🪨 Natural Stone & Articles Thereof

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy

📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand “Natural Stone”?

Natural stone is a broad category including marble, granite, slate, travertine, and other quarried stones. In international trade, classification depends heavily on:

1. Material composition (calcium-based, siliceous, slate, etc.)
2. Form/state (raw, sawn, polished, shaped, or finished products)
3. Intended use (building materials, memorial items, decorative pieces, etc.)

⚠️ Critical Classification Points:
- Raw or roughly squared stone → Often classified under Chapter 25 (e.g., 2515.20.00.00)
- Worked stone (polished, cut, shaped) → Classified under Chapter 68 (e.g., 6802.10.00.00, 6803.00.10.00)
- Slate specifically → May fall under 2515.11.00.00 (if raw/sawn) or 6803.00.10.00 (if worked)

📦 II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Official Tariff对照)

🔍 Key Reminder:
- Raw or sawn stone → Chapter 25 (2515.xxxx)
- Worked, polished, or shaped stone → Chapter 68 (6802.xxxx, 6803.xxxx)
- Slate has dual classification depending on state: raw (2515.11.00.00) vs. worked (6803.00.10.00)

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rates Detailed Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Surcharges)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 6802.10.00.00 — Worked Natural Stone (e.g., Polished/Carved)

📌 Explanation:
- Base 4.8% is the standard MFN rate for worked stone;
- 25% Section 301 applies to Chinese-origin manufactured goods including stone products;
- 10% Section 122 is a new surcharge on certain stone and mineral products from China;
- Total: 48.8% — extremely high, requires proactive cost planning.

🎯 2. 2515.11.00.00 — Raw/Sawn Slate (Blocks or Slabs)

📌 Note:
- Base rate is 0%, but surcharges push it to 35%;
- Applies to slate only in raw/sawn form;
- Section 122 specifically targets Chinese slate exports.

🎯 3. 6803.00.10.00 — Worked Slate Products

📌 Warning:
- Worked slate incurs higher base tariff (3.3%) than raw slate;
- Total 48.3% is among the highest for stone products.

🎯 4. 2515.20.00.00 — Raw/Sawn Marble, Travertine, etc.

📌 Note:
- Applies to marble, travertine, alabaster in raw/sawn form;
- Despite being "raw," surcharges make it nearly as costly as worked stone.

🎯 5. 6802.99.00.90 — Other Worked Natural Stone (Miscellaneous)

📌 Warning:
- This is a catch-all code for worked stone not elsewhere specified;
- Highest base rate (6.5%) leads to 51.5% total — most expensive category.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Mandatory)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Mnemonic)

🔥 "Raw Goes to Ch25, Worked to Ch68, Slate Has Two Faces, De Minimis Is Dead!"

✅ 3. Special Circumstances Handling

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA imposes the highest barriers due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%);
- China, EU, UK, and Australia have significantly lower or no surcharges;
- Consider supply chain diversification if targeting the US market.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood-Tested Lessons)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring worked stone as "raw" to avoid surcharges
👉 Result: Customs audit → Back taxes + penalties + shipment delay

❌ Mistake 2: Misclassifying slate as generic stone
👉 Result: Wrong HS Code → Incorrect tariff (35% vs 48.3%)

❌ Mistake 3: Using vague descriptions like "stone products"
👉 Result: Customs requests clarification → 2–4 weeks delay

❌ Mistake 4: Assuming de minimis applies
👉 Result: De minimis is denied for all stone products from China → Unexpected tax liability

✅ Correct Practice:

"Polished Granite Countertop Slabs, 3cm Thickness, Honey Onyx Color, Worked/Finished, HS 6802.10.00.00"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money

🎯 Remember the Mnemonic:

🔹 "Raw → Ch25, Worked → Ch68, Slate Dual Code, De Minimis Denied!"
🔹 "HS Code Determines Fate, 15% Difference = Thousands in Tax!"

📌 Pro Tip:
- If your stone is originating from Vietnam, India, or Brazil, you may avoid US surcharges entirely;
- Consider Advance Rulings from US Customs (CBP) to lock in HS Code classification before shipment.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Engage a Licensed Customs Broker
📤 Submit Product Photos + Specifications
🏛️ Apply for CBP Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure Smooth Clearance, Minimize Tax, Maximize Profit!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Dollar of Tax Savings is a Dollar of Profit Preserved!