Exporting Natural Stone — Documentation, HS Codes, and What Buyers Expect

The Document Set Every Stone Export Needs

A complete stone export documentation set includes: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, bill of lading (or airway bill), and, in some cases, a phytosanitary certificate (if wood crating is used) and a test/quality certificate. Missing any of these can cause costly customs holds at the destination port.

HS Codes for Natural Stone

Using the correct Harmonised System (HS) code is essential for accurate customs duty calculation. The most common codes for natural stone exports:

• 2515 — Marble, travertine, and other calcareous monumental or building stone (worked or raw)
• 2516 — Granite, porphyry, basalt, sandstone, and other monumental/building stone (worked or raw)
• 6802 — Worked monumental or building stone and articles thereof (cut, shaped, or worked: slabs, tiles, countertops)
• 6803 — Worked slate and articles of slate

The 4-digit heading becomes 6–10 digits in practice, depending on the destination country's tariff schedule. Always verify with the destination country's customs authority or a local customs broker.

Certificate of Origin

Most destination countries require a Certificate of Origin (COO) to apply preferential duty rates under trade agreements. In India, COOs are issued by the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) or Chambers of Commerce. In the EU, the EUR.1 movement certificate applies for trade with GSP beneficiary countries. Ensure your COO format matches what the buyer's customs authority requires.

Commercial Invoice Requirements

Your commercial invoice must state: buyer and seller details, description of goods (stone type, HS code, dimensions, finish), quantity (in sqm and pieces), unit price and total value (in agreed currency), Incoterms (e.g., FOB Mumbai, CIF Rotterdam), and payment terms.

What Buyers Increasingly Expect

Experienced importers expect: pre-shipment inspection reports, test certificates, quarry certificates of origin (not just country COO — the actual quarry name and location), and packing lists with individual bundle weights and dimensions. Providing these proactively — without being asked — is what separates professional exporters from the rest.