Natural Stone (Including Slate) and Its Products
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6802990050 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6802100000 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2515200000 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2515110000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2516900060 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2516110000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
🏗️ Natural Stone (Including Slate) and Its Products
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Natural Stone"?
Natural stone, including marble, travertine, granite, porphyry, basalt, sandstone, and slate, is a critical raw material in construction, monumental works, and interior design. In international trade, it is strictly divided based on material composition, specific gravity, and degree of processing.
1. Calcareous Stone (Marble/Travertine):
Defined by an apparent specific gravity of 2.5 or more. Includes crude, roughly trimmed, or sawn blocks/slabs.
2. Igneous/Metamorphic/Sedimentary Stone (Granite/Sandstone/etc.):
Includes granite, porphyry, basalt, sandstone, etc. Also covers "other monumental or building stone."
3. Worked Stone & Articles:
Includes tiles, cubes (mosaics), slabs, and artificially colored granules/chippings/powder. Excludes slate products classified under 6801.
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- Unprocessed/Roughly Trimmed: Blocks/slabs only. No specific shape other than rectangular. → Chapter 25
- Worked/Finished: Tiles, mosaics, decorative articles, polished slabs with specific dimensions. → Chapter 68
- Slate: If for roofing/paving, often 6801. If for other uses, check 6802.
📦 Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Processing Level |
|---|---|---|---|
2515.11.00.00 |
Marble & Travertine: Crude or roughly trimmed | Raw blocks, rough slabs, quarry output | ✅ Crude/Rough |
2515.20.00.00 |
Other Calcareous Stone: Alabaster & others | Alabaster, limestone blocks, travertine not in 2515.11 | ✅ Crude/Rough |
2516.11.00.00 |
Granite: Crude or roughly trimmed | Raw granite blocks, rough-cut slabs | ✅ Crude/Rough |
2516.90.00.60 |
Other Monumental/Building Stone: Sandstone, Basalt, Porphyry, etc. | Other stone blocks/slabs not specified above | ✅ Crude/Rough |
6802.10.00.00 |
Worked Stone: Tiles/Cubes < 7cm side & Granules/Powder | Mosaic cubes, tiles, crushed stone, decorative chips | ✅ Worked/Processed |
6802.99.00.50 |
Worked Stone: Quartzite Slabs (Other) | Polished/cut quartzite slabs, worked stone articles | ✅ Worked/Processed |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- Chapter 25 (2515/2516): Applies to stone that is only cut into blocks/slabs. No further shaping, polishing, or cutting into specific shapes (like tiles <7cm).
- Chapter 68 (6802): Applies to stone that has been worked (cut into tiles, mosaics, slabs for specific use, or crushed).
- Slate: Slate for roofing/paving is usually 6801. Slate for other works (e.g., tablets) may fall under 6802.
💰 Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties)
✅ Applicable Country: USA (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 2515.11.00.00 —— Marble & Travertine: Crude or Roughly Trimmed
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable (Deny de minimis for stone products from China) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 9903.88.01 → USITC: 2515.11.00.00 |
📌 Explanation:
- The 25% additional tariff is applied under the US Trade Act of 1974, Section 301, targeting Chinese-origin stone products to protect domestic quarrying industries. - Base rate is 0%, but the 25% penalty makes it expensive. - No de minimis exemption: Even small shipments are subject to this duty.
🎯 2. 2515.20.00.00 —— Other Calcareous Stone (Alabaster, etc.)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ✅ Applicable (if value < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | Standard US Tariff Schedule |
📌 Note:
- Alabaster and other calcareous stones not classified as marble/travertine under 2515.11 are exempt from the 301 additional duty. - This is a strategic loophole: If your stone is alabaster or specific limestone not classified as marble, the tariff is 0%.
🎯 3. 2516.11.00.00 —— Granite: Crude or Roughly Trimmed
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 9903.88.01 → USITC: 2516.11.00.00 |
📌 Explanation:
- Granite is heavily targeted. 25% duty applies to crude/rough granite blocks. - Same logic as marble: Protects US granite producers (e.g., Vermont, Georgia quarries).
🎯 4. 2516.90.00.60 —— Other Monumental/Building Stone
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ✅ Applicable (if value < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | Standard US Tariff Schedule |
📌 Note:
- Sandstone, basalt, porphyry, and other "other" stones are exempt from the 301 additional duty. - This is a significant cost advantage if your product can be classified under "other" rather than granite/marble.
🎯 5. 6802.10.00.00 —— Worked Stone: Tiles/Cubes < 7cm & Granules
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ✅ Applicable (if value < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | Standard US Tariff Schedule |
📌 Note:
- Mosaic cubes, tiles, and crushed stone/powder are exempt from the 301 duty. - Strategy: If you produce mosaic tiles or crushed stone, the tariff is 0%.
🎯 6. 6802.99.00.50 —— Worked Stone: Quartzite Slabs
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ✅ Applicable (if value < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | Standard US Tariff Schedule |
📌 Note:
- Worked quartzite slabs are exempt from the 301 duty. - Important: Only applies to quartzite. Marble/granite slabs that are "worked" (e.g., polished, cut to size) may still be subject to duty depending on HS code interpretation. However, the provided data shows 0% for this specific code.
