Processed Stone Products

🪨 Processed Stone Products (Shi Zhi Pin / Jia Gong Shi Liao)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategies
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Processed Stone"?

Processed Stone Products refer to natural stone materials (such as marble, limestone, granite, etc.) that have undergone mechanical or chemical processing. Unlike raw quarried stone, these products have been cut, polished, carved, or shaped for specific uses in construction, decoration, or memorial purposes.

In international trade, the classification depends heavily on the degree of processing and the specific stone type:

1. Basic Processing (Cut/Polished Blocks/Slabs):
Usually falls under Chapter 68, specifically within Heading 6802 (Worked Stone) or 6815 (Articles of Stone). 2. Specific Stone Types (e.g., Marble, Limestone):
If the stone is identified as Marble, Travertine (Limestone), or Alabaster, specific subheadings in 6802.91.15.00 apply. 3. General/Other Stone Products:
If the stone type is unspecified or is a composite/mineral mix not covered by specific headings, it falls under the "basket" categories in 6815.99 or 6802.99.00.90.

⚠️ Key Distinction Points:
- If the product is Marble, Travertine, or Alabaster → Look at 6802.91.15.00.
- If it is Other Worked Stone (Granite, Quartz, etc.) → Look at 6802.99.00.90 or 6815.99.
- If it is a General Stone Article (non-structural, decorative items) → Look at 6815.99.20.00 or 6815.99.41.70.

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

🔍 Key Reminder:
- "Processed Stone Products" (石制品) is a broad term. If the specific stone type is not Marble, Travertine, or Alabaster, you must avoid 6802.91.15.00.
- If the product is a building block/stone (even processed), it may fall under 6801.00.00.00, but 6815.99 and 6802.99 are more common for finished "articles."
- 6815.99 codes are "catch-all" categories for stone articles that don't fit the specific building/monument categories of 6802.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)

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

🎯 1. 6815.99.20.00 & 6815.99.41.70 —— General Stone Articles (Other/NEs)

These two codes cover general processed stone products that do not fall under specific building stone categories.

📌 Explanation:
- The 25% USITC duty is the standard Section 301 tariff for many Chinese goods.
- The 10% IEEPA duty is a new/additional layer targeting Chinese imports starting in late 2025.
- Total 35% is a significant cost factor. Ensure your invoice clearly describes the product as "Processed Stone Articles" to avoid misclassification.

🎯 2. 6801.00.00.00 —— Natural Stone for Paving/Building (Inferred)

This code is used when "Processed Stone" is inferred to be natural stone for construction/paving, even if not explicitly stated as "paving."

📌 Note:
- Higher than 6815.99 because the Base Rate is 2.8% instead of 0%.
- Use this only if the product is clearly a paving stone, cobblestone, or structural building stone. If it’s a decorative item, this code may be rejected by customs.

🎯 3. 6802.99.00.90 —— Other Worked Stone (NEs)

This is the standard "catch-all" for worked stone that isn't Marble, Travertine, or Alabaster (which would be 6802.91).

📌 Warning:
- This has the highest base rate (6.5%) among the general stone codes.
- Use this for Granite, Quartz, or Other Stones that are worked/cut but not used as paving stones (6801) or general articles (6815).
- If your product is a simple statue or artifact, 6815.99 (35%) is cheaper than 6802.99.00.90 (41.5%).

🎯 4. 6802.91.15.00 —— Worked Marble, Travertine, Alabaster

This is the specific code for the three named stones.

📌 Critical Point:
- Only use this if the product is Marble, Travertine (Limestone), or Alabaster.
- If you export Granite and use this code, customs will reject it.
- The total rate (39.9%) is slightly lower than 6802.99.00.90 (41.5%) due to a lower base rate (4.9% vs 6.5%), but higher than 6815.99 (35%).

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)

🔥 "Specify the Stone, Define the Shape, Avoid Vague Terms!"

✅ 3. Special Case Handling

🌍 V. Global Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the highest cost market for processed stone due to the 35-41.5% total tariff burden.
- EU/UK are significantly cheaper for clearance, with base rates often under 3%.
- Always verify the exact stone type before declaring to 6802.91.15.00 to avoid penalties.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring Granite as Marble (6802.91.15.00)
👉 Consequence: Customs reclassifies, applies correct rate (41.5% or 39.9% depending on other factors), plus penalties.
👉 Fix: Use precise mineral names.

❌ Mistake 2: Declaring Concrete Blocks as Stone Products (6815.99)
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS code. Concrete is usually 6810. Misclassification leads to audit.
👉 Fix: Declare as "Concrete Building Products."

❌ Mistake 3: Using "Stone" as the only description
👉 Consequence: Customs lacks information to classify. Shipment held.
👉 Fix: Use "Processed Granite Statues" or "Worked Marble Slabs."

❌ Mistake 4: Ignoring IEEPA 10%
👉 Consequence: Underestimating landed cost.
👉 Fix: Factor in 35-41.5% total duty for US imports from China.

✅ Correct Declaration Example:

"Processed Granite Countertop Slabs, Polished Finish, 3cm Thickness, for Kitchen Use. HS: 6802.99.00.90"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification, Profit in Clearance

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Stone Type First, Shape Second, Code Third, Duty Fourth!"
🔹 "Marble/Limestone → 6802.91.15.00; Other Worked → 6802.99.00.90; General Articles → 6815.99.20.00!"
🔹 "US Tariffs are 35-41.5%; Plan Your Pricing Accordingly!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your stone products are imported from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions or lower Section 301 rates.
Always request an Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) for high-value shipments to ensure correct classification.

📣 Action Required:

📞 Contact your customs broker with precise product specs!
📸 Provide clear photos of the product and packaging!
🚀 Ensure your invoice matches the HS Code description exactly!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Percent of Tariff Matters – Save Your Profit!