HS 250590 Other

What products does HS 250590 cover?

This subheading covers sands of all kinds, other than silica sands and quartz sands, which are specifically provided for under HS 2505.10. It encompasses various natural sands that do not meet the compositional requirements to be classified as silica or quartz sands, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, specifically Chapter 25, Note 1. Examples include feldspathic sands, garnet sands, and other mineral sands primarily used in construction, filtration, or industrial applications where high silica content is not the defining characteristic. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2505 clarify that "sands of all kinds" includes those used in building, foundries, glass-making, or abrasive applications, provided they are not specifically silica or quartz. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC further delineate this scope, ensuring that only non-silica/quartz sands fall here.

What falls outside HS 250590?

The following products are excluded from HS 250590: silica sands and quartz sands, which are specifically classified under HS 2505.10. This distinction is crucial and based on the chemical composition and mineralogical purity of the sand. For instance, sands with a very high silica (SiO2) content, typically exceeding 95% or 98%, and often used in glass manufacturing, foundry molds, or as frac sand, are explicitly classified in 2505.10. Similarly, sands that have been artificially colored, coated, or otherwise processed beyond simple washing, drying, or crushing, might be classified elsewhere, potentially under Chapter 68 if they constitute articles of stone or other mineral substances, or even Chapter 38 if they are prepared filtering materials. Gravel and crushed stone, even if mixed with sand, would generally fall under Heading 2517, as they are distinct in their particle size and primary use.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 250590?

A common error is misclassifying silica or quartz sands under HS 250590 due to an incomplete understanding of the specific compositional requirements for HS 2505.10. Importers often overlook the detailed definitions provided in the WCO Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules regarding the minimum silica content or the predominant mineralogy that defines "silica sands" and "quartz sands." This can lead to incorrect duty rates and potential penalties. Another mistake involves classifying sands that have undergone significant processing, such as agglomeration or the addition of binders, as raw sand. Such products may be considered "articles" or "prepared materials" and fall under different headings, often guided by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 2(b) or 3(a) if they are mixtures or composite goods. Failure to obtain laboratory analysis for ambiguous sand compositions is a frequent oversight.

How should importers classify products under HS 250590?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 250590 involves a meticulous review of the sand's chemical composition and mineralogical analysis to confirm it is neither silica sand nor quartz sand. Importers and customs brokers should first consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2505 to understand the precise definitions and distinctions between the subheadings. It is highly recommended to obtain a laboratory analysis report for any sand shipment where the silica content or predominant mineral is not immediately clear. This report should explicitly state the SiO2 percentage and identify other major mineral components. If the sand does not meet the criteria for silica or quartz sand, and has not undergone processing beyond simple washing, drying, or screening, then classification under HS 250590 is appropriate. Always cross-reference with the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS or EU TARIC) for any national-level interpretative notes or rulings.