2714 - Bitumen and asphalt, natural; bituminous or oil shale and tar sands; asphaltites and asphaltic rocks:

This HTS category, 2714, encompasses natural bitumen and asphalt, as well as bituminous or oil shale and tar sands. It also includes asphaltites and asphaltic rocks. These are all naturally occurring solid or semi-solid hydrocarbons, often found mixed with mineral matter, and are characterized by their viscous to solid state at ambient temperatures. They are distinct from refined petroleum products and waxes found in other chapters, as they represent raw or minimally processed natural mineral substances.

Unlike sibling categories within Chapter 27 that deal with lighter fuels, oils, or synthetic bituminous mixtures, this chapter specifically focuses on the natural forms of bitumen and related materials. For instance, while chapter 2713 covers petroleum waxes and mineral oils obtained from certain sources, 2714 is dedicated to the naturally occurring, often more solid, asphaltic materials. Similarly, this category is differentiated from manufactured paving materials which might utilize these natural bitumens as a component but would fall under a different classification based on their finished form and primary function.

Within HTS 2714, two primary subcategories exist to further refine the classification. **2714.10.00.00** specifically identifies "Bituminous or oil shale and tar sands," which are heterogeneous mixtures of sand, clay, silt, and water impregnated with bitumen. The residual category, **2714.90.00.00**, covers all other natural bitumens, asphaltites, and asphaltic rocks that do not fit the specific definition of bituminous or oil shale and tar sands. This allows for the precise classification of the diverse range of naturally occurring asphaltic materials.