Building BusinessServices

Minerals

China clay (kaolin)

चाइना क्ले (केओलिन)

producing states
6
HS codes
1
businesses use it
5

What it is

White clay for ceramics and sanitaryware, paper coating, paint, rubber, plastics and cosmetics.

CrudeWashed / processed (ceramic)Paper filler and coatingCalcined kaolinPaint and rubber grade

Where India produces it

  1. Rajasthan

    3,604,724 t reported for 2020-21.

  2. Gujarat

    3,883,199 t reported for 2018-19.

  3. Kerala
  4. Andhra Pradesh
  5. Telangana
  6. Karnataka

Where imports come from

176,944 t of kaolin was imported in 2023-24.

Rules before you buy or sell

  • Kaolin and china clay are minor minerals (S.O. 423(E), 2015); state rules apply.
  • Check the current import and export policy for your exact 8-digit HS code in the DGFT ITC(HS) schedules.

Storage and handling

Store bagged clay indoors on pallets; keep washed grades clean of iron dust.

Businesses that use it

Ceramic Tableware (Stoneware and Earthenware) →Ceramic Tile Manufacturing →Ceramic Wash Basin Manufacturing →Ceramic Art Ware →Paint Manufacturing →

Sources (3)
  1. Indian Minerals Yearbook 2021, Vol. III (Mineral Reviews, incl. Minor Minerals, Cement, Coal & Lignite), Indian Bureau of Mines · 2021
  2. Indian Minerals Yearbook 2024 (data for 2023-24), Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Mines · 2024
  3. DGFT: ITC(HS) import and export policy schedules (HS code look-up) · 2026