HS 250810 Bentonite
Quick Answer: HS code 250810 covers bentonite, a highly absorbent clay primarily composed of montmorillonite. This versatile mineral is used in drilling muds, cat litter, foundry binders, and as a sealant. For importers and exporters, understanding its classification is straightforward, as it generally falls under a single tariff line. Key duty rates include a 0.00% ad valorem rate for imports into the UK and EU, as per the UK Trade Tariff and EU TARIC, respectively. The United States imposes a specific duty rate of $3.20 per tonne, or "Free" under certain trade agreements, as detailed by the USITC. Importers should verify eligibility for preferential duty treatment under applicable free trade agreements to optimize costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2508100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2508100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2508100000 | Free | — | ["t"] |
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 250810 cover?
This subheading covers bentonite, a naturally occurring absorbent aluminum phyllosilicate clay primarily composed of montmorillonite. As defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, bentonite is characterized by its high cation exchange capacity and ability to absorb large amounts of water, swelling significantly. It is typically used in drilling muds, as a binder in foundry sands, in cat litter, and as a clarifying agent, among other industrial applications, provided it remains in its natural state or has undergone only basic processing like crushing, grinding, washing, or drying.
What falls outside HS 250810?
The following products are excluded from HS 250810: activated clays and activated natural mineral products, which are classified under HS 3802. This distinction is crucial because activation involves chemical or thermal treatment beyond simple physical processing, altering the clay's structure to enhance its adsorptive properties. For instance, bentonite that has been acid-activated to increase its bleaching power for oils would no longer fall under 250810 but rather under 3802. Similarly, synthetic zeolites or other manufactured absorbents, even if derived from clay minerals, are also excluded, as they are not natural bentonite.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 250810?
A common error is misclassifying activated bentonite under HS 250810 instead of HS 3802. Importers often overlook the "activated" status, which signifies a chemical or thermal treatment that fundamentally changes the product's character and moves it out of Chapter 25 (natural mineral products) into Chapter 38 (miscellaneous chemical products). This mistake typically arises from a failure to apply General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which dictates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, and GRI 6, which extends these principles to subheadings. Proper due diligence requires understanding the manufacturing process to determine if activation has occurred.
How should importers classify products under HS 250810?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 250810 involves verifying that the product is indeed natural bentonite and has not undergone any chemical or thermal activation process. Importers and customs brokers should obtain detailed product specifications, including material safety data sheets (MSDS) and manufacturing process descriptions, from the supplier. These documents should confirm the product's composition (primarily montmorillonite) and attest that it has only been subjected to basic processing such as crushing, grinding, washing, or drying. If there is any doubt regarding activation, a binding tariff information (BTI) ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., US Customs and Border Protection, EU customs authorities) should be sought to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is Bentonite and how is it classified under HS code 2508.10?
Bentonite, classified under Harmonized System (HS) subheading 2508.10, is a highly absorbent aluminum phyllosilicate clay primarily composed of montmorillonite. It is formed from the alteration of volcanic ash. Key characteristics for classification under this heading include its natural, unactivated state. If the bentonite has undergone activation (e.g., acid activation to enhance bleaching properties), it may fall under other headings such as 3802.90 (Activated clays, activated natural mineral products, etc.). The distinction hinges on whether the product remains in its natural state or has been processed beyond simple crushing, grinding, or sifting.
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for Bentonite (HS 2508.10) in major markets, and are there any specific duties?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for Bentonite (HS 2508.10) are often favorable due to its status as a basic raw material. For example, the United States generally applies a 'Free' (0.00%) MFN duty rate according to the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Similarly, the European Union's TARIC database typically shows a 0.00% ad valorem MFN duty rate. However, some countries may apply specific duties. For instance, certain jurisdictions might impose a specific duty such as '$3.20/tonne' as observed in some national tariffs. Importers should always verify the exact duty rate applicable to their specific destination country using the official tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the most current and accurate information.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty treatment for Bentonite (HS 2508.10), and what documentation is required to claim them?
Bentonite (HS 2508.10) can often benefit from preferential duty treatment under various free trade agreements (FTAs) if it meets the rules of origin. For instance, if importing into the United States from a country with an FTA (e.g., USMCA, CAFTA-DR, KORUS), the duty rate could be 0.00%. Similarly, imports into the EU from FTA partners may also qualify for 0.00% preferential rates. To claim preferential duties, importers typically need to provide a valid Certificate of Origin or an origin declaration from the exporter, confirming that the bentonite originates in the FTA partner country according to the agreement's specific rules of origin. It is crucial to ensure the documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays or denial of preferential treatment.
Are there any specific import documentation or regulatory requirements for Bentonite (HS 2508.10) beyond standard customs declarations?
Beyond standard customs declarations (e.g., commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill), Bentonite (HS 2508.10) generally does not have extensive additional regulatory requirements unless it is intended for highly specialized uses (e.g., food additive grades, pharmaceutical grades). However, importers should be aware of potential requirements such as: 1) Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Essential for occupational safety and hazard communication. 2) Chemical Registration: Depending on the destination country's chemical inventory regulations (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU), bentonite may need to be listed or exempted. 3) Quality Certificates: For specific applications, certificates of analysis or quality assurance may be requested by buyers or regulatory bodies. It is advisable to consult with a customs broker or regulatory expert in the destination country to confirm any specific national or local requirements.