620. This classification applies to natural steatite and talc that has undergone mechanical processing to be crushed, ground, or pulverized into a fine powder. While the product has been processed, it remains within Chapter 25 because the processing is limited to physical size reduction without chemical alteration or the addition of binders, perfumes, or other substances that would change its essential character. The classification is driven by the physical state of the mineral as defined in the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for heading 2526. This code is essential for industrial-grade talc used in manufacturing processes such as papermaking, plastics, ceramics, and rubber production. The powder must be purely the mineral talc to qualify for this heading; any significant additives for specific end-uses may trigger a reclassification into other chapters.
- Covers
- Ground natural talc
- Powdered steatite
- Pulverized soapstone
- Industrial talcum powder (unscented)
- Micronized talc for industrial fillers
- Also under 2526.20
- Imerys Talc
- Luzenac Talc
- Mondo Minerals Talc
- Johnson's Baby Powder (talc component)
Codes often confused with 2526.20
Common mistake. Talc powder is frequently misclassified under HS code 252610, which is reserved for the crude, uncrushed mineral. More significantly, it is often confused with HS code 330491. Code 330491 is for cosmetic talcum powder that has been perfumed or packaged for retail sale as a skin care product. If the powder is intended for medical use and meets specific pharmacopeia standards with specialized packaging, it might be scrutinized under Chapter 30, though 252620 remains the standard for bulk industrial shipments. Confusion also exists with 382499 for prepared fillers if the talc is mixed with other minerals.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252620 (the code used for talc powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252620 (the code used for talc powder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 252620, not only talc powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $120M 14% of world exports
- 2 France $99M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $93M 11% of world exports
World total: $833M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $120M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $67M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Japan $58M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $896M 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 powder
Brazil classifies talc powder under NCM 2526.20.00: HS 2526.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about talc powder
What is the HS code for Talc powder?
The HS code for Talc powder is 252620 (Steatite; natural, crushed, 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 talc that has been crushed or powdered is 252620.
How do I classify Talc powder for customs?
Talc powder is classified under HS code 252620 — Steatite; natural, crushed, 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.
Is cosmetic talcum powder under this code?
No, cosmetic talcum powder, especially if perfumed or packaged for retail, is classified under HS code 330491.
Which countries are the top exporters of talc powder (HS 252620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252620 (the code used for talc powder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($120M, 14% of world exports), France ($99M) and the Netherlands ($93M). World exports came to about $833M, 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 powder (HS 252620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252620 (the code used for talc powder) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($120M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($67M) and Japan ($58M). World imports came to about $896M, 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 powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252620 for Talc powder 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 powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, talc powder (HS 252620) is classified under NCM 2526.20.00.