Product classification
HS code for Vermiculite: 2530.10
Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites, unexpanded.
Classification of vermiculite under HS 2530.10
Vermiculite is classified under HS code 2530.10, which covers mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included, specifically unexpanded vermiculite, perlite, and chlorites. In its raw, unexpanded state, vermiculite is a hydrous phyllosilicate mineral that undergoes significant expansion when heated. The Harmonized System places raw minerals in Chapter 25, which generally includes products of the mining industry that have not been extensively processed. The classification 2530.10 is determined by the physical state of the mineral; as long as it remains in its natural, unexpanded form (even if crushed or washed), it remains within this heading. This follows GRI 1, as the heading and subheading text explicitly name the mineral.
- Covers
- Raw vermiculite ore
- Crushed unexpanded vermiculite
- Unexpanded perlite
- Chlorites in mineral form
- Screened vermiculite concentrates
- Also under 2530.10
- Palabora Mining Company Vermiculite
- Perlite Institute (raw perlite)
- Chinese Chlorite
- US Perlite (unexpanded)
Codes often confused with 2530.10
Common mistake. The most significant misclassification occurs between raw vermiculite (2530.10) and expanded (exfoliated) vermiculite. Once vermiculite has been heat-treated to expand, it is no longer a raw mineral and must be classified under HS code 6806.20 as an exfoliated mineral or heat-insulating material. Additionally, vermiculite that has been mixed with fertilizers or peat for horticultural use may be classified under Chapter 31 or 3801, depending on the primary characteristic of the mixture. It is also important not to confuse it with mica (2525), despite their similar appearance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 253010 (the code used for vermiculite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 253010 (the code used for vermiculite) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 253010, not only vermiculite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $38M 18% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $36M 17% of world exports
- 3 Greece $34M 16% of world exports
World total: $209M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $37M 16% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $18M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Canada $13M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $239M 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 codes for vermiculite
Brazil splits HS 2530.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2530.10.10Unexpanded perlite
- 2530.10.90Unexpanded vermiculite and chlorites
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vermiculite
What is the HS code for Vermiculite?
The HS code for Vermiculite is 253010 (Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites; unexpanded). The HS code for unexpanded (raw) vermiculite is 2530.10.
How do I classify Vermiculite for customs?
Vermiculite is classified under HS code 253010 — Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites; unexpanded. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is expanded vermiculite classified under the same code?
No, expanded or exfoliated vermiculite is classified under HS code 6806.20 because it has undergone a thermal transformation that changes its physical structure.
Which countries are the top exporters of vermiculite (HS 253010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 253010 (the code used for vermiculite) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($38M, 18% of world exports), Türkiye ($36M) and Greece ($34M). World exports came to about $209M, 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 vermiculite (HS 253010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 253010 (the code used for vermiculite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($37M, 16% of world imports), South Korea ($18M) and Canada ($13M). World imports came to about $239M, 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 Vermiculite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 253010 for Vermiculite 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 vermiculite in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 253010 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for vermiculite depends on the product's details: 2530.10.10 (Unexpanded perlite), 2530.10.90 (Unexpanded vermiculite and chlorites).