HS 252620 Crushed or powdered

Quick Answer: HS code 252620 covers crushed or powdered natural steatite (talc), including those not further worked than roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise. This classification specifically excludes steatite that has been cut into tiles, blocks, or similar shapes. For importers and exporters, understanding the form of the talc is crucial for correct classification. Duty rates vary significantly: the UK and EU apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty, reflecting free trade for this product. In contrast, the US imposes a 35% ad valorem duty on imports from non-preferential countries, though certain trade agreements or programs may allow for duty-free entry. Importers should verify their specific origin and trade program eligibility to determine the applicable US duty rate. This disparity highlights the importance of origin and trade agreement analysis for cost-effective global sourcing.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2526200000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2526200000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2526200000 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

What products does HS 252620 cover?

This subheading covers natural steatite (talc) and natural soapstone that has been crushed or powdered, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, specifically within Chapter 25, Heading 2526. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2526 clarify that this includes steatite and soapstone in various states of comminution, provided they retain their natural chemical composition and are not further processed beyond crushing or grinding. Official definitions from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system align with this, specifying that the material must be in a crushed or powdered form, distinguishing it from uncrushed or unworked forms classified under HS 252610.

What falls outside HS 252620?

The following products are excluded from HS 252620: uncrushed, unworked, or roughly trimmed steatite and soapstone, which are classified under HS 252610. Additionally, steatite or soapstone that has been further processed beyond simple crushing or powdering, such as calcined, purified, or chemically modified forms, would typically fall outside this subheading, often moving into Chapter 28 or 38 depending on the nature of the processing. For instance, talc prepared for cosmetic or pharmaceutical uses, even if powdered, might be classified under Chapter 33 or 38 if it contains additives or has undergone specific purification steps that alter its basic character as a simple crushed mineral.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 252620?

A common error is misclassifying steatite or soapstone that has undergone minor processing beyond simple crushing or powdering. Importers sometimes overlook the distinction between merely comminuted material and products that have been subjected to further treatment, such as micronization for specific industrial applications or the addition of anti-caking agents. Such products, while still appearing as powder, may no longer be considered "natural" in the context of Chapter 25 and could fall under Chapter 38, "Miscellaneous chemical products," based on General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and 6, which prioritize the most specific description and the character of the finished good. Another mistake is confusing the uncrushed form (252610) with the crushed form (252620).

How should importers classify products under HS 252620?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 252620 involves a thorough review of the product's physical state and processing history. Importers and customs brokers should first confirm that the material is indeed natural steatite or soapstone. Next, verify that its form is exclusively crushed or powdered, without any further chemical treatment, purification, or the addition of other substances. Reviewing the manufacturing process documentation, including material safety data sheets (MSDS) and certificates of analysis, is crucial to ensure no additional processing steps have occurred that would alter its classification. If any doubt exists, seeking a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, HMRC in the UK) is recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 252610 HS 252520 HS 090620 HS 252020 HS 260120 HS 090520

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 2526.20 (Crushed or powdered steatite, natural magnesium carbonate, etc.) into the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom?

For imports into the United States, goods classified under HTSUS subheading 2526.20.00.00 (Steatite, whether or not crushed or powdered: Crushed or powdered) are subject to a 'Free' (0.00%) Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate under the General column. For the European Union, goods under CN code 2526 20 00 (Steatite, whether or not crushed or powdered: Crushed or powdered) are subject to a Conventional duty rate of 0.00% ad valorem, as per the EU TARIC system. Similarly, for the United Kingdom, goods under commodity code 2526 20 00 00 (Steatite, whether or not crushed or powdered: Crushed or powdered) are subject to a 0.00% import duty rate, as per the UK Integrated Online Tariff. Importers should always verify the current rates on the official USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff websites, respectively.

What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2526.20, specifically distinguishing 'crushed or powdered' forms?

HS 2526 covers steatite (talc), natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite), and fused magnesia; dead-burned (sintered) magnesia, whether or not containing small quantities of other oxides added before sintering; other magnesium oxide, whether or not pure. Subheading 2526.20 specifically applies to 'Crushed or powdered' forms. The key criterion for classification here is the physical state of the material. 'Crushed' implies the material has been broken down into smaller, irregular pieces, while 'powdered' indicates a finer, pulverized form. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 25 clarify that these materials remain classified here even if they have undergone processes such as crushing, grinding, washing, sifting, calcining, or mixing, provided they do not alter the essential character of the natural product or render them more than simply prepared. The presence of small quantities of other oxides added before sintering for dead-burned magnesia does not preclude classification, but significant processing or chemical alteration beyond simple preparation would lead to classification elsewhere (e.g., Chapter 28 for chemically defined compounds).

Are there any specific documentation requirements or certifications typically needed for importing goods under HS 2526.20?

While HS 2526.20 generally covers raw or simply processed mineral products, standard import documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill is always required. Depending on the origin and specific end-use, additional documentation might be necessary. For instance, if the material is intended for use in food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) detailing purity and composition may be requested by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA in the US, EFSA in the EU). Furthermore, if the product is subject to any anti-dumping or countervailing duties (though none are currently active for this specific HS code globally for common origins), specific certificates of origin or manufacturer declarations would be critical. Importers should consult with their customs broker and relevant national regulatory agencies to ensure all specific requirements are met based on the product's exact nature and intended application.

Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty treatment for goods classified under HS 2526.20, and how can importers claim these benefits?

Given that the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 2526.20 is 0.00% ('Free') in major economies like the US, EU, and UK, there is generally no additional preferential duty treatment to claim under most trade agreements, as the duty is already zero. For example, under agreements such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), EU's various FTAs (e.g., with Japan, Korea), or the UK's trade agreements, goods originating from partner countries would also enter duty-free. However, claiming preferential origin is still important for statistical purposes and to demonstrate compliance with the agreement's rules of origin. Importers typically claim preferential treatment by providing a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1, or origin declaration on the invoice for certain agreements) issued by the exporter or an authorized body in the country of origin. Even with a 0% MFN rate, understanding and documenting origin is crucial for overall trade compliance and potential future changes in duty rates or trade policy.