Pink Pitted Stone

🍑 Pink Pitted Stone (Processed Natural Stone)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Pink Pitted Stone"?

"Pink Pitted Stone" is a descriptive term often used in the trade of natural building materials. It typically refers to travertine (a form of limestone) with a characteristic porous or "pitted" surface texture, colored pink or rose by nature or treatment. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on the degree of processing and the specific type of stone.

The core distinction lies in whether the stone is merely cut into blocks/slabs (Heading 25) or further worked into monumental/building articles or mosaic cubes (Heading 68).

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the stone is roughly trimmed or merely cut into rectangular blocks/slabs → Classified under Heading 25 (e.g., 2515.11.00.00 or 2515.12.20.00).
- If the stone is worked into specific articles (e.g., tiles, slabs with finished edges, mosaic cubes) → Classified under Heading 68 (e.g., 6802.91.25.00).
- "Pink" Color Note: If the stone is Quartzite artificially colored or naturally pink quartzite, it falls under different subheadings (e.g., 6802.99.00.50). However, "Pitted Stone" strongly suggests Travertine or Marble. If it is Travertine, it enjoys 0% base tariff but faces specific additional duties depending on the HS Code.

📦 Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)

🔍 Important Reminder:
- "Pitted" Texture: Does not change the HS code from 25 to 68 if the stone is merely cut. However, if the "pitting" is a specific manufactured finish for monumental use, it may lean towards 6802.91.25.00.
- "Pink" Color: If the stone is Travertine (common for pitted stones), use 2515.12.20.00 or 6802.91.25.00. If it is Quartzite, use 6802.99.00.50.
- Never Mix Codes: Do not declare Travertine slabs under Quartzite codes to evade taxes; this is customs fraud.

💰 Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Based on provided data)

🎯 1. 2515.11.00.00 —— Marble, Travertine: Crude or Roughly Trimmed

📌 Explanation:
- Raw or roughly cut travertine/marble blocks are subject to a 25% additional duty.
- This is a high-barrier category for raw material importers.

🎯 2. 2515.12.20.00 —— Travertine: Merely Cut into Blocks/Slabs

📌 Explanation:
- Zero Tariff Opportunity!
- If the pink pitted stone is Travertine and is merely sawn into rectangular slabs/blocks, it attracts 0% total duty.
- Critical: Must be "merely cut" (no polishing, no edging, no mosaic cutting). If polished, it moves to Heading 68.

🎯 3. 6802.91.25.00 —— Travertine: Other Worked Stone

📌 Explanation:
- Zero Tariff for Worked Travertine!
- If the stone is Travertine and has been worked (e.g., polished, tumbled, cut into tiles), it still attracts 0% total duty.
- This is a highly favorable classification for finished travertine products.

🎯 4. 6802.99.00.50 —— Other Stone (e.g., Quartzite): Slabs

📌 Explanation:
- High Tariff Trap!
- If the "Pink Pitted Stone" is actually Quartzite (not travertine/marble), it is classified under "Other Stone."
- Total duty is 31.5%. This is significantly higher than travertine codes.
- Do Not Misclassify: Importers often try to mislabel Quartzite as Travertine to avoid this tax. This is risky and subject to customs audit.

🛠️ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (实战避坑指南)

✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Have Documents)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)

🔥 "Travertine Zero, Quartzite High; Cut Slab Free, Worked Stone Free!"

✅ 3. Special Handling Cases

🌍 Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- For US Imports, Travertine (Pink Pitted Stone) is extremely tax-efficient if correctly classified under 2515.12.20.00 or 6802.91.25.00 (0% duty).
- Quartzite is heavily penalized at 31.5%.
- Accuracy in Stone Type Declaration is Critical.

📌 Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring Quartzite as Travertine to avoid 31.5% tax.
👉 Consequence: Customs audit, seizure of goods, heavy fines, and loss of import privileges.

❌ Mistake 2: Declaring Polished Travertine as Raw Slabs (2515.11.00.00).
👉 Consequence: While both are 0% or 25%, misdescription leads to classification disputes. If declared as Raw (2515.11) but found to be Finished (6802), it may trigger audits for other undutiable items.

❌ Mistake 3: Not specifying "Travertine" in the description.
👉 Consequence: Customs defaults to "Other Stone" or requires additional testing, causing delays.

❌ Mistake 4: Assuming "Pink" changes the HS Code.
👉 Consequence: HS Codes are based on material, not color. Color is a descriptive attribute only.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Pink Travertine, Pitted Finish, Polished Slabs, Natural Stone, Model PINK-PT, Origin: Turkey/China"
Use precise HS Code: 6802.91.25.00 or 2515.12.20.00 based on finish.

🎯 Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!

🎯 Remember the Mnemonic:

🔹 "Travertine is Zero, Quartzite is High."
🔹 "Slab or Tile, both Travertine are Zero!"
🔹 "Pink is just a color, Stone Type is the Key!"

📌 Pro Tip:

If your supplier is unsure whether the stone is Travertine or Quartzite, request a Mineral Composition Report. For US Customs, Travertine (Heading 2515/6802.91) is the most tax-efficient path for pink pitted stones.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Verify the Mineral Type with your supplier.
🚀 Apply for Advance Ruling if the stone type is ambiguous.
💼 Precision in Declaration = Maximum Savings!

✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Percent of Tariff Saved is Pure Profit!