Slag, granulated (slag sand); from the manufacture or iron or steel

HS code 261800 covers slag, granulated (slag sand) produced as a by-product from the manufacture of iron or steel. This material is an important industrial commodity, finding widespread use in various applications across construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. As a key component in the broader iron and steel industry, the production and trade of slag sand plays a vital role in supporting economic development and growth.

Slag sand is generated during the smelting and refining of iron and steel. The molten slag, a mixture of metal oxides and silicates, is rapidly cooled and solidified, typically by water quenching, to produce a glassy, granular material. This process transforms the slag into a fine, sand-like substance that can be easily handled and transported.

The primary inputs for the production of slag sand are the raw materials used in iron and steel manufacturing, such as iron ore, coal, and limestone. Additionally, the process requires specialized equipment like furnaces, quenching systems, and material handling machinery to facilitate the smelting, granulation, and processing of the slag.

Slag sand produced under HS code 261800 finds numerous applications. It is commonly used as a substitute for natural sand in concrete and construction aggregates, as well as a component in the production of cement. Additionally, slag sand may be utilized in the manufacture of 680500 Abrasives, 251720 Macadam of slag, dross or similar industrial waste, and other industrial products.