From Nature to National Borders: The Art of Customs Classification for Mineral Products

 

 

Mineral products are those derived from mineral resources through mining or processing, thereby removing them from their natural state. Gas and oil are considered minerals, and the classification of minerals is all-encompassing. In recent years, our country has exhibited strong growth in the import and export of mineral products. Next, the editor will guide you through the customs classification of mineral products.

1. Salt

 

 

 

 

Salt, an indispensable part of our daily lives, plays a crucial role not only in cooking but also in human health, industrial production, and various other fields. Abundant natural salt deposits exist on Earth, and refined salt is produced by mining and processing these ores.

Classification Recommendation: According to the 2024 edition of the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the "Tariff") under heading 2501, which describes "Salt (including refined and denatured salt) and pure sodium chloride, whether in aqueous solution or not, and whether anti-caking or loosening agents are added; seawater," edible salt should be classified under 2501.0011, pure sodium chloride under 2501.0020, and seawater under 2501.0030.

2. Iron ore

 

 

 

 

Iron ore, also known as iron mineral sand, refers to ore containing economically viable iron elements. It is the most prevalent form of iron (Fe) in nature and serves as the primary raw material for iron extraction. As a raw material for steel production, iron ore is a major resource commodity, second only to crude oil in importance.

Classification Recommendation: Depending on iron content and processing levels, there are various types of iron ore, including hematite, limonite, and pellet ore. According to the Tariff, these varieties should all be classified under heading 26.01, "Iron Ore and Concentrates, Including Roasted Pyrite." Specifically, unsintered iron ore with an average particle size below 0.8 mm should be classified under tariff code 2601.1110, unsintered ore with an average particle size between 0.8 mm and 6.3 mm under tariff code 2601.1120, and sintered ore under tariff code 2601.1200.

3. Coal

 

 

 

 

Coal is a carbon-rich, solid, combustible organic sedimentary rock primarily formed from plant remains through coalification. It contains a certain amount of minerals, with an ash yield of 50% or less (on a dry basis). It is often referred to as "black gold."

Classification Recommendation: According to heading 2701 of the Tariff, which describes "Coal; briquettes, coke, and similar solid fuels made from coal," anthracite should be classified under 2701.1100, coking coal under 2701.1210, and coal briquettes, coke, and similar solid fuels made from coal under 2701.2000. According to heading 2702 of the Tariff, which describes "Lignite, whether or not shaped, but excluding jet," pulverized lignite that is not shaped should be classified under 2702.1000, and shaped lignite should be classified under 2702.2000.

4. Natural gas

 

 

 

 

In petroleum geology, natural gas is defined as a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons and non-hydrocarbons that naturally exist in porous strata beneath the Earth's surface. This includes conventional natural gas (associated gas and field gas) and unconventional gas (such as tight sandstone gas, coalbed gas, shale gas, mud volcano gas, and biogenic gas). The primary components of natural gas are alkanes, with methane constituting the vast majority (over 85%). It also contains smaller quantities of ethane, propane, and butane. Additionally, natural gas typically includes hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water vapor, trace amounts of carbon monoxide, and rare gases such as helium and argon. When natural gas is cooled to approximately -162°C at atmospheric pressure, it transitions from a gaseous state to a liquid state, known as liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG has a high ignition point, making it difficult to ignite directly. Moreover, due to its lower density compared to air, any leakage into the environment will quickly evaporate and dissipate, minimizing the risk of accumulation and subsequent explosions. This makes LNG relatively safer compared to other fuels.

Classification Recommendation: According to the Tariff, natural gas is categorized under heading 27.11, "Petroleum Gases and Other Gaseous Hydrocarbons." This category includes gaseous crude hydrocarbons derived from natural gas or petroleum, as well as those produced through chemical methods, including methane regardless of its purity. Based on its state, natural gas is classified into two types: liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gaseous natural gas. Liquefied natural gas is classified under tariff code 2711.1100, while gaseous natural gas falls under tariff code 2711.2100.

5. Petroleum

 

 

 

 

Unprocessed and untreated oil is generally referred to as crude oil. It is a blackish-brown liquid with green fluorescence, a distinct odor, and a viscous consistency. Crude oil is a mixture of various liquid hydrocarbons, including alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and olefins, with carbon and hydrogen as its primary components.

Classification Recommendation: According to the Tariff, heading 2709 encompasses "Crude Petroleum and Oils Obtained from Bituminous Minerals" (for example, shale, limestone, mineral sand). This category includes crude oil and oils derived from bituminous minerals, regardless of their composition or whether they are obtained from conventional oil fields, condensate fields, or through the dry distillation of bituminous minerals. According to heading 2710 of the Tariff, which describes "Petroleum Oils and Oils Obtained from Bituminous Minerals, Other than Crude Oil; Other Products Not Elsewhere Specified, Containing as a Basic Component (by weight, not less than 70%) Such Oils; Waste Oils," automotive gasoline and aviation gasoline should be classified under tariff No. 2710.1210, aviation kerosene under 2710.1911, and commonly used diesel should be classified under tariff No. 2710.1923.

Note: Some images in this document are sourced from the internet.

 

 

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