HS 251110 Natural barium sulphate (barytes)
Quick Answer: HS code 251110 covers natural barium sulphate, commonly known as barytes. This mineral is primarily used as a weighting agent in drilling fluids for oil and gas exploration, but also finds applications in paints, plastics, and rubber as a filler or extender. For importers and exporters, understanding the duty landscape is crucial. The United Kingdom and the European Union generally apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate to products classified under this code. In the United States, duty rates vary, with some classifications subject to specific duties such as $3.94/tonne or $1.25/tonne, while others may qualify for duty-free treatment under various preferential trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Customs brokers should verify the specific product grade and origin to determine the applicable US duty rate and eligibility for preferential tariffs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2511100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2511100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 251110 | — | — | — |
| 2511105000 | $1.25/t | Free (17 programs) | ["t"] |
| 2511101000 | Free | — | ["t"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2511.10?
Imports of Natural barium sulphate (barytes) may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 251110 cover?
This subheading covers natural barium sulphate, commonly known as barytes, in its crude, unground, or powdered form. As defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2511, this includes barytes as it is extracted from the earth, whether crushed, ground, or otherwise processed, provided it retains its natural chemical composition and has not undergone further chemical transformation. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system align with this definition, specifying the natural mineral form of barium sulphate, primarily used as a weighting agent in drilling muds, a filler, or a pigment extender.
What falls outside HS 251110?
The following products are excluded from HS 251110: chemically pure barium sulphate (precipitated barium sulphate or "blanc fixe"), which is classified under Heading 2833 as a sulphate; calcined barytes; and barytes that has been mixed with other substances to form a preparation. For instance, synthetic barium sulphate, produced through a chemical precipitation process, is distinctly different from the natural mineral and falls under Chapter 28. Similarly, barytes that has been processed beyond simple grinding or pulverizing, such as being incorporated into paints or drilling fluid formulations, would be classified under the respective headings for those finished products or preparations.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 251110?
A common error is misclassifying synthetic barium sulphate (blanc fixe) under HS 251110 instead of Heading 2833. Importers sometimes overlook the distinction between the naturally occurring mineral and the chemically manufactured product. Another frequent mistake involves classifying barytes that has been significantly processed or mixed with other materials, such as a prepared drilling mud containing barytes, under this subheading, rather than under the appropriate heading for the mixture or preparation, often governed by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures. Careful attention to the product's origin and degree of processing is crucial to avoid these errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 251110?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 251110 involves verifying that the product is indeed natural barium sulphate (barytes) and has not undergone chemical transformation or significant mixing with other substances. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a certificate of analysis or a technical data sheet from the supplier confirming the product's natural origin and chemical composition. They must ensure the product is not synthetic barium sulphate and has not been incorporated into a prepared mixture. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2511 and cross-referencing with the USITC HTS or EU TARIC system for specific national interpretations will provide definitive guidance and ensure accurate classification.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for Natural Barium Sulphate (Barytes) under HS code 2511.10?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2511.10 'Natural barium sulphate (barytes)' can vary significantly by importing country. For example, some countries may apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty, while others might impose specific duties such as $3.94 per tonne or $1.25 per tonne. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff) to determine the exact applicable MFN rate. These rates are subject to change based on national trade policy.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2511.10, and which trade agreements commonly offer them?
Yes, preferential duty rates are often available for HS 2511.10 'Natural barium sulphate (barytes)' under various free trade agreements (FTAs) and generalized system of preferences (GSP) schemes. For instance, many countries offer 'Free' duty rates (0.00%) for imports originating from partners under agreements such as A (Generalized System of Preferences), AU (Australia), BH (Bahrain), CL (Chile), CO (Colombia), D (Dominican Republic), E (Israel), IL (Israel), JO (Jordan), KR (Korea), MA (Morocco), OM (Oman), P (Panama), PA (Panama), PE (Peru), S (Singapore), and SG (Singapore). To claim preferential rates, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin criteria of the specific agreement and provide the required documentation, such as a certificate of origin.
What are the key classification criteria for Natural Barium Sulphate (Barytes) under HS 2511.10?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2511.10 is that the product must be 'natural barium sulphate (barytes)'. This heading specifically covers barytes in its natural, unrefined state. It includes crude, ground, or micronized barytes, provided it has not undergone further chemical processing that would alter its fundamental character as a natural mineral. Products that have been chemically modified or synthetically produced barium sulphate would be classified elsewhere, typically in Chapter 28. Importers should ensure their product description accurately reflects its natural origin and minimal processing to avoid misclassification.
What documentation is typically required for importing Natural Barium Sulphate (Barytes) under HS 2511.10?
Standard import documentation for HS 2511.10 'Natural barium sulphate (barytes)' typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration form. To claim preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement, a valid certificate of origin or origin declaration (e.g., a NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, EUR.1, or GSP Form A) is essential. Depending on the importing country and specific end-use, additional documentation such as a chemical analysis report, safety data sheet (SDS), or import permits related to environmental or health regulations might be required. Importers should verify specific requirements with their customs broker or the relevant customs authority prior to shipment.