HS 251620 Sandstone
Quick Answer: HS code 251620 covers sandstone, a common sedimentary rock primarily composed of sand-sized mineral grains. This includes crude, roughly trimmed, or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. It excludes crushed or powdered sandstone. For imports into the UK and EU, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem. In the United States, duty rates vary: certain types may be Free, others are subject to a specific duty of $5.30 per cubic meter, while some specialized forms can face a 50% ad valorem rate. Importers should carefully classify the specific form and processing level of sandstone to determine the correct US tariff line and applicable duty.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2516200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2516200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2516201000 | Free | — | ["m<sup>3</sup>","t"] |
| 251620 | — | — | — |
| 2516202000 | 3% | Free (17 programs) | ["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 2516.20?
Imports of Sandstone 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 251620 cover?
This subheading covers sandstone, whether crude, roughly trimmed, or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. It encompasses natural sandstone used primarily as building stone, including monumental or building stone, and is specifically defined within the Harmonized System Nomenclature by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC. This classification applies to the raw material before it undergoes significant processing beyond basic shaping for transport or further fabrication.
What falls outside HS 251620?
The following products are excluded from HS 251620: sandstone that has been further worked than merely cut into blocks or slabs, such as polished, carved, or otherwise processed beyond simple shaping, which would typically fall under Heading 6802. For example, finished sandstone monuments, statues, or paving stones are classified under Heading 6802. Similarly, crushed or broken sandstone, even if used for concrete aggregates or road metalling, is generally classified under Heading 2517. Artificial stone or agglomerated sandstone, made from sandstone fragments bound with a binder, is also excluded and classified elsewhere, typically in Chapter 68.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 251620?
A common error is misclassifying sandstone that has undergone more than basic cutting or trimming. Importers often incorrectly classify polished sandstone slabs or carved sandstone elements under 251620, when these items, having been "further worked" beyond simple shaping, should be classified under Heading 6802 according to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and the chapter notes. Another frequent mistake involves confusing natural sandstone with agglomerated or artificial stone, which, despite containing sandstone, is a manufactured product and falls outside Chapter 25 entirely. Careful attention to the degree of processing is crucial to avoid these errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 251620?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 251620 involves first verifying that the stone is indeed natural sandstone and not an agglomerated or artificial product. Importers and customs brokers must then confirm that the sandstone is in its crude, roughly trimmed, or merely cut into blocks or slabs state, without any further working such as polishing, carving, or other surface treatments. Reviewing the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2516 and consulting national tariff schedules like the HTSUS or EU TARIC is essential. If there is any doubt regarding the extent of processing, photographic evidence and detailed product descriptions should be provided to customs authorities to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for importing sandstone (HS 2516.20) into the United States?
For imports into the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 2516.20 (Sandstone) is Free (0.00% ad valorem) under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). This applies to goods from countries with which the U.S. has normal trade relations, provided no other preferential trade agreement applies. (Source: USITC HTSUS, Chapter 25, Subheading 2516.20.00)
Are there any preferential duty rates available for sandstone (HS 2516.20) under common trade agreements when importing into the EU or UK?
Yes, preferential duty rates can apply. For imports into the European Union (EU), the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) duty rate for HS 2516.20 is generally 0.00% ad valorem. However, specific preferential agreements, such as those with GSP beneficiaries or free trade agreements, may also confirm this free rate or specify particular conditions. For the United Kingdom (UK), under the UK Global Tariff (UKGT), the general duty rate for HS 2516.20 is also 0.00% ad valorem. Importers should always verify the specific origin of their sandstone and consult the EU TARIC or UK Trade Tariff for applicable preferential agreements (e.g., EU-Canada CETA, UK-Japan CEPA) and their corresponding rules of origin to ensure eligibility for any preferential treatment. (Sources: EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff)
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing sandstone under HS 2516.20 from other stone products?
HS 2516.20 specifically covers 'Sandstone'. The primary classification criterion is the geological composition and formation of the stone. Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 25 clarify that this heading covers various types of monumental or building stone, including sandstone, which are typically used for construction, statuary, or monumental purposes. It's crucial to ensure the product is indeed sandstone and not, for example, granite (2516.1x), porphyry, basalt (2516.90), or other types of stone that fall under different subheadings within Chapter 25 or Chapter 68 (for worked stone). The degree of working (e.g., merely cut into blocks vs. elaborately carved) can also influence classification, though 2516 generally covers crude, roughly trimmed, or merely cut stone.
What documentation is typically required for importing sandstone (HS 2516.20)?
Standard import documentation for HS 2516.20 generally includes a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill. For preferential duty treatment, a Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, GSP Form A, or a Free Trade Agreement certificate/declaration) is essential to substantiate the goods' origin and claim reduced or zero duties. While sandstone itself typically doesn't require specific health or safety certificates beyond general customs compliance, importers should verify if any specific environmental regulations or import permits apply in the destination country, especially for large volumes or specific quarry sources. Customs brokers will require these documents to accurately declare the goods and process customs clearance.