HS 251611 Granite

Quick Answer: HS Code 251611 specifically covers crude or roughly trimmed granite, a natural igneous rock primarily composed of quartz and feldspar. This classification applies to granite in its raw, unworked state, typically quarried blocks or slabs before any significant shaping, polishing, or cutting beyond initial trimming. For importers and customs brokers, understanding this distinction is crucial as further processing would lead to different classifications (e.g., polished granite under 6802). Duty rates for HS 251611 show significant variation. The United Kingdom and the European Union apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate, indicating duty-free entry for this raw material. In contrast, the United States imposes a specific duty rate of $8.83 per cubic meter, with a "Free" rate also available under certain trade programs or agreements. Importers should verify eligibility for these "Free" rates. Exporters should be aware of these differing duty structures when planning international shipments to ensure accurate costings and compliance.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2516110000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2516110000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2516110000 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 251611 cover?

This subheading covers crude or roughly trimmed granite, which is a hard, igneous rock primarily composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Heading 2516, this includes granite as it is extracted from the quarry, before it has undergone any significant shaping or processing beyond what is necessary for transport. This encompasses large blocks, slabs, or irregular pieces that retain the natural characteristics of quarried stone. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC system both align with this WCO definition, specifying granite in its raw, unworked state.

What falls outside HS 251611?

The following products are excluded from HS 251611: granite that has been further worked beyond crude trimming. For instance, granite cut into squares or rectangles, even if not polished, falls under HS 251612. Similarly, monumental or building stone that has been sawn or otherwise worked into specific shapes, or polished, carved, or otherwise decorated, is classified under Heading 6802. Artificial granite or agglomerated stone, made from crushed natural stone bound with a resin, is also excluded and typically classified under Heading 6810, as it is not natural stone in its crude form.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 251611?

A common error is misclassifying granite that has undergone minimal processing beyond crude trimming. Importers sometimes classify granite blocks that have been sawn into rough rectangular shapes, but not yet polished or finished, under 251611. However, such products, having been "merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape," are correctly classified under HS 251612, according to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and the specific wording of the subheadings. Another mistake is confusing natural crude granite with waste or rubble, which falls under different subheadings or headings depending on its intended use.

How should importers classify products under HS 251611?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 251611 involves a careful assessment of the granite's state of processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the granite is truly in a crude or roughly trimmed form, meaning it has not been sawn into precise rectangular blocks or slabs, nor polished, carved, or otherwise worked beyond the basic extraction and initial shaping for transport. Consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Heading 2516, alongside the specific legal notes of Chapter 25 and Section V, is crucial. If there is any doubt regarding the extent of working, it is advisable to seek a binding tariff information (BTI) ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., US Customs and Border Protection or an EU member state's customs administration) to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 251620 HS 250610 HS 250620 HS 680223 HS 251690 HS 680293

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

FAQ

What is the import duty rate for granite (HS 2516.11) into the United States?

For imports into the United States, granite classified under HTSUS subheading 2516.11.0000 ('Granite, crude or roughly trimmed') is subject to a 'Free' rate of duty under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) column 1 general rate. This means there is no ad valorem duty applied to the customs value of the goods. Importers should always verify the current rates on the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) HTSUS database for the most up-to-date information.

How is 'crude or roughly trimmed' granite (HS 2516.11) distinguished from other granite products for classification purposes?

HS 2516.11 specifically covers granite that is 'crude or roughly trimmed.' This classification applies to granite blocks or slabs that have undergone minimal processing, typically just quarrying and initial shaping to facilitate transport. It does not include granite that has been sawn, polished, ground, or otherwise worked beyond a rough trim, which would generally fall under HS 6802 (e.g., 'Worked monumental or building stone'). The distinction hinges on the extent of processing; if the granite is ready for further fabrication rather than direct use as a finished product, it likely belongs in 2516.11. Customs authorities often look for evidence of sawing, grinding, or polishing to determine if the product has moved beyond 'crude or roughly trimmed'.

Are there any preferential duty rates or trade agreements that impact the import of HS 2516.11 granite?

Given that the MFN duty rate for HS 2516.11.0000 into the United States is already 'Free,' preferential trade agreements typically do not offer a further reduction in duty for this specific subheading. However, utilizing a free trade agreement (FTA) such as USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or other FTAs may still be beneficial for other reasons, such as demonstrating origin or simplifying certain customs procedures, even if the duty rate is already zero. Importers should ensure proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, is available if claiming preferential treatment under an FTA, even for zero-duty items, as this can be required for compliance and audit purposes.

What documentation is typically required for importing granite under HS 2516.11?

Standard import documentation is required for granite classified under HS 2516.11. This typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and potentially a certificate of origin if claiming preferential treatment under a trade agreement (though for a 'Free' MFN rate, its primary benefit is often for origin tracking rather than duty reduction). Depending on the country of export and specific regulations, additional permits or declarations related to environmental protection or quarrying practices might be necessary. Importers should consult with their customs broker or the relevant customs authority for specific country-of-import requirements.

What is the duty rate for 'Granite, crude or roughly trimmed' (HS 2516.11) when imported into the European Union?

When importing 'Granite, crude or roughly trimmed' (HS 2516.11.00) into the European Union, the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) applied to third countries (Most Favored Nation rate) is 0.00% ad valorem. This means there is no customs duty charged on the value of the goods. Importers should consult the EU TARIC database for the most current and specific information, as well as any potential anti-dumping duties or other measures that might apply based on the country of origin, although these are uncommon for crude granite.