🛠️ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Necessary)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Material type, specific gravity, dimensions, finish (rough/polished) |
| ✅ Photos of Product | ✔️ | Clear images of blocks, slabs, or finished articles. Show texture and cut. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Natural Stone" and HS Code. Avoid vague terms like "Decorative Stone." |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Weight, volume, number of packages. Critical for CIF calculation. |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | Proof of origin. If not China, check for FTA benefits (e.g., Mexico, Australia). |
| ✅ Third-Party Test Report | ✔️ | Specific gravity test (to confirm >2.5 for marble classification), mineral composition. |
| ✅ Customs Bond | ✔️ | Required for formal entry. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Rules)
🔥 "Rough Blocks = Ch25, Worked Goods = Ch68. Be Precise!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Raw granite blocks from quarry | 2516.11.00.00 (25% Duty) |
Declare as "Granite Slabs" → May trigger scrutiny |
| Polished marble tiles for floor | 6802.10.00.00 (0% Duty) |
Declare as "Marble Blocks" → 25% Duty error |
| Mosaic cubes < 7cm | 6802.10.00.00 (0% Duty) |
Declare as "Granite" → 25% Duty error |
| Alabaster sculpture parts | 2515.20.00.00 (0% Duty) |
Declare as "Marble" → 25% Duty error |
| Quartzite slabs | 6802.99.00.50 (0% Duty) |
Declare as "Granite" → 25% Duty error |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Containers | Separate marble/granite (25%) from other stones/quartzite/mosaics (0%). Clear separately if possible to avoid misclassification of entire container. |
| "Quartzite" vs. "Granite" | Quartzite is metamorphic sandstone. Granite is igneous. Provide mineralogical test to prove it's quartzite (0% duty) not granite (25%). |
| Alabaster vs. Marble | Alabaster is a fine-grained gypsum or calcite. If it's calcite but not marble (as defined in 2515.11), use 2515.20.00.00 (0%). |
| OEM/Custom Shapes | If cut into non-rectangular shapes, it may be "worked stone" (Ch68). Check if 0% applies. |
🌍 Part 5: Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 2516.11.00.00 (Granite) |
25% (301 Tariff) | None | High duty on marble/granite. 0% for other stones. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 2516.11.00.00 (Granite) |
2.5% (Standard) | CE Marking (if construction product) | No 301-style penalty. Lower overall cost. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2516.11.00.00 (Granite) |
0% (Import Duty) | CCC (if applicable) | Duty-free import for stone blocks. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 2516.11.00.00 (Granite) |
5% | None | Moderate duty. |
| 🇮🇳 India | 2516.11.00.00 (Granite) |
7.5% | BIS Certification | High duty. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the highest-cost market for marble and granite due to the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Strategy: If targeting USA, consider importing quartzite, sandstone, alabaster, or mosaics (0% duty).
- Alternative: Source from Vietnam, Italy, or India (check local tariffs) to avoid US origin penalties.
📌 Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
❌ Error 1: Declaring "Worked Marble Tiles" as "Marble Blocks" (2515.11.00.00)
👉 Consequence: 25% duty applied incorrectly, but if caught as misclassification, penalties + back taxes. Actually, tiles are 0%, so this is a wrong declaration that overpays tax.
(Wait, if you declare as blocks but they are tiles, you pay 25%. If you declare correctly as tiles, you pay 0%. So error is overpaying.)
❌ Error 2: Declaring "Quartzite Slabs" as "Granite Slabs" (2516.11.00.00)
👉 Consequence: 25% duty instead of 0%. Cost increase by 25%!
❌ Error 3: Not providing Specific Gravity Test for "Calcareous Stone"
👉 Consequence: Customs may reclassify under 2515.20.00.00 (0%) or 2515.11.00.00 (25%) based on guess. Provide test report!
❌ Error 4: Using vague descriptions like "Stone Decor"
👉 Consequence: Customs delay, request for more info, possible inspection. Be specific!
✅ Correct Practice:
"Granite Blocks, Roughly Trimmed, Origin China, HS 2516.11.00.00, Subject to 25% Section 301 Duty"
"Quartzite Slabs, Polished, HS 6802.99.00.50, 0% Duty"
🎯 Part 7: Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves 25%
🎯 Key Takeaway:
🔹 "Marble & Granite = 25% Duty. Quartzite, Alabaster, Mosaics, Other Stones = 0% Duty."
🔹 "Crude Blocks = Ch25. Worked Tiles/Slabs = Ch68. Check HS Code First!"
📌 Pro Tip:
- If your product is Quartzite, Sandstone, Basalt, or Alabaster, you can avoid the 25% duty entirely.
- If you are importing Marble/Granite, budget for 25% additional tariff.
- Pre-Ruling: Apply for an Advance Ruling from US CBP to confirm HS Code and duty rate.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a licensed customs broker.
📄 Provide mineralogical test reports to prove material type.
🚀 Optimize your HS Code to save 25%!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every dollar of duty saved is profit earned!
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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.