HTS US: 2512.00.00.00
Description
This heading covers siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths, including substances such as kieselguhr, tripolite, and diatomite. These materials are primarily composed of fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic organisms and are characterized by their high silica content.
- Siliceous fossil meals: Fine-grained, earthy materials resulting from fossilized siliceous skeletons of diatoms and other organisms.
- Examples include: Kieselguhr (diatomaceous earth), tripolite, and diatomite.
- Physical properties: These earths have an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less, making them very light and porous.
- Calcined or uncalcined: The classification includes both calcined (heated to high temperatures) and uncalcined forms.
These materials are widely used in filtration, insulation, absorbents, and as fillers in various industrial applications.
Code Hierarchy
- Section V: Mineral Products (Chapters 25-27)
- Chapter 25: Salt; Sulfur; Earths and Stones; Plastering Materials, Lime and Cement (2501-2520)
- Heading 2512: Siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths, whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
2512.00.00.00– Specifies the general category without further subheadings.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 4-digit HS heading 2512 is generally consolidated under the 10-digit US HTS code 2512.00.00.00 without further sub-classifications, covering all siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths meeting the specified criteria.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2512.00 | Siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths | General category for all fossilized siliceous earths such as diatomaceous earth, kieselguhr, and tripolite. |
2512.00.00.00 |
Siliceous fossil meals (e.g., kieselguhr, tripolite, diatomite) and similar siliceous earths, whether or not calcined, with apparent specific gravity of 1 or less | Includes both calcined and uncalcined forms used in filtration, insulation, or as absorbents. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To ensure correct classification, note the following exclusions:
- Non-siliceous earths: Earth materials without significant silica content are classified elsewhere.
- Other mineral products: Materials such as clays, chalk, or limestone fall under different headings in Chapter 25.
- Processed or compounded products: Products incorporating siliceous fossil meals but substantially altered or combined with other materials may be classified under other chapters.
Notes
- Industrial Uses: These materials have wide industrial applications including filtration media in beverage and chemical industries, thermal insulation, pest control, and as fillers in paints and rubber.
- Physical Characteristics: Their low density and porous nature make them valuable for absorption and filtration.
- Import Regulations: While generally not restricted, importers should verify compliance with any environmental or safety regulations depending on the end-use country requirements.
- Tariff Rates: Duty rates for this heading vary by country and trade agreements; consult the latest USHTS for accurate rates.
Declaration Example
Product: Shipment of uncalcined diatomaceous earth for industrial filtration use.US HTS Code:
2512.00.00.00(Siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths)Unit of Quantity: Metric ton (MT)
General Duty Rate: Refer to current USHTS schedule (varies by trade policy)
Additional Requirements: Compliance with environmental standards for dust control and purity as per importing country regulations.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 2501: Salt (including table salt and denatured salt)
- HTS 2502: Unroasted iron pyrites
- HTS 2511: Natural sands of all kinds, whether or not colored, other than metal-bearing sands of Chapter 26
- HTS 2520: Gypsum; anhydrite; plasters (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulfate)
