Natural sands of all kinds, whether or not colored, other than metalbearing sands of chapter 26
3 declarable lines
Heading 2505 covers natural sands of all kinds, including colored sands, except metalbearing sands of chapter 26. It separates silica and quartz sands from other natural sands. Silica and quartz sands get a further split based on silica content and iron oxide content.
Products in this heading
- Silica sand for glassmaking
- Quartz sand
- Foundry molding sand
- Water filtration sand
- Colored decorative sand
- Play sand
- Masonry sand
How to choose the right subheading
- Decide whether the material is natural sand or a stone product such as gravel or crushed stone.
- Identify whether the sand is silica sand or quartz sand.
- For silica or quartz sand, check whether it contains by weight 95% or more of silica and not more than 0.6% of oxide of iron.
- Use 2505.10.10.00 when both the silica and iron oxide limits are met; use 2505.10.50.00 when they are not.
- Use 2505.90.00.00 for natural sands that are not silica or quartz sands.
Often confused with
- Heading 2506Quartz that is not in sand form, such as quartz blocks or lumps
Heading 2506 covers quartz other than natural sands.
- Heading 2517Pebbles, gravel or crushed stone used as aggregate
Heading 2517 covers these stone forms, not natural sand.
- Heading 2513Pumice or natural abrasives
Heading 2513 covers pumice, emery and natural abrasives.
- Heading 2523Portland cement or clinker
Heading 2523 covers hydraulic cements, which are manufactured products.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for silica sand?
Silica sand that contains by weight 95% or more of silica and not more than 0.6% of oxide of iron is 2505.10.10.00, with a general (MFN) rate of Free. Other silica and quartz sands are 2505.10.50.00, also with a general (MFN) rate of Free.
What is the duty on natural sand?
All declarable lines in heading 2505 have a general (MFN) rate of Free, including 2505.90.00.00 for other natural sands. The lines 2505.10.10.00, 2505.10.50.00, and 2505.90.00.00 are Free.
How do I classify colored decorative sand?
Colored natural sand remains in heading 2505. If it is silica or quartz sand meeting the 95% silica and 0.6% iron oxide limits, classify it in 2505.10.10.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free; otherwise use 2505.10.50.00 or 2505.90.00.00, both Free.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.