Natural Asphalt Stone
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2714100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2714900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6807100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6807900050 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2715000000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
🪨 Natural Asphalt Stone (Bituminous Aggregates)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Natural Asphalt Stone"?
Natural Asphalt Stone, often referred to in trade as Gilsonite, Lake Asphalt, or Natural Asphaltite, is a naturally occurring solid fossil fuel. Unlike refined petroleum asphalt (bitumen), which is derived from crude oil processing, this material forms through the natural geological oxidation and polymerization of petroleum within the earth's crust.
In international trade, it is not classified under the "Bitumen/Asphalt" chapters (like 2714) because it is a natural solid mineral. Instead, it is classified under Chapter 25: Salt; Sulfurs; Earths and Stone; Plastering Materials, Lime and Cement.
⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If the product is a solid, naturally occurring bituminous rock (e.g., Gilsonite chunks, granules) → Chapter 25.
- If the product is a liquid or semi-solid refined asphalt cement (e.g., paving grade) → Chapter 2714.
- Critical Note: The provided data indicates classification under Heading 2517, which covers "Pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone...". This implies the "Natural Asphalt Stone" in this specific context is being treated as a construction aggregate or ballast material (crushed/granular form) rather than a chemical raw material or pure bitumen product.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
Based on the <DATA> provided, the product falls under Heading 2517. Specifically, it is classified into two primary subcategories depending on the physical form (granules/chippings vs. tarred macadam).
📊 Classification Matrix
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristics | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
2517.10.00.15 |
Pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone; Pebbles and gravel | Natural asphalt in the form of pebbles, gravel, or crushed aggregates. Typically used for road metalling, railway ballast, or concrete aggregates. | Road construction, base layers, drainage layers. |
2517.30.00.00 |
Tarred macadam | Asphalt aggregates that have been coated with tar or bitumen. "Tarred macadam" refers to a mixture of stone and tar/bitumen binder. | High-grade road surfacing, specialized flooring. |
🔍 Why 2517?
Although "Natural Asphalt" is bituminous, customs authorities often classify solid, crushed natural asphaltite used for construction purposes (like road base or ballast) under 2517 ("Pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone... of a kind commonly used for concrete aggregates, for road metalling, or for railway or other ballast").
- It is not 2714 (Bitumen) because it is a natural solid rock used as aggregate.
- It is not 2515/2516 because those are for marble/granite, whereas 2517 covers "stones" broadly including bituminous aggregates for construction.
💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rate Details (Detailed Tax Breakdown)
✅ Applicable Market: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Post-2025 Trade Policies
The provided <DATA> indicates a total tax rate of 25.0% for both HS codes. Here is the detailed breakdown:
🎯 1. 2517.10.00.15 — Natural Asphalt (Crushed/Gravel Form)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (General Ad Valorem for aggregates under 2517) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable (Section 301 goods are generally excluded from de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2517.10.00.15 → Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- The Base Rate is 0% because construction aggregates (gravel, stone) are typically duty-free to encourage infrastructure development.
- The 25% Additional Tariff is imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against Chinese goods.
- Total Cost Impact: For every $100,000 of CIF value, you pay $25,000 in duties.
🎯 2. 2517.30.00.00 — Tarred Macadam (Asphalt-Coated Aggregate)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (General Ad Valorem for macadam) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2517.30.00.00 → Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- Similar to crushed gravel, tarred macadam is treated as a construction material.
- The 0% base rate reflects its utility as infrastructure material.
- The 25% additional tariff applies uniformly to Chinese-origin goods under current trade policies.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | ✅ | Must clearly state "Natural Asphalt Stone" or "Crushed Gilsonite" and HS Code. |
| Packing List | ✅ | Detail weight (Gross/Net) and packaging type (e.g., bulk, bagged). |
| Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✅ | To prove origin (China). If origin is non-US/China, check for FTA benefits (though 2517 is rarely tariff-free for China). |
| Product Specification Sheet | ✅ | Crucial: Describe physical form (pebbles, crushed, granular) and composition. Confirm it is natural, not refined bitumen. |
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | ✅ | Standard shipping document. |
| Import License | ❌ | Generally not required for aggregates, but check local environmental regulations. |
⚠️ Critical Tip: Do NOT describe the product as "Bitumen" or "Asphalt Cement" if it is solid natural rock. This could lead to misclassification under 2714, which has different duties and EPA/EPA regulations for liquids/pastes. Stick to "Natural Asphalt Aggregate" or "Crushed Bituminous Rock".
