HS 252510 Crude mica and mica rifted into sheets or splittings

Quick Answer: HS 252510 covers crude mica, which is mica in its natural, unprocessed state, and mica that has been rifted (split) into sheets or splittings. This classification specifically excludes processed or manufactured mica products. For importers and exporters, the primary trade consideration is the generally favorable duty treatment across major jurisdictions. The United Kingdom and the European Union apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate to goods classified under this heading. Similarly, the United States imposes a "Free" duty rate across all its subheadings within 2525.10. This consistent zero-duty status simplifies customs clearance and reduces import costs, making it an attractive category for trade in raw mica materials.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2525100000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2525100000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2525100010 — — ["kg"]
2525100020 — — ["kg"]
2525100050 — — ["kg"]
25251000 Free — —

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 252510 cover?

This subheading covers crude mica and mica rifted into sheets or splittings, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, specifically within Chapter 25, which deals with salt; sulfur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2525 clarify that "crude mica" refers to mica as extracted from the mine, typically in irregular lumps or blocks, while "mica rifted into sheets or splittings" refers to mica that has undergone a preliminary separation along its cleavage planes to produce thin, irregular sheets or flakes, but not yet cut to shape or size. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system both align with this definition, encompassing raw, unprocessed mica and its initial separation into basic laminae, prior to any further manufacturing or processing that would alter its fundamental character.

What falls outside HS 252510?

The following products are excluded from HS 252510: mica powder (HS 25252000), which has been ground or pulverized; waste mica (HS 25253000), which consists of irregular fragments and trimmings not suitable for rifting into sheets; and articles of mica or agglomerated or reconstituted mica (HS 6814), such as cut mica plates, washers, or insulators, which have undergone significant processing beyond simple rifting. For instance, mica sheets that have been precisely cut to specific dimensions for electrical insulation applications would be classified under Heading 6814, as they are considered manufactured articles. Similarly, mica flakes used as a filler in paint would fall under HS 25252000 due to their powdered form, illustrating the distinction between raw material and processed forms.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 252510?

A common error is misclassifying mica that has undergone initial processing beyond simple rifting, such as cutting to shape or size, or grinding into powder. Importers sometimes mistakenly classify pre-cut mica sheets or mica powder under HS 252510, failing to recognize that these products have advanced beyond the "crude" or "rifted" stage. This often violates General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, and GRI 6, which extends this principle to subheadings. Another frequent mistake involves confusing waste mica with crude mica, leading to incorrect duty rates and compliance issues, as waste mica is specifically provided for under HS 25253000.

How should importers classify products under HS 252510?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 252510 involves a thorough examination of the product's state of processing. Importers and customs brokers should first confirm that the mica is either in its crude, unprocessed form as extracted from the mine, or has only been rifted into irregular sheets or splittings without further cutting, shaping, or grinding. It is crucial to consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2525, along with the specific national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, to ensure alignment with official definitions. If there is any doubt regarding the extent of processing, requesting a binding tariff information (BTI) ruling from the relevant customs authority is highly recommended to ensure legal certainty and avoid potential penalties for misclassification, providing actionable guidance for compliance.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 252520 HS 252530 HS 250510 HS 253010 HS 252410 HS 251910

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 2525.10 (Crude mica and mica rifted into sheets or splittings) in key markets?

For HS code 2525.10, the MFN import duty rates are generally very low or free across major trading blocs. For instance, the United States (USITC) applies a 'Free' rate. The European Union (EU TARIC) also applies a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. Similarly, the United Kingdom Trade Tariff lists a 0.00% ad valorem duty. These rates reflect a common global approach to raw or minimally processed industrial minerals like crude mica, often aimed at supporting manufacturing industries that utilize these inputs.

Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2525.10 under common trade agreements, and how can importers claim them?

Yes, given that the MFN rates are already 0.00% or 'Free' in many jurisdictions, preferential rates for HS 2525.10 typically remain at 0.00% or 'Free' under most Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes. For example, under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or various EU FTAs, the duty rate for qualifying goods under 2525.10 would also be 0.00%. Importers can claim these preferential rates by ensuring the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin criteria of the relevant agreement and providing the required documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin, to the customs authorities at the time of import.

What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing crude mica and mica rifted into sheets or splittings under HS 2525.10?

HS 2525.10 specifically covers 'Crude mica and mica rifted into sheets or splittings'. The primary classification criteria revolve around the minimal processing of the mica. 'Crude mica' refers to mica as extracted from the earth, essentially in its raw, unworked state. 'Mica rifted into sheets or splittings' indicates a basic physical separation along the cleavage planes of the mica to create thin layers, but without further processing like cutting to shape, trimming, or grinding. If the mica has undergone more extensive processing, such as being cut into specific shapes, trimmed, or ground into powder, it would typically fall under other subheadings within HS 2525, such as 2525.20 (Mica powder) or 2525.30 (Mica waste).

What specific documentation is typically required for importing crude mica (HS 2525.10), beyond standard customs paperwork?

Beyond standard import documentation such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, specific additional documentation for crude mica (HS 2525.10) is generally minimal due to its nature as a raw mineral. However, importers should be prepared to provide:

  1. Certificate of Origin: Especially if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement.
  2. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS): While mica is generally considered inert, an SDS may be requested by some authorities or carriers, particularly for occupational safety purposes during handling.
  3. Phytosanitary Certificates: These are typically not required for inert minerals like mica unless there's a risk of contamination with organic matter or pests, which is uncommon for this specific product.
  4. Import Licenses: Generally not required for crude mica in most countries, but importers should always verify with the specific importing country's regulations, as controls can vary.