Product classification
HS code for Unground phosphates: 2510.10
Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk, unground.
Classification of unground phosphates under HS 2510.10
The classification of unground natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk under HS code 2510.10 is strictly governed by the physical state and chemical composition of the mineral as defined in the Harmonized System's Chapter 25. This chapter generally encompasses products of the mining and quarrying industry, provided they have not been processed beyond certain specified limits. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GIR), specifically GIR 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 2510 is unique because it explicitly differentiates between the "unground" state (2510.10) and the "ground" state (2510.20). Unground phosphates are typically raw mineral ores that have been extracted and may have undergone basic physical processes such as crushing, washing, or flotation to remove impurities, but they have not been pulverized into a fine powder. The distinction is vital because the grinding process increases the surface area and reactivity of the phosphate, which is a prerequisite for many chemical manufacturing processes, such as the production of phosphoric acid or superphosphate fertilizers. In the context of international trade, "unground" usually refers to material where a significant percentage remains on a standard sieve (e.g., a 1 mm mesh), whereas "ground" material would pass through. Importers must provide technical data sheets or sieve analysis reports to justify the use of 2510.10. Furthermore, this code excludes chemically defined compounds and refined phosphates, which are classified in Chapter 28. The professional classification of these minerals requires a clear understanding of the geological origin and the extent of mechanical processing applied post-extraction.
- Covers
- Natural calcium phosphates (apatite and phosphorites)
- Natural aluminium calcium phosphates
- Phosphatic chalk in its raw, unground state
- Crushed phosphate rock not yet pulverized
- Also under 2510.10
- OCP Group (Morocco) phosphate rock
- PhosAgro (Russia) apatite concentrate
- Mosaic Company (USA) phosphate rock
- Ma'aden (Saudi Arabia) phosphate ore
Codes often confused with 2510.10
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 2510.20, which covers ground phosphates. The primary difference is the particle size resulting from mechanical grinding. Additionally, it may be confused with 3103.11 or 3103.19, which cover phosphatic fertilizers; however, Chapter 31 is reserved for products that have undergone chemical processing or are specifically prepared for use as fertilizer.
Top exporters and importers of HS 251010 (the code used for unground phosphates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251010 (the code used for unground phosphates) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 38% 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 251010, not only unground phosphates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $1.2B 35% of world exports
- 2 Jordan* ~$784M 23% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Peru* ~$575M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $952M 38% of world imports
- 2 United States $368M 15% of world imports
- 3 China $156M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $2.5B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 codes for unground phosphates
Brazil splits HS 2510.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2510.10.10Unground natural calcium phosphates
- 2510.10.90Other unground phosphates and phosphatic chalk
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about unground phosphates
What is the HS code for Unground phosphates?
The HS code for Unground phosphates is 251010 (Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; unground). The HS code for unground natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk is 2510.10.
How do I classify Unground phosphates for customs?
Unground phosphates is classified under HS code 251010 — Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; unground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can crushed phosphate be classified under 2510.10?
Yes, as long as the crushing does not constitute "grinding" into a fine powder, crushed phosphate rock is typically classified as unground under 2510.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of unground phosphates (HS 251010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251010 (the code used for unground phosphates) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($1.2B, 35% of world exports), Jordan (about $784M) and Peru (about $575M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 unground phosphates (HS 251010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 251010 (the code used for unground phosphates) in UN Comtrade data were India ($952M, 38% of world imports), the United States ($368M) and China ($156M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 Unground phosphates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 251010 for Unground phosphates 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 unground phosphates in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 251010 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for unground phosphates depends on the product's details: 2510.10.10 (Unground natural calcium phosphates), 2510.10.90 (Other unground phosphates and phosphatic chalk).