🏗️ Granite Stone: Global HS Code Classification & 2026 Tariff Deep Dive

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Regime | Professional Import Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Granite Stone"?

Granite is a hard, igneous rock widely used in construction, architectural cladding, countertops, and landscaping. In international trade, it is classified based on its form (raw blocks vs. processed slabs) and finish (roughly dressed vs. polished).

Key Classification Distinctions: * Raw/Rough Granite (2516 Series): Stone in blocks or slices, roughly squared or merely cut by sawing. Core material: Granite. * Processed Granite (6815 / 6802 Series): Stone shaped, cut, or worked into specific forms (tiles, slabs, ornamental pieces) that are no longer "raw stone." * Worked Stone (6802): Shaped, cut, or turned. * Other Mineral Products (6815): Miscellaneous stone products (e.g., specific fittings, non-tile items).

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If the item is raw blocks or rough slabs → 2516 (Raw Stone).
- If the item is cut, polished, or shaped for specific use (tiles, ornamental) → 6802 or 6815 (Processed Stone).
- Material Match: All sub-categories confirm Granite as the core material.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Registry)

Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes for Granite products with their tax implications:

🔍 Key Insight:
- Raw Granite (2516) and Generic Mineral Products (6815) generally fall at 35.0%.
- Heavily Processed/Worked Granite (6802) carries the highest tax at 38.7%.
- Specific Form Granites (2516.12) sit in the middle at 37.8%.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Context: Import from China (CN) to USA (US)
✅ Effective Date: Post-2025 Policy (122 Clause & USITC Surcharges)
✅ Base Tariff: Often 0%, but heavily impacted by Section 301 and Section 122 rules.

🎯 1. Category: Raw & General Mineral Products (35.0% Total)

(Covers HS Codes: 6815.99.41.70, 6815.99.41.10, 2516.11.00.00)

📌 Interpretation:
- Base Duty is 0%, meaning the entire tax burden comes from trade protectionist measures (25% + 10%).
- This applies to raw granite blocks (2516) and general stone products (6815).

🎯 2. Category: Specific Form Granite (37.8% Total)

(Covers HS Code: 2516.12.00.30)

📌 Interpretation:
- Even though the base duty is slightly higher (2.8%), the total tax remains high due to the heavy surcharges.
- This category is for granite with specific forms (e.g., specific sawn sizes).

🎯 3. Category: Processed/Worked Stone (38.7% Total)

(Covers HS Code: 6802.23.00.00)

📌 Interpretation:
- This is the highest tax tier (38.7%).
- Applies to granite that has been cut, shaped, or worked (e.g., polished slabs, tiles, ornamental carvings).
- Strategy Tip: Avoid over-processing in China if possible, or consider sourcing processed goods from non-China origins if eligible.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Risk Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

📌 Critical Warning:
Misdeclaring Worked Stone (6802) as Raw Stone (2516) to get 35% instead of 38.7% is fraud.
Penalty: Seizure, heavy fines, and potential criminal charges.

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (The "Golden Rules")

🔥 Mnemonic: "Shape Determines Rate: Raw = 35, Worked = 38.7, Specific = 37.8"

💡 Tip: If your product is "Granite Countertops" (cut to shape), you must declare as 6802 (38.7%), not 2516.

✅ 3. Special Handling Scenarios

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Context)

📌 Conclusion:
USA is the most expensive market for Chinese Granite due to the 25% Section 301 and 10% Section 122 surcharges.
Strategy: If shipping to the US, minimize "Worked" processing in China if possible, or consider trans-shipment (re-export via non-China country) to avoid surcharges (subject to strict rules).

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring Polished Countertops as Raw Blocks (2516).
👉 Result: 35% rate vs. actual 38.7%. Customs will seize goods for misclassification.
👉 Correction: Always declare as 6802.23.00.00 for finished shapes.

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the "122 Clause".
👉 Result: Underestimating total tax by 10%.
👉 Correction: Add 10% to your cost model immediately.

❌ Mistake 3: Mixing Granite with Marble in one HS Code.
👉 Result: 2516.11 is Granite; 2515.2 is Marble. Different codes, different taxes.
👉 Correction: Separate shipments or clear documentation for each material type.

🎯 VII. Final Conclusion: Precision is Profit!

🎯 Remember the Golden Rules:

🔹 "Raw = 35%, Worked = 38.7%" (China Origin)
🔹 "Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) = 35% Total (for Raw)"
🔹 "Shape is King: Define 'Worked' vs 'Raw' clearly!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your granite is pre-cut in China (Worked), expect 38.7%.
If it is raw blocks shipped and cut locally in the US, expect 35.0%.
Consult a Customs Broker before shipping to optimize the HS Code choice.

📣 Take Action Now:

📞 Contact a Licensed Broker + Send Product Specs + Verify Origin
🚀 Secure your clearance, avoid delays, and protect your margins!

✨ Professional Classification Saves Thousands!
💼 Every percentage point counts in the Granite Trade!