Stone; setts, curbstones and flagstones, of natural stone (except slate)

HS code 680100 covers a diverse range of natural stone products, including setts, curbstones, and flagstones. These materials are widely used in construction, landscaping, and urban infrastructure projects, playing a crucial role in the built environment. The global demand for these natural stone products is driven by factors such as urbanization, infrastructure development, and the growing preference for sustainable and durable building materials.

The production of natural stone products under HS code 680100 typically involves quarrying, cutting, and shaping the raw stone materials. Quarrying techniques may include blasting, drilling, and excavation to extract the desired stone blocks from the earth. These blocks are then transported to processing facilities where they are cut, trimmed, and polished using specialized machinery and tools to create the desired shapes and finishes, such as setts, curbstones, and flagstones.

The main inputs required for the production of natural stone products under HS code 680100 include the raw stone materials, such as granite, limestone, and sandstone, which are sourced from quarries. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized machinery and equipment for quarrying, cutting, and shaping the stone, as well as tools and abrasives for polishing and finishing the products. Energy sources, such as electricity or fuel, are also essential for powering the production processes.

The primary outputs of the industry covered by HS code 680100 are setts, curbstones, and flagstones made from various types of natural stone. These products are widely used in construction, landscaping, and urban infrastructure projects, such as 680200 (Tiles, cubes and similar articles of natural stone, whether or not rectangular (including square), the largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is less than 7 cm; artificially colored granules, chippings and powder, of natural stone), 680291 Marble, travertine and alabaster, simply cut or sawn, with a flat or even surface, and 680293 Granite, simply cut or sawn, with a flat or even surface.