Customs clearance of mineral products: A "long-distance romance" with HS codes.

As a seasoned veteran with 20 years of experience in the import and export industry, I often liken the customs clearance of mineral products to a long-term courtship with HS codes. From salt to petroleum, each mineral product has its own unique "ID number"—the customs tariff code. Today, let me, your "matchmaker," guide you through the art of classifying mineral products and help you find their "perfect code match."

Salt: How to Classify the "White Gold" on the Dining Table

I still remember back in 2008 when I first entered the industry, a client insisted on declaring edible salt as "seasoning," which led to a customs inspection. This experience taught me a profound lesson:

• 2501.0011It is the "exclusive ride" for edible salt.
• Pure sodium chloride is about to "board"2501.0020this train
• Seawater has its own "VIP channel."2501.0030

Interestingly, salt with anti-caking agents still falls under heading 2501, just like a made-up beauty remains a beauty.

Iron Ore: A Customs Clearance Guide for the "Staple Food" of the Steel Industry

In 2015 when handling a shipment of Brazilian iron ore, I almost stumbled on the particle size issue. Classifying iron ore is like a beauty pageant:

• "Petite" category for sizes less than 0.8 millimeters.2601.1110
• The "standard type" classification for 0.8-6.3 millimeters.2601.1120
• The "mature type" that has been sintered is classified as.2601.1200

Remember: Customs sieve is much stricter than a flour sifter!

Coal: The "ID Card" Processing Office for Black Gold

Last year, while helping a Shanxi client export coal, I spent three days researching the classification of coal types. The coal family can be described as "flourishing and populous":

• Anthracite is the "noble," residing2701.1100a mansion
• Coking coal is the "middle class," settling down.2701.1210
• Lignite is categorized as "original state".2702.1000And the "plastic surgery version"2702.2000

Friendly reminder: Ash content exceeding 50%? Then it might not be coal anymore!

Natural Gas: The "Seventy-Two Transformations" of a Transparent Fuel

In 2019, while handling LNG imports, I witnessed the "metamorphosis" of natural gas:

• At -162℃ it transforms into LNG, moving into2711.1100an igloo
• In gaseous state it belongs to2711.2100an apartment

Interestingly, methane, whether "single" or "in a group," belongs to this big family.

Oil: The "Identity Puzzle" of Liquid Gold

Crude oil classification appears simple but hides complexities:

• Crude oil is a "natural beauty," living2709.0000a studio apartment
• Gasoline is a "fashionista," settling in.2710.1210
• Aviation kerosene has a "special pass."2710.1911
• Diesel is the "economically practical man."2710.1923

Remember: 70% is a magic number, and falling below this ratio might mean it's time to "move."

Three golden rules for mineral products clearance

After years of hands-on experience, I have summarized the "Three No's" principle for customs clearance of mineral products:

• No guessing: Each HS code has clear definitions
• No laziness: Frequently consult the Customs Tariff notes and classification decisions
• No waiting: Consult customs promptly when encountering difficulties

Remember,Classification of CustomsJust like being in a relationship, it requires careful nurturing. Rather than dealing with a "breakup" (customs inspection) afterward, it's better to conduct a "background check" (commodity classification) beforehand.

Finally, a piece of advice for everyone:Correct classification is the cornerstone of smooth customs clearance and the best reflection of a foreign trade professionals expertise.May this "Mineral Products Customs Clearance Love Guide" help you achieve success in both the market and your love life on the import-export journey!