Sands; natural, (other than silica and quartz sands), whether or not coloured, (other than metal-bearing sands of chapter 26)

HS code 250590 covers a diverse range of natural sands, excluding silica and quartz sands, as well as metal-bearing sands. These sands are used in a variety of industries, from construction and glass manufacturing to filtration and abrasives. As a key raw material, the global trade in these natural sands plays an important role in the broader economy, supporting infrastructure development, industrial production, and environmental management applications.

The production of natural sands covered under HS code 250590 typically involves the extraction, processing, and refinement of deposits found in riverbeds, beaches, and other natural sources. Key steps include excavation, screening, washing, and in some cases, further processing to remove impurities or achieve specific particle size distributions. The exact techniques may vary depending on the type and quality of the sand being produced.

The primary inputs for the production of natural sands under HS code 250590 are the raw sand deposits themselves, which are sourced from various geological formations. Machinery and equipment, such as excavators, conveyor belts, and processing plants, are also essential inputs for the efficient extraction and processing of these sands. Energy sources, such as electricity or fuel, are required to power the production equipment.

The natural sands produced under HS code 250590 are used in a wide range of applications, including 252010 Construction sand and gravel, 701900 Glass fibers and articles thereof, and 680520 Natural or artificial abrasive powder or grain, on a base of textile material, of paper, of paperboard or of other materials. These sands may also be used in filtration systems, as well as in the production of various construction materials and industrial products.