HS 680620 Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag and similar expanded mineral materials (including intermixtures thereof)
Quick Answer: Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag, and similar expanded mineral materials imported under HS 6806.20 enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US at 30% ad valorem under the MFN rate. This classification covers lightweight, porous mineral aggregates produced by heating and expanding natural vermiculite, clay, or slag. These materials are commonly used in construction for insulation and lightweight concrete, as well as in horticulture for soil conditioning. Importers should be aware of the significant duty differential for the US market. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial for accurate duty assessment across these major trading blocs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6806200000 | — | — | — |
| 6806201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 6806209000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6806201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 6806200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 6806209000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6806200000 | 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 680620 cover?
This subheading covers exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag, and similar expanded mineral materials, including their intermixtures. As defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these materials are characterized by their significant expansion in volume due to heating, resulting in a lightweight, porous structure. For example, exfoliated vermiculite, often used as insulation or a soil amendment, is derived from heating vermiculite ore. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database provide specific product descriptions and examples within this category.
What falls outside HS 680620?
The following products are excluded from HS 680620: raw or unprocessed mineral materials, such as unexpanded vermiculite ore or unexpanded clay. Also excluded are manufactured articles incorporating these expanded materials, such as pre-formed insulation boards or refractory bricks, which would be classified under their respective headings based on their primary function or material composition. For instance, a finished insulation panel made with expanded clay would likely be classified under Chapter 68 or Chapter 69, depending on its primary constituent material and form.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 680620?
A common error is misclassifying raw or unprocessed mineral ores that have not undergone the expansion process required by the heading. For example, unexpanded vermiculite ore, which has not been heated to cause exfoliation, should not be classified under 6806.20. Another mistake involves classifying finished products made from these expanded materials, such as lightweight concrete blocks, under this subheading instead of a more specific heading that accounts for the finished article, adhering to General Interpretative Rule 1 and 3 of the Harmonized System.
How should importers classify products under HS 680620?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 680620 involves first determining if the material is a mineral substance that has undergone an expansion process, such as exfoliation or foaming. Importers and customs brokers must consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, to verify the characteristics of the product. Reviewing product specifications, manufacturing processes, and any available laboratory analyses is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 680620?
A shipment of 10 metric tons of exfoliated vermiculite, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $250.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 5.0% = $250.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 6806.20.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 680620?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 680620, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 680620?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 680620 is generally 0.00% ad valorem in many major economies. However, specific preferential rates may apply under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may benefit from duty-free entry. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and any applicable trade agreements to confirm the exact duty rate.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 680620?
HS code 680620 covers 'Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag and similar expanded mineral materials (including intermixtures thereof)'. The primary classification criterion is that the material must be a mineral-based substance that has undergone an expansion process, typically through heating, causing it to become lightweight and porous. This includes materials like exfoliated vermiculite (vermiculite that has been heated to expand its layers), expanded clay aggregates (like LECA), and foamed slag (a byproduct of iron smelting that has been aerated). The material should not be primarily used as a filler or aggregate in construction unless it meets the specific description of expanded mineral materials.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 680620?
Standard import documentation for HS code 680620 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, and value of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and the origin of the goods, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or technical datasheets might also be requested to verify the nature and properties of the expanded mineral material, especially if it has specific industrial applications or environmental considerations.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 680620 if a duty rate other than 0% applies?
If a duty rate other than 0% applies, the duty is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate for HS 680620 in a particular country is 3.5% ad valorem, and you import 10 metric tons of expanded clay valued at $500 per metric ton, the total customs value would be 10,000 kg * $500/1000 kg = $5,000. The import duty would then be calculated as 3.5% of $5,000, which equals $175. Some countries may also have compound duties involving specific rates per unit (e.g., per kilogram), but for this HS code, ad valorem is most common.
Are there specific trade agreements that commonly provide duty-free entry for HS code 680620?
Yes, several trade agreements can facilitate duty-free entry for goods classified under HS code 680620, provided the goods meet the rules of origin. For example, goods originating from Canada or Mexico imported into the United States are typically duty-free under the USMCA. Similarly, within the European Union, goods traded between member states are generally not subject to customs duties. Importers should verify the specific rules of origin and eligibility criteria for each trade agreement relevant to their import transaction, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) or bilateral agreements between countries.