✅ 2. Classification Strategy & Avoidance
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong HS Code | Consequence of Error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid natural asphalt, crushed for roads | 2517.10.00.15 |
2714.90.00.00 (Bitumen) |
Higher duty risk (Bitumen may have 3-5% base + 301), plus potential EPA fines for misreporting chemical vs. mineral. |
| Asphalt mixed with tar/binder for surface | 2517.30.00.00 |
2517.10.00.15 |
Minor duty difference (both 25%), but compliance risk if product doesn't match "gravel" description. |
| Refined liquid asphalt | 2714.90.00.00 |
2517.10.00.15 |
Major Error: Liquid vs. Solid. Liquid asphalt is chemically different. Misclassification leads to seizures. |
🔥 Key Phrase for Customs:
"Natural solid bituminous rock, crushed into gravel size, used as road aggregate. Not refined bitumen. Not liquid asphalt."
✅ 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed with Soil/Debris | Ensure purity is declared. If >5% foreign material, customs may reject or reclassify. |
| Import for Research | If small quantity for lab testing, declare as "Sample – Not for Resale" to potentially avoid full duties (though 301 may still apply). |
| Transshipment | If shipped via Vietnam/Malaysia, DO NOT claim non-origin unless substantial transformation occurred. Section 301 rules are strict; transshipment without processing triggers penalties. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 2517.10.00.15 / 2517.30.00.00 |
25% (0% base + 25% 301) | High duty due to Section 301. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2517.10.00.00 |
0% - 5% | China imports natural asphalt. Check local VAT (13%). |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 2517.10.00 |
0% | Generally duty-free for aggregates. No 301 equivalent. |
| 🇮🇳 India | 2517.10.00 |
0% - 7.5% | Check anti-dumping duties if applicable. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 2517.10.00 |
5% | Standard MFN rate. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA: Most expensive due to 25% additional tariff.
- EU/India: Favorable duty rates. Consider alternative routing if logistics allow (though origin labeling is critical).
- China: Often exports natural asphalt (e.g., from Xinjiang). If importing into China, rates are low.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Natural Asphalt Stone" as "Petroleum Coke" or "Bitumen"
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code, potential EPA violations, fines for misdeclared hazardous materials. Natural asphalt is a mineral, not a refined oil product.
❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the "Crushed/Gravel" vs. "Raw Rock" distinction
👉 Consequence: If the stone is large boulders, it may fall under 2517.20.00.00 (Cobbles, etc.), but if it's crushed, it's 2517.10.00.15. Ensure description matches physical state.
❌ Mistake 3: Assuming 0% Duty means 0% Tax
👉 Consequence: The 25% Section 301 tariff is hidden in the "Additional" column. Total landed cost includes this! Many importers underestimate total duty.
✅ Correct Approach:
"Natural Asphaltite, Crushed, for Road Aggregate, HS 2517.10.00.15, Subject to 25% Section 301 Duty"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Efficiency!
🎯 Key Takeaways:
🔹 "Natural Asphalt is Mineral, Not Oil!" → Use Chapter 25, not 2714.
🔹 "Crushed for Road?" → 2517.10.00.15 is your best fit.
🔹 "Tarred?" → 2517.30.00.00.
🔹 "25% Duty is Real!" → Factor in Section 301 costs in your margin calculation.
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider applying for a Section 301 Exclusion (if available for specific descriptions) or explore Origin Sourcing from non-China countries (e.g., Kazakhstan, USA domestic) to avoid the 25% tariff.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Consult with a licensed customs broker to verify the physical form of your Natural Asphalt Stone.
📄 Ensure your invoice clearly states "Natural Solid Bituminous Rock, Crushed" to avoid EPA/Customs confusion.
🚀 Accurate Classification = Smooth Clearance = Predictable Costs!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Your Profit Margin Depends on Every Percent of Duty!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.