HS 253020 Kieserite, epsomite (natural magnesium sulphates)
Quick Answer: HS Code 253020 covers natural magnesium sulphates, specifically kieserite and epsomite. These minerals are primarily used in agriculture as fertilizers, in pharmaceuticals, and in chemical industries. For importers and exporters, the duty landscape is generally favorable across major markets. The United Kingdom and the European Union both apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate to products classified under this heading, as per the UK Trade Tariff and EU TARIC. In the United States, while many tariff lines within 253020 are "Free" (0.00% ad valorem), some specific subheadings may be subject to a 20% ad valorem duty, as detailed by the USITC. Importers should verify the exact 10-digit US tariff subheading to confirm the applicable rate. This generally low or free duty environment facilitates global trade for these essential mineral compounds.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2530200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2530200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 253020 | — | — | — |
| 2530201000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 2530202000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 253020 cover?
This subheading covers natural magnesium sulphates, specifically kieserite and epsomite, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature Explanatory Notes for Heading 25.30. Kieserite (MgSO₄·H₂O) is a mineral form of magnesium sulfate monohydrate, often found in evaporite deposits. Epsomite (MgSO₄·7H₂O), also known as Epsom salt in its natural mineral form, is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. Both are naturally occurring minerals, distinguished from chemically produced magnesium sulfates. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC system align with this WCO definition, classifying these specific natural mineral forms under 2530.20.
What falls outside HS 253020?
The following products are excluded from HS 253020: chemically pure magnesium sulphate, whether anhydrous or hydrated, which is classified under Heading 2833 as a sulphate. For instance, synthetic or manufactured Epsom salts, even if chemically identical to natural epsomite, are not covered here. Similarly, magnesium sulphate solutions or mixtures containing other substances, where the magnesium sulphate is not the sole or principal component, would be classified elsewhere, potentially under Heading 3105 if it constitutes a fertilizer mixture, or other headings based on their composition and use. Calcined kieserite, if it has undergone significant processing beyond simple crushing, may also fall outside this natural mineral classification.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 253020?
A common error is misclassifying synthetic or chemically produced magnesium sulphate as natural kieserite or epsomite under HS 253020. Importers often overlook the crucial distinction between naturally occurring minerals and their manufactured counterparts, leading to incorrect tariff assignments. This mistake typically violates General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Another error involves classifying magnesium sulphate that has been significantly processed beyond simple grinding or crushing, potentially altering its "natural" state, which should instead be considered a chemical product under Chapter 28.
How should importers classify products under HS 253020?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 253020 involves verifying the origin and nature of the magnesium sulphate. Importers and customs brokers must confirm that the product is indeed a naturally occurring mineral, specifically kieserite or epsomite, and not a synthetic or chemically manufactured equivalent. This often requires obtaining certificates of analysis or origin from the supplier, clearly stating the product's natural mineral source. Reviewing the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 25.30 is essential to understand the scope. If there is any doubt regarding the natural origin or degree of processing, seeking a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, national customs in the EU) is highly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 2530.20 (Kieserite, epsomite (natural magnesium sulphates)) in major markets?
Import duty rates for HS 2530.20 are often quite favorable due to the nature of these mineral products. For instance, the United States (USITC) generally applies a 'Free' rate for Most Favored Nation (MFN) imports. Similarly, the European Union (EU TARIC) and the United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff) typically apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for MFN imports. However, it is crucial to verify the specific duty rate for the country of import, as some regions or specific trade agreements might have different tariffs, potentially up to 20% ad valorem in certain non-preferential scenarios or for specific trade policy reasons. Always consult the official tariff database of the importing country for the most accurate and current information.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing products under HS 2530.20?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2530.20 is that the product must be 'natural magnesium sulphates,' specifically kieserite or epsomite. This distinguishes it from chemically produced magnesium sulphates (e.g., synthetic Epsom salts), which would typically fall under Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals). The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 25 clarify that this heading covers various mineral substances not elsewhere specified or included. Importers must ensure that their product is indeed naturally occurring and not a synthetic or manufactured chemical compound. Laboratory analysis or a certificate of origin confirming the natural extraction can be crucial for accurate classification.
Are there any common trade agreements that offer preferential duty rates for HS 2530.20, and what documentation is typically required?
Given that the MFN duty rates for HS 2530.20 are often 0.00% or 'Free' in many major economies, the impact of preferential trade agreements on duty rates for this specific code might be less pronounced compared to goods with higher MFN tariffs. However, goods originating from countries with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs with the importing country may still benefit from guaranteed duty-free treatment, even if the MFN rate is already zero. To claim preferential treatment under an FTA or GSP, importers typically need to provide a Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1 for EU agreements, NAFTA/USMCA Certificate for North America, or a GSP Form A), proving that the goods meet the specific rules of origin criteria of that agreement. Customs brokers should advise importers to secure this documentation from their suppliers at the time of export.
What specific documentation, beyond standard shipping documents, might be required for importing kieserite or epsomite under HS 2530.20?
Beyond standard shipping documents like the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of natural magnesium sulphates under HS 2530.20 should be prepared for potential additional requirements. Depending on the end-use and national regulations, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming the purity and composition of the mineral might be requested, especially if it's intended for agricultural (fertilizer) or industrial applications where specific quality standards apply. For products used in agriculture, some countries may require a phytosanitary certificate or a declaration of conformity with fertilizer regulations. A Certificate of Origin, even if the MFN rate is zero, can be beneficial for proving the natural origin and avoiding potential classification disputes or demonstrating compliance with specific trade policies.