HS 250870 Chamotte or dinas earths
Quick Answer: HS code 250870 covers "Chamotte or dinas earths," which are refractory clays and sands primarily used in high-temperature applications. Chamotte is a calcined (heat-treated) fireclay, known for its low shrinkage and stability, making it ideal for refractory bricks, ceramics, and foundry molds. Dinas earth, or ganister, is a siliceous rock used in manufacturing silica bricks for furnaces. For importers and exporters, the key consideration is the generally favorable duty treatment. The United Kingdom, European Union, and United States all apply a 0.00% or "Free" ad valorem duty rate to products classified under 250870, as per the UK Trade Tariff, EU TARIC, and USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule respectively. This widespread duty-free status simplifies trade compliance, though proper classification remains crucial to avoid misdeclarations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2508700000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2508700000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2508700000 | 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 250870 cover?
This subheading covers chamotte or dinas earths, which are refractory clays that have been calcined at high temperatures. Chamotte, also known as grog, is typically made from kaolin or other refractory clays that are crushed, fired, and then ground to specific particle sizes. Dinas earths, also known as silica earths, are primarily composed of silica and are similarly calcined to enhance their refractory properties. These materials are crucial for manufacturing refractory bricks, ceramics, and other high-temperature resistant products, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in official USITC and EU TARIC definitions for this specific subheading.
What falls outside HS 250870?
The following products are excluded from HS 250870: uncalcined refractory clays, such as raw kaolin or ball clay, which would typically be classified under other subheadings within Heading 2508, specifically 2508.10 (kaolin) or 2508.30 (fire-clay). Furthermore, refractory bricks or other manufactured refractory articles, even if made from chamotte or dinas earths, are excluded because they are finished products and fall under Chapter 69 (e.g., 6902 for refractory bricks). Similarly, calcined bauxite, while also a refractory material, is classified under HS 2606.00 as an aluminum ore, not as a chamotte or dinas earth.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 250870?
A common error is misclassifying uncalcined refractory clays as chamotte or dinas earths, failing to recognize that the calcination process is a critical distinguishing factor for subheading 2508.70. Importers sometimes overlook the "calcined" requirement, leading to incorrect classification of raw or simply dried clays. Another frequent mistake involves classifying manufactured refractory articles, such as bricks or shapes, under this subheading rather than under Chapter 69, which is incorrect as per General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 2(a) and 6, which prioritize finished articles over their constituent materials when the article is complete or has the essential character of the complete article. Careful attention to the degree of processing and the final form of the product is essential.
How should importers classify products under HS 250870?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 250870 involves first verifying that the material is indeed chamotte or dinas earth, meaning it has undergone a calcination process. Importers and customs brokers should obtain technical specifications or certificates of analysis from the manufacturer confirming the calcined nature and the primary composition (e.g., kaolin-based for chamotte, silica-based for dinas). It is crucial to ensure the product is in its bulk, unworked form (e.g., crushed, ground, or in lumps) and not a manufactured article. If there is any doubt regarding the calcination or the product's form, consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2508 and seeking a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, national customs authorities in the EU) is highly recommended to ensure compliance.
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FAQ
What is the import duty rate for HS code 2508.70 (Chamotte or dinas earths) in major markets?
For chamotte or dinas earths classified under HS 2508.70, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates are generally very low or free. For instance, the United States import duty rate is Free under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) for subheading 2508.70.00.00. Similarly, the European Union's TARIC database indicates a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for this subheading. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 0.0% duty rate. Importers should always verify the current rates directly with the USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff for the most up-to-date and specific information.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for chamotte or dinas earths under HS 2508.70?
Given that the MFN duty rates for HS 2508.70 are already Free or 0.00% in many major economies, there is often no further preferential tariff reduction possible, as the base rate is already at its lowest. However, importers should still ensure compliance with rules of origin if claiming any existing preferential agreements, even for free goods, as this can be relevant for statistical purposes or future trade policy changes. For example, goods originating from countries with which the importing nation has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would also enter duty-free, but proper origin documentation (e.g., a Certificate of Origin) would still be required to substantiate the claim.
What are the key classification criteria for chamotte or dinas earths under HS 2508.70?
HS code 2508.70 specifically covers 'Chamotte or dinas earths.' According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (WCO), chamotte refers to a refractory product obtained by calcining refractory clays (e.g., kaolin, fireclay) at high temperatures, then crushing and grading them. It is characterized by its high alumina content and resistance to heat. Dinas earths (also known as silica earths or quartzites) are highly siliceous refractory materials, primarily composed of silica (SiO2), used in the manufacture of silica bricks. The key classification criteria involve the material's composition (e.g., high alumina for chamotte, high silica for dinas), its origin as a calcined refractory clay or natural siliceous material, and its intended use as a refractory raw material. It's crucial to distinguish these from other clays or earths in Chapter 25, such as kaolin (2507) or other common clays (2508.30).
What documentation is typically required for importing chamotte or dinas earths under HS 2508.70?
Standard import documentation generally applies to HS 2508.70. This typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and potentially a customs declaration form specific to the importing country. While no specific permits or licenses are usually required for basic refractory earths, importers should be prepared to provide a Certificate of Analysis or product specification sheet to confirm the material's composition and nature, especially if customs authorities question the classification. If claiming preferential treatment under a trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, or FTA declaration) would also be necessary, even if the MFN rate is already free.