HS 250610 Quartz

Quick Answer: HS 250610 covers natural quartz, specifically quartz sand and quartzite, whether crushed or not, but not including chemically pure quartz. This heading encompasses the raw mineral form of quartz, primarily used in industrial applications such as glass manufacturing, ceramics, and as a foundry sand. For importers and exporters, the duty rates are consistently favorable across major jurisdictions. The UK Trade Tariff and EU TARIC both apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. Similarly, the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) lists "Free" duty rates for all subheadings under 2506.10, indicating no import duties. Key trade considerations revolve around origin rules and potential anti-dumping measures on downstream products, rather than the raw quartz itself. Importers should ensure proper documentation for origin verification.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2506100000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2506100000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2506100010 — — ["t"]
2506100050 — — ["t"]
25061000 Free — —

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

What products does HS 250610 cover?

This subheading covers natural quartz, specifically in its unworked, crushed, or powdered forms, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature and further elaborated in national tariffs like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC. It encompasses quartz in lumps, irregular pieces, or as a result of crushing, provided it has not undergone further processing beyond simple preparation for transport. This includes various types of quartz, such as milky quartz, smoky quartz, and rose quartz, when presented in their crude state, intended for industrial uses or further manufacturing processes, but not yet shaped or polished into articles.

What falls outside HS 250610?

The following products are excluded from HS 250610: quartz that has been cut, shaped, polished, or otherwise worked beyond simple crushing or grinding. For instance, quartz crystals cut into specific shapes for jewelry or scientific instruments are classified elsewhere, typically in Chapter 71 for precious or semi-precious stones, or Chapter 90 for optical elements. Similarly, fused quartz or synthetic quartz, which are manufactured products, are excluded and fall under Chapter 70 (Glass and glassware) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products), respectively. Quartz sand, specifically for industrial use, is also excluded and classified under HS 2505. Additionally, quartz agglomerated with binders, forming composite materials, would be classified according to the nature of the composite.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 250610?

A common error is misclassifying quartz that has undergone minimal processing beyond the scope of "unworked" or "crushed." Importers sometimes incorrectly apply HS 250610 to quartz that has been roughly shaped or selected for specific aesthetic qualities, even if not fully polished, which should be classified under Chapter 71 if identifiable as semi-precious stones. Another frequent mistake involves confusing natural quartz with quartz sand (HS 2505) or synthetic quartz (e.g., HS 3824.99 or Chapter 70), failing to distinguish between the natural mineral in its crude form and manufactured or specifically graded products. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1, which emphasizes classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid these errors.

How should importers classify products under HS 250610?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 250610 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical state and processing history. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the quartz is in its natural, unworked, crushed, or powdered form, without any shaping, polishing, or other manufacturing that would transform it into an article or a more advanced product. It is essential to consult the Explanatory Notes to Heading 2506 of the WCO Harmonized System, along with specific national tariff schedules like the HTSUS or EU TARIC, to confirm the scope. Obtaining a laboratory analysis or a binding tariff information (BTI) decision from the relevant customs authority can provide definitive guidance, especially for borderline cases, ensuring compliance and accurate duty assessment.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 250620 HS 250510 HS 251611 HS 250810 HS 250860 HS 251010

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What is the import duty rate for HS code 2506.10 (Quartz) in major markets?

For HS code 2506.10, which covers 'Quartz', the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates are generally very low or free in major trading blocs. For example, the United States (under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, HTSUS) applies a 'Free' duty rate for goods classified under 2506.10.00.00. Similarly, the European Union (EU TARIC) and the United Kingdom (UK Global Tariff) also apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for imports of quartz under this subheading. Importers should always verify the current rates through official government tariff databases (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) as rates can be subject to change.

What are the key classification criteria for quartz under HS 2506.10?

HS code 2506.10 specifically covers 'Quartz'. The primary criterion for classification under this subheading is that the product must be natural quartz, which is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms in a continuous framework of SiO4 silicon-oxygen tetrahedra. This subheading typically includes quartz in its natural state, whether crude, roughly trimmed, or merely cut by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. It does not cover worked quartz (e.g., cut to specific shapes for jewelry, optical elements, or other industrial uses), which would fall under other headings, such as Chapter 71 for precious or semi-precious stones, or Chapter 90 for optical elements. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for Chapter 25 provide further guidance on the scope of 'unworked' or 'roughly worked' minerals.

Are there any preferential duty rates available for quartz (HS 2506.10) under common trade agreements?

Given that the MFN duty rates for HS 2506.10 are already 'Free' or 0.00% in many major economies like the US, EU, and UK, preferential duty rates under free trade agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs often do not result in a further reduction. However, it is crucial for importers to still comply with the rules of origin requirements of any applicable trade agreement (e.g., USMCA for North American trade, GSP for developing countries) to ensure eligibility for the 'Free' rate, even if the MFN rate is also 'Free'. While the duty rate may be the same, proper documentation of origin may still be required to avoid potential issues or to confirm eligibility for other non-tariff benefits.

What documentation is typically required for importing quartz under HS 2506.10?

Standard import documentation is generally required for HS 2506.10. This typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and potentially a certificate of origin if claiming preferential treatment under a trade agreement, even if the MFN rate is free. While quartz is not generally subject to extensive import restrictions or specific licensing requirements, importers should verify if any environmental or geological certifications are required by the importing country, especially for large commercial quantities or if the quartz is sourced from protected areas. It is always advisable to consult with a licensed customs broker or the relevant customs authority in the importing country for precise, up-to-date requirements.