HS 250840 Other clays
Quick Answer: HS Code 250840 covers various natural clays not elsewhere specified in Heading 2508, such as ball clay, fireclay, and other refractory clays, excluding kaolin and other kaolinic clays (2507) and bentonite (250830). These clays are primarily used in ceramics, refractories, and as fillers. For imports into the UK and EU, the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem, indicating duty-free entry. In the United States, duty rates vary, with some subheadings, such as 2508.40.0010 (Fire clay), assessed at $1.97 per ton, while others may be Free. Importers and customs brokers should verify the specific subheading for precise duty assessment and ensure accurate classification to leverage potential duty-free treatment or apply the correct per-ton rate, referencing the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2508400000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2508400000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25084001 | Free | — | — |
| 2508400110 | — | — | ["t"] |
| 2508400120 | — | — | ["t"] |
| 2508400150 | — | — | ["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 250840 cover?
This subheading covers "Other clays," specifically those not classified under subheadings 2508.10 (Bentonite), 2508.30 (Fireclay), or 2508.50 (Andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite). This includes a broad range of natural aluminosilicates, typically hydrous, that possess plasticity when mixed with water and harden upon firing. Examples include ball clay, common clay, stoneware clay, and certain types of kaolin not specifically covered elsewhere, provided they meet the general characteristics of clay as defined by the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2508, which emphasizes their fine-grained, earthy nature and specific mineralogical composition. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and EU TARIC further define this scope by exclusion.
What falls outside HS 250840?
The following products are excluded from HS 250840: Bentonite (2508.10), Fireclay (2508.30), and Andalusite, kyanite, and sillimanite (2508.50), which are specifically enumerated elsewhere within Heading 2508. Furthermore, activated clays, such as activated bentonite or activated fuller's earth, which have undergone a chemical activation process to enhance their adsorptive properties, are classified under Heading 3802. Prepared ceramic materials, mixtures, or products that have undergone more than simple crushing or grinding, such as prepared refractory cements or mortars, are generally classified in Chapter 38 or Chapter 68, depending on their composition and degree of manufacture. Clays used for medicinal purposes, if specially prepared, might fall under Chapter 30.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 250840?
A common error is misclassifying specific types of clay that have their own dedicated subheadings, such as fireclay or bentonite, into 250840. Importers sometimes overlook the specific definitions provided in the WCO Explanatory Notes for each subheading, leading to incorrect assignments. Another frequent mistake involves classifying clays that have undergone significant processing beyond simple beneficiation (e.g., activation, mixing with other materials to form a compound) under 250840, when they should properly be classified in Chapter 38 or other relevant chapters based on their new characteristics and intended use. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined 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 250840?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 250840 involves a systematic approach. First, importers and customs brokers must confirm that the product is indeed a natural clay and not one of the specifically enumerated clays in subheadings 2508.10, 2508.30, or 2508.50. This requires detailed product specifications, including mineralogical analysis and processing methods. Second, verify that the clay has not undergone any chemical activation or significant manufacturing beyond simple crushing, grinding, or drying, which would shift its classification to Chapter 38 or other chapters. Consulting the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2508 and cross-referencing with the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or EU TARIC is essential to ensure accurate classification and compliance with international trade regulations.
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS 2508.40 'Other clays' into the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom?
For imports into the United States under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheading 2508.40.00.00, the Column 1 General (MFN) duty rate is Free (0.00% ad valorem), as per the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) HTS. For imports into the European Union under TARIC code 2508 40 00 00, the MFN duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem, as published in the EU TARIC database. For imports into the United Kingdom under commodity code 2508 40 00 00, the MFN duty rate is also 0.00% ad valorem, according to the UK Trade Tariff.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Other clays' under HS 2508.40, and what types of clays are typically included or excluded?
HS 2508.40 covers 'Other clays' which are not specifically enumerated in subheadings 2508.10 (Bentonite), 2508.30 (Fireclay), or 2508.50 (Andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite). This subheading generally includes clays such as ball clay, common clay, fuller's earth (if not bentonite), kaolinic clays (other than kaolin and other kaolinic clays of 2507), and various other natural clays. The key criterion is that the clay must be a natural mineral substance composed essentially of hydrated silicates of aluminium, sometimes with varying amounts of iron, magnesium, alkali metals, alkaline earths, or other elements. Clays that have undergone significant processing beyond simple washing, crushing, grinding, or drying, or those specifically classified elsewhere (e.g., activated clays of heading 3802), would be excluded. The WCO Explanatory Notes to Chapter 25 provide further guidance on the scope of 'clays'.
Are there any preferential duty rates or free trade agreements that specifically impact the import of 'Other clays' (HS 2508.40) into major markets?
Given that the MFN duty rate for HS 2508.40 is already Free (0.00% ad valorem) in the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom, preferential duty rates offered under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes would generally not result in a lower duty burden for this specific HS code, as it cannot go below zero. However, importers should still ensure compliance with rules of origin requirements under applicable agreements (e.g., USMCA for North America, EU FTAs, UK FTAs) to benefit from the 'Free' rate and ensure eligibility for any other non-tariff benefits or simplified procedures that might apply. While the duty rate is zero, proper origin documentation (e.g., Certificate of Origin) may still be required by customs authorities to substantiate the claim for preferential treatment, even if the MFN rate is also zero.
What documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the import of 'Other clays' under HS 2508.40?
For the import of 'Other clays' under HS 2508.40, standard customs documentation is generally required. This typically includes: a commercial invoice detailing the goods, quantity, value, and parties involved; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and a customs declaration form specific to the importing country (e.g., CBP Form 7501 for the US, Single Administrative Document (SAD) for the EU/UK). While specific permits are generally not required for basic clays, importers should verify if any environmental or geological certifications or declarations are needed in their specific jurisdiction, especially if the clay has particular characteristics or is sourced from certain regions. If claiming preferential treatment under a trade agreement, a Certificate of Origin or equivalent declaration will also be necessary, even if the MFN rate is zero.