HS 251741 Granules, chippings and powder, of stones of heading 2515 or 2516, whether or not heat-treated
Quick Answer: HS code 251741 covers granules, chippings, and powder derived from marble, travertine, granite, sandstone, and other monumental or building stones (from headings 2515 and 2516). These products are typically used as aggregates, fillers, or for decorative purposes, and may or may not have undergone heat treatment. For importers and customs brokers, duty rates vary significantly. The UK and EU apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. In contrast, the United States imposes a 30% ad valorem duty rate, though certain trade programs or agreements may offer duty-free entry. Importers should verify eligibility for preferential tariffs to mitigate costs. Exporters must ensure accurate product classification to avoid delays and penalties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2517410000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2517410000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2517410000 | 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 251741 cover?
This subheading covers granules, chippings, and powder derived from stones specifically enumerated in heading 2515 (marble, travertine, ecaussine and other calcareous monumental or building stone of an apparent specific gravity of 2.5 or more, and alabaster) or heading 2516 (granite, porphyry, basalt, sandstone and other monumental or building stone, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape). The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 25 clarify that these materials are typically obtained by crushing or grinding the specified natural stones, and their classification here is irrespective of whether they have undergone heat treatment, provided they retain their essential character as stone aggregates. This includes materials used as aggregates for concrete, road construction, railway ballast, or decorative purposes, as defined by official USITC and EU TARIC interpretations.
What falls outside HS 251741?
The following products are excluded from HS 251741: crushed or ground materials from stones other than those specified in headings 2515 or 2516, which would be classified elsewhere, for example, under 2517.49 if they are of other stones. Furthermore, artificially colored granules, chippings, or powder, which have undergone further processing beyond simple heat treatment, are generally excluded, as such processing may alter their essential character, potentially leading to classification in Chapter 68 or other relevant chapters depending on the degree and nature of the processing. Similarly, materials that have been agglomerated or formed into specific shapes, such as tiles or blocks, are also excluded, as they represent manufactured articles rather than raw or semi-processed stone aggregates.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 251741?
A common error is misclassifying granules, chippings, or powder derived from stones not specifically mentioned in headings 2515 or 2516 into 251741, instead of the residual subheading 251749. Another frequent mistake involves classifying materials that have undergone significant processing beyond simple crushing, grinding, or heat treatment, such as the addition of binders or pigments, into this subheading. Such products often fall under Chapter 68, "Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials," due to the application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 2(b) or 3(b), which prioritize the essential character imparted by the manufacturing process or composite nature. Importers sometimes overlook the specific stone types required by the heading, leading to incorrect declarations.
How should importers classify products under HS 251741?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 251741 involves a meticulous review of the stone's origin and the extent of processing. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the granules, chippings, or powder are exclusively derived from natural stones listed in HS headings 2515 (e.g., marble, travertine) or 2516 (e.g., granite, basalt). Secondly, they must ascertain that the material has not undergone any processing beyond crushing, grinding, or heat treatment that would alter its essential character as a natural stone aggregate. Obtaining a certificate of origin or a detailed product specification from the supplier, clearly identifying the type of stone and processing methods, is crucial. In cases of doubt, seeking a binding tariff information (BTI) decision from the relevant customs authority (e.g., US Customs and Border Protection, EU national customs) is highly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 2517.41 in the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom?
For HS code 2517.41 ('Granules, chippings and powder, of stones of heading 2515 or 2516, whether or not heat-treated'):
- United States (USITC HTSUS): The MFN (Normal Trade Relations - NTR) duty rate is Free (0.00%). This applies to imports from most countries worldwide, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
- European Union (EU TARIC): The MFN duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem. This applies to imports from most third countries, as per the integrated Tariff of the European Union.
- United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff): The MFN duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem. This applies to imports from most third countries, as per the UK Global Tariff (UKGT).
Importers should always verify the current rates directly with the respective customs authorities or official tariff publications, as rates can be subject to change.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS code 2517.41, especially regarding the 'stones of heading 2515 or 2516' requirement?
HS code 2517.41 specifically covers 'Granules, chippings and powder, of stones of heading 2515 or 2516, whether or not heat-treated.' The critical classification criteria revolve around two main aspects:
- Origin of the Stone: The material must be derived from stones classified under heading 2515 (e.g., marble, travertine, ecaussine, alabaster) or heading 2516 (e.g., granite, porphyry, basalt, sandstone, other monumental or building stone). If the granules, chippings, or powder are from other types of stone (e.g., pebbles, gravel of heading 2517.10, or other mineral substances), they would be excluded from 2517.41.
- Form of the Material: The product must be in the form of 'granules, chippings and powder.' This implies a comminuted or crushed state, typically resulting from the processing of larger blocks or pieces of the specified stones. The 'whether or not heat-treated' clause indicates that thermal processing does not alter the classification, as long as the material retains its essential character as stone granules, chippings, or powder.
Importers should be prepared to provide documentation (e.g., material safety data sheets, technical specifications, or certificates of origin) that clearly identifies the type of stone and its processed form to support classification.
Are there any common preferential duty rates or trade agreements that significantly impact imports of HS 2517.41 into the US, EU, or UK?
Given that the MFN duty rates for HS 2517.41 are already Free (0.00%) in the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom, the impact of preferential trade agreements on duty rates for this specific HS code is generally minimal or non-existent. When the MFN rate is 0.00%, there is no customs duty to be reduced further by a preferential agreement.
However, trade agreements can still be relevant for other aspects, such as:
- Rules of Origin: Even with a 0.00% duty rate, goods imported under a free trade agreement (FTA) may still need to meet specific rules of origin to be considered 'originating' from a partner country. This is crucial for statistical purposes, compliance with other trade policy measures, or if the MFN rate were to change in the future.
- Non-Tariff Barriers: FTAs often address non-tariff barriers, customs procedures, and trade facilitation, which can still benefit importers of HS 2517.41 by streamlining processes, even if duties are not a factor.
Examples of such agreements include the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) for the US, various EU FTAs (e.g., with Japan, South Korea), and UK FTAs (e.g., with Australia, Japan). Importers should consult the specific agreement and their customs broker for any non-duty related benefits or requirements.
What documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the import of goods under HS 2517.41?
While HS 2517.41 generally has a 0.00% duty rate, standard import documentation is still required for customs clearance. Key documents typically include:
- Commercial Invoice: Detailing the seller, buyer, description of goods, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, and terms of sale (Incoterms).
- Packing List: Providing details of the contents of each package, weight, and dimensions.
- Bill of Lading (for ocean freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight): The contract between the owner of the goods and the carrier.
- Certificate of Origin (if applicable): While not strictly necessary for duty reduction due to the 0.00% MFN rate, it may be requested for statistical purposes, to confirm compliance with non-preferential rules of origin, or for other trade policy reasons (e.g., anti-dumping investigations, although unlikely for this commodity).
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Technical Specifications: These documents can be crucial to verify the exact type of stone (from heading 2515 or 2516) and its form (granules, chippings, powder), which directly impacts classification.
- Import License/Permit (if applicable): While generally not required for basic stone aggregates, importers should always check for any specific national or regional import restrictions or licensing requirements that might apply to certain minerals or materials.
Importers should work closely with their customs broker to ensure all necessary documentation is prepared accurately and submitted timely to avoid delays.