HTS US: 2961.XX.XXXX
Description
Heading 2961 encompasses all forms of quartz, a naturally occurring crystalline mineral composed primarily of silicon dioxide (SiO2), presented in various crystalline states. This includes quartz in raw, semi-processed, or purified forms intended for industrial, commercial, or scientific use.
- Natural Quartz: Quartz crystals and masses extracted directly from natural deposits without significant alteration.
- Processed Quartz: Quartz subjected to mechanical or chemical processing, such as cutting, grinding, or purification, but not transformed into manufactured articles.
- Crystalline Forms: Includes all polymorphs of crystalline silica identified as quartz, excluding amorphous forms like fused silica or glass.
The material may be in lumps, powder, granules, or crystalline clusters and is primarily valued for its durability, chemical inertness, and use in electronics, glassmaking, and construction.
Code Hierarchy
- Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries (Chapters 28-38)
- Chapter 29: Organic Chemicals
- Heading 2961: Quartz (other than natural sands); quartzite, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
2961.XX.XXXX– The final digits specify the precise form, purity, or processing state of the quartz.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
While no specific sub-codes are listed in the database for 2961, the heading typically includes the following types of quartz products, classified by physical state and processing:
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2961.10 | Quartz in lumps or powder, unprocessed | Natural quartz lumps or crushed quartz used in foundry or glass industries. |
2961.10.0000 |
Natural quartz, unprocessed, in lumps or powder | |
| 2961.20 | Quartzite, roughly trimmed or cut into blocks/slabs | Quartzite stone blocks or slabs cut for construction or industrial uses. |
2961.20.0000 |
Quartzite blocks or slabs, roughly trimmed or cut | |
| 2961.30 | Quartz, purified or chemically processed | Quartz processed for electronic or optical applications with enhanced purity. |
2961.30.0000 |
Purified quartz for high-tech industry use |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To avoid misclassification, note the following exclusions:
- Natural Sands: Quartz sand and natural sands classified separately under Chapter 25 or 26 (silica sands).
- Fused Quartz or Silica Glass: Man-made vitreous silica products are classified under Chapter 70 (glass and glassware).
- Manufactured Articles: Finished products made from quartz, such as jewelry, electronic components, or glassware, are classified under other headings.
- Other Crystalline Silica Forms: Polymorphs like tridymite and cristobalite may be classified differently depending on form and usage.
Notes
- Import Regulations: Quartz imports may be subject to inspection for purity and intended use, especially for industrial applications.
- Duty Rates: Duty rates vary by country of origin and product form; purified quartz products may attract different rates compared to raw quartz.
- Environmental Considerations: Some forms of crystalline silica are regulated due to health concerns related to inhalation of fine dust.
Declaration Example
Product: Shipment of roughly cut quartzite blocks for construction from Brazil.US HTS Code:
2961.20.0000(Quartzite blocks or slabs, roughly trimmed or cut)Unit of Quantity: Metric Ton
General Duty Rate: Refer to current USHTS rates (may vary with trade agreements)
Additional Requirements: Import documentation verifying material composition and intended use.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 2505: Quartz sands
- HTS 2615: Precious and semi-precious stones, including some quartz varieties used as gemstones
- HTS 2821: Other silicates
- HTS 7007: Glass and glassware, including fused silica
