Product classification
HS code for Witherite: 2511.20
Barium carbonate (witherite), natural, whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading no. 2816.
Classification of witherite under HS 2511.20
Witherite is a naturally occurring mineral form of barium carbonate and is classified under HS code 2511.20. Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, as well as plastering materials, lime, and cement. Heading 2511 specifically includes natural barium sulfate (barytes) and natural barium carbonate (witherite). The classification of witherite under 2511.20 is appropriate because it is a natural mineral product that has not been chemically processed beyond what is allowed in Chapter 25. According to the Chapter 25 notes, products may be washed, crushed, ground, powdered, levigated, sifted, screened, or concentrated by flotation or other mechanical or physical processes, but they cannot be chemically altered. Witherite may also be calcined (heated to high temperatures) and still remain within this heading. This classification distinguishes the natural ore from the chemically produced barium carbonate, which is classified in Chapter 28.
- Covers
- Natural witherite ore
- Crushed or ground witherite
- Calcined natural witherite
- Witherite concentrates
- Powdered natural barium carbonate
- Also under 2511.20
- Solvay (produces barium chemicals)
- Barium & Chemicals Inc. (specialty barium compounds)
- Noah Chemicals (specialty chemicals)
- Sigma-Aldrich (laboratory chemicals)
Codes often confused with 2511.20
Common mistake. Witherite is often misclassified under HS code 2836.60, which covers barium carbonate. However, Chapter 28 is reserved for pure chemical elements and compounds that are chemically defined. If the barium carbonate is synthetic or chemically precipitated, it belongs in 2836.60. If it is the natural mineral ore, it must be classified in 2511.20. Another common error is confusing it with barytes (natural barium sulfate), which is classified under 2511.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 251120 (the code used for witherite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251120 (the code used for witherite) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 56% 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 251120, not only witherite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $494K 43% of world exports
- 2 Laos* ~$433K 37% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Portugal $61K 5.2% of world exports
World total: $1.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $1.0M 56% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $370K 21% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $153K 8.6% of world imports
World total: $1.8M 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 code for witherite
Brazil classifies witherite under NCM 2511.20.00: HS 2511.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about witherite
What is the HS code for Witherite?
The HS code for Witherite is 251120 (Barium carbonate (witherite); natural, whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading no. 2816). The HS code for natural witherite (barium carbonate) is 2511.20.
How do I classify Witherite for customs?
Witherite is classified under HS code 251120 — Barium carbonate (witherite); natural, whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading no. 2816. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can calcined witherite still be classified under 2511.20?
Yes, the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 25 allow for certain thermal treatments like calcination for natural minerals without changing their classification to a chemical heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of witherite (HS 251120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251120 (the code used for witherite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($494K, 43% of world exports), Laos (about $433K) and Portugal ($61K). World exports came to about $1.2M, 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 witherite (HS 251120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 251120 (the code used for witherite) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($1.0M, 56% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($370K) and Egypt ($153K). World imports came to about $1.8M, 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 Witherite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 251120 for Witherite 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 witherite in Brazil?
In Brazil, witherite (HS 251120) is classified under NCM 2511.20.00.