HS 251010 Unground
Quick Answer: HS code 251010 covers natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminum calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk, specifically in their unground form. This includes crude, unprocessed mineral phosphates as they are extracted from the earth, prior to any grinding or pulverization. These raw materials are primarily used in the manufacture of fertilizers, phosphoric acid, and certain animal feed supplements. Across major jurisdictions, including the UK, EU, and US, imports of products classified under 251010 generally face a 0.00% or "Free" ad valorem duty rate. Importers and customs brokers should verify the unground status of the material, as any subsequent processing beyond basic crushing or screening could lead to classification under other subheadings (e.g., 251020 for ground material), potentially affecting duty rates or regulatory requirements.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2510100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2510100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2510100000 | 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 251010 cover?
This subheading covers natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminum calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk, specifically in their unground state. This includes crude, unbeneficiated phosphate rock as it is extracted from the earth, prior to any crushing, grinding, or pulverizing processes that would alter its particle size significantly. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2510 clarify that this heading encompasses natural phosphates, whether or not calcined or further beneficiated (e.g., by removal of impurities), provided they remain unground. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC similarly define "unground" as material that has not undergone a grinding process to reduce it to a fine powder, typically retaining a larger, irregular particle size suitable for further processing.
What falls outside HS 251010?
The following products are excluded from HS 251010: ground natural calcium phosphates, ground natural aluminum calcium phosphates, and ground phosphatic chalk, which are classified under HS 251020. Products that have undergone any process to reduce their particle size to a powder or fine granular form, even if only partially, would fall under the "ground" subheading. Furthermore, chemically pure calcium phosphates, such as dicalcium phosphate or tricalcium phosphate produced synthetically, are excluded from Heading 2510 entirely and are classified in Chapter 28 as chemical products. Phosphate fertilizers, whether simple or complex, are also excluded from this heading and are classified in Chapter 31, even if derived from natural phosphates, as they represent manufactured products for agricultural use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 251010?
A common error is misinterpreting "unground" to include material that has been lightly crushed or screened but not fully pulverized. Importers sometimes classify material that has undergone initial crushing to facilitate transport or handling as "unground," when in fact, if the intent and result of the process is a significant reduction in particle size towards a finer consistency, it may be considered "ground" for tariff purposes. Another mistake is failing to distinguish between natural phosphates and chemically manufactured phosphate compounds, incorrectly classifying synthetic phosphates under this heading. 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 251010?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 251010 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical state and processing history. Importers and customs brokers should obtain detailed specifications from the supplier, including particle size distribution analysis, to confirm that the material has not undergone any grinding or pulverizing. It is essential to verify that the product is indeed a natural calcium phosphate, natural aluminum calcium phosphate, or phosphatic chalk, and not a synthetic chemical compound. Reviewing the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2510 and consulting official tariff guidance from the USITC (for the United States), EU TARIC (for the European Union), or the UK Trade Tariff (for the United Kingdom) will provide definitive criteria for "unground" status and ensure accurate classification.
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FAQ
What is the import duty rate for HS code 2510.10 ('Unground') in major markets?
For HS code 2510.10, which covers unground natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminum calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates are generally very low or free across major economies. For instance, the United States (under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, HTSUS) applies a 'Free' duty rate. Similarly, the European Union (EU TARIC) and the United Kingdom (UK Global Tariff) also apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. Importers should always verify the current rates via the official USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff databases.
What are the key classification criteria for 'unground' under HS 2510.10, and what distinguishes it from other subheadings?
HS code 2510.10 specifically covers natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminum calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk that are 'unground.' The primary classification criterion is the physical state of the material: it must not have undergone a grinding process. This distinguishes it from HS code 2510.20, which covers the 'ground' form of these same materials. 'Unground' typically refers to the material as extracted or after initial crushing, but before pulverization to a fine powder. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes for Chapter 25 provide further guidance on the acceptable level of processing for 'unground' materials.
Are there any specific documentation requirements or certifications typically needed for importing unground natural phosphates under HS 2510.10?
While HS 2510.10 generally faces minimal import duties, standard import documentation is always required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of origin and destination, additional certifications may be necessary, especially if the material is intended for agricultural use (e.g., as fertilizer). This could include phytosanitary certificates or statements regarding the material's origin and composition to comply with environmental or agricultural regulations. Importers should consult their national customs authority and relevant agricultural or environmental agencies for specific requirements.
How do common trade agreements impact the duty rates for HS 2510.10?
Given that the MFN duty rates for HS 2510.10 are already 0.00% or 'Free' in many major markets (such as the US, EU, and UK), the impact of preferential trade agreements on the duty rate itself is often negligible for this specific code. For example, under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or various EU Free Trade Agreements, the duty rate for qualifying goods under HS 2510.10 would also be 0.00%. However, these agreements can still be relevant for other aspects, such as rules of origin, which confirm the goods qualify for preferential treatment, or for streamlining customs procedures. Importers should ensure they meet the rules of origin requirements to claim any potential benefits, even if the duty rate is already free.