Bituminous or Oil Shale and Tar Sands

Oil shale and tar sands are sedimentary mineral resources valued for their kerogen and bitumen content, serving as upstream feedstocks in unconventional petroleum extraction. Classified under a single 10-digit line (2714100000), this heading covers raw and unprocessed forms rather than refined petroleum products. Canada dominates US import supply, reflecting the vast Athabasca oil sands deposits, with Suriname and the United Kingdom as secondary sources. Importers should note that classification boundaries between raw shale, processed bitumen, and petroleum products can be nuanced and may warrant review by a licensed customs broker.