Sepiolite Meerschaum Ore
Natural sepiolite clay mineral, known as meerschaum ore, used for pipes and absorbents. It falls under tariff item 2508.40.00 as an 'other clay', explicitly covered in heading 25.30 note but prioritized here if not polished or worked.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the sepiolite is in polished pieces or worked form
Meerschaum is specifically classified under heading 25.30.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the sepiolite is not polished or cut into finished pieces, as that would fall under heading 25.30
• Document the product's crude state and intended use
• Verify that no processing beyond crushing or grinding has occurred
Related Products under Tariff item 2508.40.00
Activated Attapulgite Decolorizing Earth
Activated attapulgite clay, finely ground and treated to maximize its adsorption capacity, is used primarily in oil refining to strip color impurities and contaminants from petroleum products. It qualifies under tariff item 2508.40.00 as an 'other clay' that has undergone only mechanical or physical processing, not chemical alteration beyond activation.
Attapulgite Clay Granules
Granular attapulgite clay in its natural, non-expanded state, used as a suspension agent in pesticides and drilling fluids. It is a natural clay that has not been subjected to processing beyond crushing or grinding, aligning with the scope of heading 25.08.
Attapulgite Drilling Grade Clay
Fibrous attapulgite clay optimized for oil well drilling fluids, providing suspension properties. It is classified under tariff item 2508.40.00 as an 'other clay' in powdered or granular form for industrial use, not calcined or expanded.
Ball Clay for Ceramics
High-plasticity ball clay mined for use in fine porcelain and sanitaryware production. As a natural, unexpanded clay, it falls under 'other clays' in heading 25.08, not being a kaolin or fire clay.
Bentonite Clay Lumps
Natural bentonite clay in lump form, valued for its swelling properties in drilling muds, cat litter, and sealants. It is a natural clay that has not been expanded or processed beyond mechanical means, fitting the scope of 'other clays'.
Bentonite Clay Swellable Grade
Sodium montmorillonite bentonite clay with high swelling capacity, used in drilling muds and sealants. Tariff item 2508.40.00 covers this as an 'other clay', unexpanded and suitable for industrial applications like oilfield services.