HS Code 251200
6-digit classification for Siliceous Fossil Meals (for…, with duty lookup and 1688 checks before payment
Official description: Siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths, whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less
Also searched as: diatomaceous earth, diatomite, kieselguhr, tripolite, fossil meal, silica powder
Classification
How 251200 breaks down
Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement
Siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths, whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less
Siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths, whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less
Short answer
What HS code 251200 means before paying a 1688 supplier
HS code 251200 is the 6-digit HS 2022 starting point for siliceous fossil meals (for example,…; often searched as diatomaceous earth, diatomite, kieselguhr. Before using it in a landed-cost estimate, confirm the product material, function, destination market, and the official tariff source. Treat any 1688 supplier code as a clue, not the final import classification.
Use
Start with this 6-digit HS code and compare the product's material, function, and use.
Verify
Check the destination market's official HTS, TARIC, commodity-code, duty, VAT, or GST source.
Decide
If classification, documents, or restricted-product risk is unclear, submit the product for a written check.
Covered products
What products fall under HS code 251200?
Buyers sourcing siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr,… from 1688 commonly describe it in these ways. If your product matches, 251200 is likely the right 6-digit starting point — confirm material and intended use against the official tariff.
US import duty · China origin
US import duty for HS 251200
Published USITC HTS rates for siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr,… (251200), aggregated at the 6-digit level. A research estimate — the final rate depends on your full 8-10 digit HTS line.
Base MFN rate
0%
From the US national tariff line under 251200.
Section 301 (China)
+25%
Covered lines under this code carry a Section 301 China surcharge.
Effective China-origin
≈25%
Base rate with applicable 301 surcharges — before MPF/HMF and any trade-action changes.
Source: USITC HTS (base MFN) + Section 301 overlay · data as of 2026-07-05 · rates change with trade actions — always confirm your full 10-digit line on hts.usitc.gov before pricing a product. Other markets (EU/UK/CA/AU/SG) below.
Import duty by market
Where to check the import duty for HS 251200
The 6-digit code is universal, but duty, VAT and GST are set by the destination country and depend on the full national tariff line with China as the country of origin. Start from the official source for your market.
United States
USITC / CBP · Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
European Union
TARIC · Access2Markets
United Kingdom
HMRC · UK Integrated Online Tariff
Canada
CBSA · Canadian Customs Tariff
Australia
ABF · Australian customs tariff
Singapore
Singapore Customs · Singapore Trade Classification (HS)
Compare China-origin duty evidence across supported markets
Use the HS & import duty checker to estimate duty + VAT/GST for 251200 by destination before you pay a 1688 supplier.
Questions
HS code 251200: common questions
What is the US import duty for HS code 251200 from China?
As published in the USITC HTS (data as of 2026-07-05), the base MFN rate for 251200 averages about 0%, and Section 301 China surcharges apply on covered lines (up to +25%), bringing the effective China-origin rate to roughly 25%. This is a research estimate — the final rate depends on your full 8-10 digit HTS line; verify on hts.usitc.gov.
What is HS code 251200?
HS code 251200 is the World Customs Organization 6-digit HS 2022 subheading for "Siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths, whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less". The first two digits (25) are the chapter — Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement — and digits 3-4 (2512) are the heading. Countries add further digits (8-10) for their national tariff line.
What products fall under HS 251200?
Common products classified under 251200 include diatomaceous earth, diatomite, kieselguhr, tripolite, fossil meal, silica powder and similar items matching siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr,…. The correct code still depends on the product's material, function and intended use.
How do I find the import duty for HS code 251200?
Duty is set by the destination country, not by the 6-digit HS code alone. Start from the official tariff of your market — USITC HTS (US), TARIC / Access2Markets (EU), GOV.UK Trade Tariff (UK), CBSA (Canada), ABF (Australia) or Singapore Customs — and look up the full national code with China as the country of origin.
Is HS code 251200 the same in every country?
The first 6 digits (251200) are the same worldwide under the WCO Harmonized System. Beyond that, each country extends the code (HTS in the US, TARIC in the EU, etc.) and sets its own duty and tax rates.
Can I trust the HS code a 1688 supplier gives me?
Treat a supplier-provided code as a clue, not a final classification. It can be incomplete, China-export-specific, or mismatched to your destination's rules. Verify against the official tariff and your product's actual material and use.
Is HSN code 251200 the same as HS code 251200?
Yes at the 6-digit level. India's HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) uses the same WCO base, so HSN 251200 covers the same "siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr,…" scope; India then extends it to 8 digits for GST and customs. Check the Indian Customs tariff (CBIC) for the full national line.
Chapter 25
Explore Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement
Sourcing siliceous fossil meals (for example, kieselguhr,… from 1688?
Get a written pre-payment check — classification clues, China-origin landed cost, and supplier risk — before you commit. 5,754 HS codes covered.