HTS US: 2508.XX.XXXX
Description
This heading encompasses a variety of specialized clays and refractory minerals that are widely used in industrial applications, ceramics, and manufacturing. The products classified here exclude expanded clays (classified under heading 6806) and instead focus on raw and processed forms of:
- Bentonite and Fire-clay: Natural clays with high absorbency and refractory properties, commonly used in drilling mud, binders, and ceramics.
- Other clays: Including common blue clay, ball clays, decolorizing earths, and fuller’s earth, which serve in filtration, purification, and as additives in various industries.
- Andalusite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite: Aluminosilicate minerals valued for their heat resistance and used in refractory products.
- Mullite: A synthetic or naturally occurring mineral prized for thermal stability, often utilized in high-temperature ceramics.
- Chamotte or Dinas Earths: Calcined fireclay products used as refractory aggregates in furnace linings and other heat-exposed environments.
The heading includes these materials whether or not they have been calcined.
Code Hierarchy
- Section II: Vegetable Products (Chapters 06-14)
- Chapter 25: Mineral Products
- Heading 2508: Other clays (excluding expanded clays of heading 6806), andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite, whether or not calcined; mullite; chamotte or dinas earths.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
2508.XX.XXXX– The last digits specify the exact type and form of the clay or mineral material.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 6-digit HS heading 2508 is further subdivided into more specific 8-digit and 10-digit codes to identify the precise clay or mineral product:
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2508.10.00.00 | Bentonite | Highly absorbent clay used in drilling, foundry, and cat litter industries. |
| 2508.30.00.00 | Fire-clay | Clay with high heat resistance, typically used for refractory bricks and ceramics. |
| 2508.40.01 | Other clays | Various clays excluding bentonite and fire-clay, further subdivided below. |
| 2508.40.01.10 | Common blue clay and other ball clays | Used in pottery, ceramics, and as additives in paper and rubber industries. |
| 2508.40.01.20 | Decolorizing earths and fuller’s earth | Purifying agents in oils, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. |
| 2508.40.01.50 | Other | Other clays not classified elsewhere in this subgroup. |
| 2508.50.00.00 | Andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite | Aluminosilicate minerals prized for thermal stability, used in refractory applications. |
| 2508.60.00.00 | Mullite | Mineral used in high-temperature ceramics and refractory products. |
| 2508.70.00.00 | Chamotte or dinas earth | Calcined fireclay products employed as refractory aggregates. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
It is important to note exclusions to avoid misclassification:
- Expanded clays: These are classified under heading 6806.
- Other mineral products: Minerals that do not fall under clays or related aluminosilicates are classified elsewhere.
- Processed ceramic products: Finished ceramic wares are classified under chapters 69 or 70.
Notes
- Industrial Uses: Many products under this heading serve as raw materials for refractory bricks, ceramics, drilling muds, filtration agents, and absorbents.
- Calcination Status: Materials may be classified here whether raw or calcined, which affects their industrial properties.
- Tariff and Import Regulations: Duty rates and import requirements depend on the precise subheading and country of origin.
Declaration Example
Product: A shipment of calcined chamotte for refractory furnace lining.US HTS Code:
2508.70.00.00(Chamotte or dinas earth)Unit of Quantity: Metric ton (MT)
General Duty Rate: Consult current USHTS for applicable rates.
Additional Requirements: May require certification of mineral origin and compliance with import regulations.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 2506: Quartz, quartzite and other natural sands.
- HTS 2507: Kaolin and other kaolinic clays.
- HTS 6806: Other mineral products, including expanded clays.
- HTS 6909: Ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses.
