HS 252490 Other

Quick Answer: HS 252490, "Other," covers asbestos not falling under specific categories like crocidolite (252410). This residual subheading primarily includes chrysotile, amosite, and anthophyllite asbestos. Due to widespread health concerns and bans, the trade of asbestos is severely restricted globally. For instance, the UK, EU, and US all apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate to imports under this code, reflecting the minimal or non-existent legitimate trade. Importers and customs brokers must be aware of stringent national and international regulations, including outright prohibitions and licensing requirements, even where a zero duty rate applies. Compliance with environmental and health safety laws is paramount.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2524900000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2524900000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2524900010 — — ["t"]
2524900045 — — ["t"]
2524900060 — — ["t"]
25249000 Free — —
2524900030 — — ["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 252490 cover?

This subheading covers asbestos, other than crocidolite, which is specifically classified under HS 2524.10. The Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2524 clarify that this heading encompasses natural asbestos in its various forms, including chrysotile, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Therefore, HS 2524.90 specifically captures all forms of asbestos that are not crocidolite, whether crude, washed, ground, or otherwise processed but not yet manufactured into articles. This aligns with the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system, which both delineate crocidolite separately, leaving all other asbestos types to this residual subheading.

What falls outside HS 252490?

The following products are excluded from HS 252490: crocidolite, which is specifically classified under HS 2524.10, regardless of its form (e.g., crude, washed, ground). Additionally, manufactured articles of asbestos, such as asbestos yarn, woven fabrics, clothing, friction materials, or other finished products incorporating asbestos, are excluded from Heading 2524 entirely and are classified in Chapter 68 or other relevant chapters based on their composition and function. For instance, asbestos-cement articles fall under Heading 6811, and friction materials with an asbestos base are classified in Heading 6813. This distinction is crucial for accurate classification, moving beyond the raw material stage.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 252490?

A common error is misclassifying crocidolite under HS 252490 instead of its specific subheading, HS 2524.10. This mistake often arises from a lack of precise identification of the asbestos type, leading to incorrect duty rates and regulatory compliance issues. Another frequent mistake involves classifying articles made *from* asbestos, such as asbestos gaskets or brake linings, within Heading 2524. According to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 2(a), goods presented in an incomplete or unfinished state having the essential character of the complete or finished article are classified as the complete or finished article. However, GRI 1 dictates that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, meaning manufactured articles are generally excluded from raw material chapters.

How should importers classify products under HS 252490?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 252490 involves first confirming that the product is indeed asbestos and then verifying that it is *not* crocidolite. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed chemical analysis or material safety data sheet (MSDS) from the supplier to ascertain the specific type of asbestos. If the documentation confirms asbestos other than crocidolite (e.g., chrysotile, amosite), then HS 252490 is the appropriate classification. It is imperative to ensure the product is in a raw or semi-processed form and not a manufactured article, as finished goods containing asbestos are classified elsewhere. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 25 and Heading 2524 is essential for definitive guidance.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 250490 HS 282490 HS 392490 HS 253090 HS 251990 HS 722490

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

FAQ

What is the import duty rate for goods classified under HS 2524.90 ('Other')?

For goods classified under HS 2524.90, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is generally 0.00% ad valorem in many major economies, including the United States (per USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Chapter 25, Additional U.S. Note 1), the European Union (per EU TARIC), and the United Kingdom (per UK Trade Tariff). This means that, for imports from most countries, no customs duty is applied. Importers should always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their country of origin via the official tariff schedule of the importing country.

What types of products are classified under HS 2524.90, and how does 'Other' differentiate from 2524.10?

HS 2524 covers asbestos, and subheading 2524.90 specifically refers to 'Other' forms of asbestos. The primary distinction is with HS 2524.10, which is reserved for 'Crocidolite' (blue asbestos). Therefore, 2524.90 encompasses all other types of asbestos, such as chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite, provided they are not mixed with other substances or fabricated into articles. Classification under 2524.90 requires the product to be raw or semi-processed asbestos, not articles made from asbestos, which would typically fall under Chapter 68 (e.g., HS 6812 for fabricated asbestos fibers or articles thereof). Importers must ensure the material is indeed raw asbestos and not a manufactured product.

Are there any specific documentation requirements or import restrictions for asbestos under HS 2524.90?

Yes, due to the hazardous nature of asbestos, there are significant import restrictions and often outright bans in many countries, even if the duty rate is 0.00%. For instance, the importation of asbestos and products containing asbestos is prohibited in the European Union (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, REACH) and the United Kingdom. In the United States, while not entirely banned, its use is heavily regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and certain types and new uses are prohibited under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Importers must provide detailed documentation, including material safety data sheets (MSDS), certificates of analysis, and compliance declarations, and obtain necessary permits or exemptions from relevant environmental and health authorities before attempting importation. Customs brokers must be acutely aware of these non-tariff barriers.

Can goods under HS 2524.90 benefit from preferential duty rates under free trade agreements?

While the MFN duty rate for HS 2524.90 is often 0.00% ad valorem, meaning there's no further reduction possible, goods originating from countries with which the importing nation has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade arrangements (e.g., GSP schemes) would still be eligible for 'Free' or 0.00% preferential duty treatment. However, given the severe import restrictions and bans on asbestos in many jurisdictions, the practical application of preferential duty rates for this specific HS code is limited. The primary concern for importers and customs brokers will be regulatory compliance and admissibility rather than duty savings. Importers should always claim preferential treatment if applicable, even if the MFN rate is zero, as it confirms the origin and compliance with FTA rules of origin.