Heading 2530

Mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included

8 declarable lines

Heading 2530 covers mineral substances that are not specified or included in any other heading, so it works as a residual heading for non-metallic minerals. It is split into three groups: vermiculite, perlite and chlorites (unexpanded); natural magnesium sulfates, meaning kieserite and epsom salts; and a residual other group for cryolite, chiolite, micaceous iron oxides, celestite and earth colors. Most lines in the heading carry a free general (MFN) rate, with natural micaceous iron oxides as the exception.

Products in this heading

Unexpanded vermiculite
Unexpanded perlite
Natural kieserite
Natural epsom salts (natural magnesium sulfate)
Natural cryolite
Natural micaceous iron oxides
Celestite
Earth colors

How to choose the right subheading

Identify the specific mineral first: vermiculite, perlite or chlorite goes to 2530.10, magnesium sulfates go to 2530.20, everything else falls to 2530.90.
For magnesium sulfates, check whether the product is kieserite or epsom salts, since they sit on separate lines.
For the other group, check whether the mineral is natural cryolite or chiolite, or natural micaceous iron oxides, before using the residual line.
Confirm the mineral is not named in another chapter 25 heading such as graphite, mica, talc or barytes.
Check whether the goods are unexpanded or further processed, since expanded perlite and vermiculite are classified outside this heading.

Often confused with

Natural graphite
Graphite has its own dedicated heading, so it is not residual to 2530.
Heading 2504
Mica and mica waste
Mica is specifically covered by heading 2525.
Heading 2525
Talc and natural steatite
Talc and steatite are named in heading 2526.
Heading 2526
Natural barium sulfate (barytes)
Barytes and witherite are provided for in heading 2511.
Heading 2511
Fused magnesia and dead-burned magnesia
Magnesia products are classified in heading 2519, not as residual minerals.
Heading 2519

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for unexpanded perlite?

Unexpanded perlite is classified under 2530.10.00.00, which covers vermiculite, perlite and chlorites, unexpanded. The general (MFN) rate for that line is Free.

What is the duty on natural micaceous iron oxides?

Natural micaceous iron oxides fall under 2530.90.20.00. The general (MFN) rate for that line is 2.9%.

How do I classify natural epsom salts?

Natural epsom salts (natural magnesium sulfates) are classified under 2530.20.20.00, separate from kieserite under 2530.20.10.00. Both lines carry a general (MFN) rate of 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.