2525 - Mica, including splittings; mica waste:

This HTS category, 2525, encompasses natural mica in its various forms, including raw, split, and waste materials. Mica is a group of phyllosilicate minerals known for their unique layered structure, which gives them excellent cleavage, electrical insulation, and thermal resistance properties. This classification applies to mica intended for industrial applications, such as in electrical components, paints, plastics, and cosmetics, as well as raw materials used for further processing.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings within Chapter 25 involves understanding the fundamental composition and characteristics of the goods. While other Chapter 25 headings cover salts, sulfur, various earths, stones, and construction materials like lime and cement, heading 2525 specifically addresses minerals belonging to the mica group. The key differentiating factor is the mineralogical identity of mica, characterized by its lamellar structure and specific chemical composition, as opposed to the inorganic substances or natural mineral aggregates covered by other headings in this chapter.

Within heading 2525, further subdivisions exist to refine the classification based on the physical state and processing of the mica. The subcategories distinguish between crude mica and mica that has been rifted into sheets or splittings (2525.10.00), which represents a primary stage of processing. Mica powder (2525.20.00.00) refers to finely ground mica, typically used as a filler or additive, while mica waste (2525.30.00.00) includes scrap or byproduct materials generated during mica processing, still classified under this heading due to its mica content.