Natural Stone Slab
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6802910500 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6802990050 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πͺ¨ Natural Stone Slabs: Marble, Travertine, Alabaster & Quartzite
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Natural Stone Slab"?
In international trade, "Natural Stone Slabs" refer to worked monumental or building stones (excluding slate) and articles thereof. These are primarily used for flooring, wall cladding, countertops, and monumental purposes. The classification depends heavily on the specific type of stone and the form (slabs vs. other shapes).
According to the provided data, these goods fall under Heading 6802: "Worked monumental or building stone (except slate) and articles thereof... Other: Marble, travertine and alabaster; Other stone."
β οΈ Key Distinction: - Marble/Travertine/Alabaster: Classified under
6802.91.05.00. - Quartzite (and other stones not specified above): Classified under6802.99.00.50. - Form: Must be "Slabs" to match the specific descriptions in the data. Other forms (tiles, blocks) may have different subheadings.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Stone Type | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
6802.91.05.00 |
Worked monumental or building stone (except slate): Other: Marble, travertine and alabaster: Marble: Slabs | Marble, Travertine, Alabaster | Slabs |
6802.99.00.50 |
Worked monumental or building stone (except slate): Other: Other stone: Quartzite: Slabs | Quartzite (and other unlisted natural stones) | Slabs |
π Critical Note: - The description for
6802.91.05.00explicitly lists "Marble" under the category of "Marble, travertine and alabaster." - The description for6802.99.00.50explicitly lists "Quartzite" under "Other stone." - Slate is explicitly excluded from Heading 6802 (goes to 6801). - Granules, chippings, and powder are also excluded from this specific slab classification.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Detailed Breakdown)
β Applicable Countries: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Validity: Based on provided data (Current Effective Rates)
π― 1. 6802.91.05.00 ββ Marble, Travertine, and Alabaster Slabs
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Detail | "εΊη‘ε ³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε ³η¨: 0.0%" |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Applicability | β Not Applicable (Generally, stone slabs are high-value, bulky items not qualifying for de minimis) |
π Explanation: - Imported marble, travertine, and alabaster slabs from China currently enjoy zero tariffs in this classification. - This is a significant cost advantage for marble-based products compared to other stone types.
π― 2. 6802.99.00.50 ββ Quartzite and Other Stone Slabs
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 31.5% |
| Tax Detail | "εΊη‘ε ³η¨: 6.5%, ε εΎε ³η¨: 25.0%" |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 31.5% |
| De Minimis Applicability | β Not Applicable |
π Explanation: - Quartzite, Granite, and other "Other Stone" slabs face a high combined tariff of 31.5%. - The 25% additional tariff (Section 301) significantly impacts the landed cost. - Cost Impact: For every $10,000 CIF value, you pay $3,150 in duties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (All Documents Required)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Natural Stone Slabs", specify Marble vs. Quartzite, and unit price. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, dimensions, and number of slabs/pallets. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the finish (polished, honed, flamed) and edges. |
| β Material Certification | βοΈ | Proof of origin (if claiming benefits elsewhere) and stone type verification (to avoid misclassification). |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Standard shipping document. |
β οΈ Crucial Tip:
- Do NOT simply write "Stone Slabs." You must specify "Marble Slabs" or "Quartzite Slabs" because the HS codes differ, and the tax rates are vastly different (0% vs. 31.5%). - Misclassifying Quartzite as Marble to save on tariffs is customs fraud and can lead to severe penalties.
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Decision Matrix)
| Situation | Correct HS Code | Tax Rate | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marble Slabs (Polished/Honed) | 6802.91.05.00 |
0.0% | β Low (Ensure it is truly Marble) |
| Travertine Slabs | 6802.91.05.00 |
0.0% | β Low |
| Alabaster Slabs | 6802.91.05.00 |
0.0% | β Low |
| Quartzite Slabs | 6802.99.00.50 |
31.5% | β οΈ High (High cost impact) |
| Granite Slabs | 6802.99.00.50 |
31.5% | β οΈ High (Assumed under "Other Stone") |
| Slate Slabs | NOT 6802 (Go to 6801) | Different | β οΈ Critical Avoid Misclassification |
π₯ "Name it Right, Save it Light!" - If it's Marble/Travertine/Alabaster β
6802.91.05.00β 0% Tax. - If it's Quartzite/Granite/Other β6802.99.00.50β 31.5% Tax.
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Container | If a container has both Marble and Quartzite slabs, separate declarations are required. Do not lump them together. |
| Finished Products | If the slabs are cut into specific shapes (e.g., pre-cut sink basins, table tops), they may still fall under 6802 if they are "articles thereof," but the description must be precise. Check if they qualify as "fitted" articles. |
| Raw Blocks vs. Slabs | Ensure the product is indeed a Slab (cut to thickness, usually >1cm). If it's a rough block, it may fall under a different heading (e.g., 2515 for Marble blocks). |
| Origin Labeling | Mark each slab with "Made in China" to ensure smooth customs inspection and tariff application. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (CN Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6802.91.05.00 (Marble) / 6802.99.00.50 (Quartzite) |
0% / 31.5% | Major tariff disparity between marble and quartzite. |
| π¨π³ China | Varies | Varies | Import duties may differ; check current Chinese tariff schedule. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6802.91 / 6802.99 | Typically 0-4.5% | No Section 301 equivalent; generally lower tariffs. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6802.91 / 6802.99 | Typically 0-4.5% | Post-Brexit tariffs align with former EU rates. |
π Conclusion: - USA is the most expensive market for Quartzite/Granite slabs due to the 25% additional tariff. - Marble slabs have a significant competitive advantage in the US market (0% duty) compared to other natural stones. - Consider product mix optimization: Prioritize marble/travertine/alabaster exports to the US if tariff reduction is a key goal.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Misclassifying Quartzite as Marble
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties (31.5% vs 0%). Customs will detect via lab tests or detailed inspection, leading to back taxes, penalties, and potential legal action.
β Mistake 2: Writing "Stone Tiles" instead of "Stone Slabs"
π Consequence: Incorrect HS code (tiles may be 6802.93 or 6802.94). Even if the rate is similar, incorrect documentation leads to delays and inspections.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the Slate exclusion
π Consequence: Slate goes to Heading 6801. Using 6802 for slate is wrong and leads to rejection of entry.
β Mistake 4: Failing to separate Marble from Quartzite in mixed shipments
π Consequence: Customs may audit the entire shipment, applying the higher tax rate (31.5%) to the entire container if documentation is unclear.
β Correct Approach:
"Marble Slabs, Polished, White Carrara, 2cm thickness, Made in China"
vs.
"Quartzite Slabs, Honed, Blue Galaxy, 2cm thickness, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ Marble/Travertine/Alabaster Slabs: 0% Tax β HS
6802.91.05.00
πΉ Quartzite/Granite/Other Stone Slabs: 31.5% Tax β HS6802.99.00.50
π― Action Item:
- Verify the stone type before shipping.
- Label documents clearly with the specific stone name.
- Budget accurately for Quartzite exports to the US (factor in 31.5% duty).
- Avoid mixed shipments without proper segregation in documentation.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a customs broker for Advance Ruling if unsure about stone type.
π Optimize your product mix towards marble/alabaster for the US market to maximize profit margins.
β¨ Professional customs clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every dollar of duty saved is pure profit. Get it right the first time!
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) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β 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 β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β 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.