HS 250510 Silica sands and quartz sands

What products does HS 250510 cover?

This subheading covers silica sands and quartz sands, which are naturally occurring sands primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2). As defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in national tariffs like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, this includes industrial sands used in various applications such as glass manufacturing, foundry molds, and abrasive blasting. The key characteristic is the high silica content, typically exceeding 95%, distinguishing them from ordinary building sands or other mineral sands with different primary compositions. These sands are generally unworked beyond washing, drying, screening, or crushing to achieve specific particle sizes.

What falls outside HS 250510?

The following products are excluded from HS 250510: sands that are not primarily silica or quartz, such as zircon sands (classified under 2614.00.00), rutile sands (classified under 2614.00.00), or other heavy mineral sands. Additionally, sands that have been further processed beyond simple washing, drying, screening, or crushing, such as those coated with resins or other binders for specific industrial applications, would typically fall under different headings, often in Chapter 38 or other chapters depending on the nature of the coating and intended use. Ordinary building sands, which may have a lower silica content and contain various impurities, are also generally excluded, as their primary use and composition differ significantly from the industrial-grade sands intended for 250510.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 250510?

A common error is misclassifying sands based solely on their appearance rather than their chemical composition and intended industrial use. For instance, classifying sands with significant proportions of other minerals, even if they superficially resemble silica sand, under 250510 is incorrect. Another frequent mistake involves classifying sands that have undergone substantial processing, such as chemical treatment or coating, under this raw material heading, violating General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 2(b) concerning mixtures or combinations, or GRI 6 for subheading level. Importers sometimes overlook the "silica" or "quartz" specificity, leading to the incorrect inclusion of other mineral sands that are more appropriately classified in Chapter 26 as metallic ores or other mineral concentrates.

How should importers classify products under HS 250510?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 250510 involves first verifying the primary chemical composition, ensuring a high silica (SiO2) content, typically through laboratory analysis or supplier specifications. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed product description, including the percentage of silica, particle size distribution, and any processing steps beyond basic washing or screening. It is crucial to confirm that the sand has not been chemically treated or coated, as such processing would likely lead to classification outside of Chapter 25. Consulting the Explanatory Notes to Heading 2505 from the WCO and cross-referencing with national tariff schedules like the HTSUS or EU TARIC is essential to ensure accurate application of GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring the product meets the specific criteria for "silica sands and quartz sands" and avoids misclassification with other mineral sands or processed materials.