HS Code 2512Siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths; whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less
1 six-digit code · Heading 12 of 29 in Chapter 25 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 2512 is the customs heading for diatomite, also called diatomaceous earth or kieselguhr. Here is what it includes, how to separate it from nearby headings and how to trace the trade.
Heading 2512does not subdivide further in the WCO nomenclature: goods answering to “Siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths; whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less” classify at the single six-digit code 251200. The heading is number 12 of 29 in Chapter 25, Salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement, which runs to 67 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 2512
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 251200 | Siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths; whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less |
What HS code 2512 covers
This heading is for a light, powdery rock made from the tiny shells of ancient water plants. The shells are rich in silica. Traders know the rock as kieselguhr, tripolite, diatomite or diatomaceous earth. The heading also takes in similar siliceous earths.
The goods may be raw or calcined, which means heated. Both forms fit. The one firm limit is weight. This compares the material with water. Light material passes the test.
Some people write HSN code 2512. This is the same heading under the name used in India. It sits in the Mineral Products section of the Harmonized System.
How to tell 2512 from nearby headings
Mistakes happen because many mineral powders look alike. Ask three questions: what is the material, how heavy is it and what is it used for.
Natural sands go to heading 2505. If your product is sand and not a fossil meal, it belongs there. That is hard rock, often cut into blocks or slabs. Diatomite is a soft, light earth, so it does not fit.
Pumice is light too, but it is a volcanic stone used to grind and polish. Diatomite is a fossil earth. That difference decides the heading.
Heading 2530 is a catch-all for mineral substances not named elsewhere. Use it only when nothing else fits. Diatomite is named in 2512, so it should not end up there.
A siliceous earth that is heavier than the weight limit is not a fossil meal of this heading. If you are unsure, test your product description with the classifier.
Customs duty, tariff and GST for this heading
Many people search for the customs duty, tariff or GST rate. The six-digit code 251200 is shared by every country that uses the Harmonized System. The tax is not shared. Each country sets its own duty and sales tax, and can change them.
Many countries add more digits to make a longer national code. The duty is then charged on that national line. For imports into India, check the Indian tariff schedule for the current line and rate before you quote a price.
This page does not list duty or GST rates. To see how traders describe and file their goods, open the live records for this heading on EximDataX.
Import and export data, and how to find diatomite buyers and suppliers
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
An exporter can use this to find firms that buy diatomite. A buyer can use it to find firms that sell it. Start with the import data or the export data.
Nearby headings in Chapter 25
- 2506Quartz; (other than natural sands), quartzite, whether or not roughly trimmed…2 codes
- 2507Kaolin and other kaolinic clays; whether or not calcined1 code
- 2508Clays; (not including expanded clays of heading no. 6806), andalusite kyanite…6 codes
- 2509Chalk1 code
- 2510Natural calcium phosphates; natural aluminium calcium phosphates and…2 codes
- 2511Natural barium sulphate (barytes); natural barium carbonate, (witherite)…2 codes
- 2513Pumice stone; emery; natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural…2 codes
- 2514Slate, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise…1 code
- 2515Marble, travertine, ecaussine and other calcareous stone; of an apparent…3 codes
- 2516Granite, porphyry, basalt, sandstone, other monumental and building stone…4 codes
- 2517Pebbles, gravel, crushed stone for concrete aggregates for road or railway…5 codes
- 2518Dolomite, whether or not calcined or sintered, including dolomite roughly…2 codes
Who ships under 2512?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the code beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section V: Mineral Products, chapters 25–27.
HS Code 2512: common questions
What is HS code 2512?
It is a customs heading for light fossil earths made from tiny shells, such as kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite. Calcined or raw goods can fit, if they are light enough.
What is the HS code for diatomaceous earth (diatomite)?
Diatomite is named in heading 2512. Its six-digit code is 251200.
Does heading 2512 have subheadings?
No. The Harmonized System gives it one six-digit code. Some countries add extra digits for their own tariff.
What is the difference between HS 2512 and 2513?
Heading 2513 is for pumice, emery, natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives.
Is calcined diatomite classified under 2512?
Yes. The heading says "whether or not calcined", so heated and unheated diatomite both fit. The weight limit still applies.
What is the duty or GST rate for heading 2512?
Each country sets its own rate on its national tariff line. Check the local tariff schedule or use the HS code classifier to find the right line.
How can I find importers and exporters of diatomite?
Then use the buyer and supplier data to see company names.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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