HS 251511 Marble and travertine

Quick Answer: HS code 251511 covers marble and travertine, specifically in crude or roughly trimmed form, not cut into blocks or slabs. This includes natural stone extracted from quarries, retaining its irregular, unworked shape. For importers and exporters, understanding the duty treatment is crucial. The United Kingdom and the European Union apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate to these products, making them duty-free upon entry. In contrast, the United States imposes a specific duty rate of $22.95 per cubic meter, though some imports may qualify for "Free" status under various trade programs or agreements. Importers should verify eligibility for such programs with their customs broker. This raw material is typically destined for further processing into finished architectural or decorative products.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2515110000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2515110000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2515110000 Free — ["m<sup>3</sup>","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 251511 cover?

This subheading covers marble and travertine, crude or roughly trimmed, specifically blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Heading 2515, marble is defined as a compact metamorphic rock consisting essentially of recrystallized calcite or dolomite, capable of taking a polish. Travertine is a variety of limestone formed by the precipitation of carbonate minerals from solution in ground and surface waters, often near hot springs. This classification applies to the raw, unworked material, as detailed in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system for subheading 2515 11 00.

What falls outside HS 251511?

The following products are excluded from HS 251511: marble and travertine that have been further worked beyond crude trimming or rough shaping. For instance, marble or travertine cut into tiles, flagstones, or other finished articles, even if rectangular, would be classified under HS 2515.12 (merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape) or HS 6802 (worked monumental or building stone). Additionally, crushed marble or travertine used as aggregate or filler would fall under HS 2517, as would granules, chippings, and powder of marble or travertine, which are distinct from the crude blocks covered here.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 251511?

A common error is misclassifying marble or travertine that has undergone more than "crude or rough trimming" under HS 251511. Importers often confuse merely sawn blocks or slabs, which belong in HS 251512, with the truly crude material of HS 251511. This distinction is crucial and relies on General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which mandates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Another mistake is classifying polished or otherwise surface-treated marble or travertine here; such products are considered "worked" and typically fall under Chapter 68, specifically HS 6802, due to the additional processing that changes their fundamental character.

How should importers classify products under HS 251511?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 251511 involves a thorough examination of the product's state of processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the marble or travertine is truly in a crude or roughly trimmed state, typically large, irregular blocks or slabs as extracted from the quarry, with minimal shaping. Reviewing the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Heading 2515 is essential to understand the precise definitions of "crude" and "roughly trimmed." Furthermore, consulting official national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, for specific rulings or interpretive guidance related to the degree of working is highly recommended to ensure accurate and compliant classification.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 251520 HS 251110 HS 251690 HS 251512 HS 251120 HS 251611

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS code 2515.11 (Marble and travertine, crude or roughly trimmed) in key markets?

The MFN duty rates for HS 2515.11 vary by importing country. For example, under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), the MFN (General) duty rate for 2515.11.00 is Free. In the European Union's TARIC, the MFN duty rate for 2515.11.00.00 is 0.00% ad valorem. For the United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT), the MFN duty rate for 2515.11.00.00 is also 0.0% ad valorem. Importers should always verify the current rates with the official tariff schedule of the destination country (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).

What are the key classification criteria for marble and travertine under HS 2515.11, specifically 'crude or roughly trimmed'?

HS 2515.11 covers marble and travertine that are in their 'crude or roughly trimmed' state. This means the stone has been extracted from the quarry but has not undergone significant processing beyond initial shaping to facilitate transport or further working. It typically refers to blocks or slabs that are not yet polished, cut to precise dimensions, or otherwise finished for direct use. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 25 clarify that 'crude or roughly trimmed' refers to stone as it comes from the quarry, or merely broken, roughly squared or squared by wedging, etc., to remove superfluous material. If the marble or travertine has been cut into slabs, tiles, or other finished articles, it would generally classify under a more specific subheading, such as 2515.12 (merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape) or Chapter 68 (articles of stone).

Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2515.11 under common trade agreements?

Yes, preferential duty rates are often available for HS 2515.11 depending on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), marble and travertine originating from Mexico or Canada would typically enter the U.S. duty-free. Similarly, the EU has various free trade agreements (FTAs) and preferential schemes (e.g., GSP) that could grant a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for eligible imports from partner countries. Importers should consult the specific rules of origin for the relevant trade agreement and ensure they possess the necessary documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim preferential treatment. Given that the MFN rate in many major markets is already Free or 0.00%, the impact of preferential agreements for this specific crude form might be less about duty reduction and more about ensuring continued duty-free access or meeting specific trade policy objectives.

What documentation is typically required for importing marble and travertine classified under HS 2515.11?

Standard import documentation is generally required for HS 2515.11. This typically includes: a Commercial Invoice detailing the goods, value, and parties involved; a Packing List specifying the contents of each package; an Ocean Bill of Lading or Air Waybill as proof of carriage; and a Customs Declaration form specific to the importing country. If claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate, EUR.1 movement certificate) or a declaration of origin is mandatory. While marble and travertine are generally not subject to extensive non-tariff barriers, importers should verify if any specific environmental, geological, or radiation safety certifications are required by the destination country, especially for certain origins or intended uses, although this is less common for crude forms.