Bentonite Hs Code

Bentonite harmonized system code

Product Overview Bentonite, classified under HS Code 250810, is a naturally occurring absorbent clay primarily composed of montmorillonite minerals. This mineralogical composition imparts high swelling capacity, plasticity, and adsorption properties, making bentonite a versatile industrial material. Physically, bentonite is typically found as fine-grained, off-white to grayish powder or granular forms, with moisture content maintained below 12% to preserve quality. The product undergoes beneficiation processes such as drying, grinding, and screening to meet specific particle size distributions, commonly ranging from 0.1 to 200 microns, depending on end-use requirements. HS Code 250810 encompasses subcategories including sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, and activated bentonite, differentiated by their cation exchange capacities and chemical activation treatments. Commercially, bentonite is widely utilized as a drilling mud additive in oil and gas industries, a clarifying agent in food and beverage processing, and as a binder in foundry and pelletizing applications. Its unique physicochemical properties offer advantages in moisture retention, rheological control, and contaminant adsorption, positioning bentonite as a critical commodity within global industrial supply chains. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications The HS Code 250810 is structured within Chapter 25 (Salt; Sulfur; Earth's Clays and Stone) and specifically designated under heading 2508 for clays, with subheading 250810 identifying bentonite. This classification is based on bentonite’s mineralogical composition and its functional properties as a swelling clay distinct from other clay types. For international trade, bentonite is commonly packaged in moisture-resistant bags or bulk containers, weighing between 25 to 50 kilograms per unit, to ensure product integrity during transit. Preservation methods focus on preventing moisture uptake and contamination, often involving sealed packaging and controlled storage environments. Shipping protocols adhere to WTO standards and customs regulations, requiring accurate documentation of origin, composition, and quality certificates. Quality standards typically reference ISO 13500 series and ASTM D5974 for particle size and swelling index measurements, ensuring consistency and compliance with buyer specifications. These trade-focused parameters facilitate seamless customs clearance, harmonized tariff classification, and reliable supply chain management across import/export operations.

Bentonite Chapter Note

1.- Except where their context or Note 4 to this Chapter otherwise requires, the headings of this Chapter cover only products which are in the crude state or which have been washed (even with chemical substances eliminating the impurities without changing the structure of the product), crushed, ground, powdered, levigated, sifted, screened, concentrated by flotation, magnetic separation or other mechanical or physical processes (except crystallisation), but not products which have been roasted, calcined, obtained by mixing or subjected to processing beyond that mentioned in each heading. The products of this Chapter may contain an added anti-dusting agent, provided that such addition does not render the product particularly suitable for specific use rather than for general use. 2.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Sublimed sulphur, precipitated sulphur or colloidal sulphur (heading 28.02); (b) Earth colours containing 70 % or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2O3 (heading 28.21); (c) Medicaments or other products of Chapter 30; (d) Perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations (Chapter 33); (e) Dolomite ramming mix (heading 38.16); (f) Setts, curbstones or flagstones (heading 68.01); mosaic cubes or the like (heading 68.02); roofing, facing or damp course slates (heading 68.03); (g) Precious or semi-precious stones (heading 71.02 or 71.03); (h) Cultured crystals (other than optical elements) weighing not less than 2.5 g each, of sodium chloride or of magnesium oxide, of heading 38.24; optical elements of sodium chloride or of magnesium oxide (heading 90.01); (ij) Billiard chalks (heading 95.04); or (k) Writing or drawing chalks or tailors' chalks (heading 96.09). 3.- Any products classifiable in heading 25.17 and any other heading of the Chapter are to be classified in heading 25.17. 4.- Heading 25.30 applies, inter alia, to : vermiculite, perlite and chlorites, unexpanded; earth colours, whether or not calcined or mixed together; natural micaceous iron oxides; meerschaum (whether or not in polished pieces); amber; agglomerated meerschaum and agglomerated amber, in plates, rods, sticks or similar forms, not worked after moulding; jet; strontianite (whether or not calcined), other than strontium oxide; broken pieces of pottery, brick or concrete.