Bituminous Shale & Tar Sands

Name: Bituminous Shale & Tar Sands (SITC 27896) -- U.S. Import Data
Creator: U.S. Census Bureau
License: https://www.census.gov/about/policies/open-gov/open-data.html

$5KU.S. imports · April 2026SITC 27896

U.S. imports of bituminous shale & tar sands (SITC 27896) totaled $5K in April 2026, traded with 1 country.

Bituminous Shale & Tar Sands imports of $5K in April 2026 ran 300% above the year-to-date monthly average of $1K.

Last updated: April 2026 data

Bituminous shale and tar sands are sedimentary mineral feedstocks containing kerogen or heavy bitumen that require thermal or solvent extraction before yielding usable hydrocarbons. As raw, unprocessed mineral materials, they occupy a distinct classification from refined petroleum products or crude oil, and their trade flows are driven primarily by proximity to upgrading infrastructure rather than spot commodity markets. Import volumes into the US are typically modest, given domestic shale resources, but cross-border movements — particularly from Canada — can occur when upgrader economics favor specific feedstock blends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are bituminous shale and tar sands distinguished from crude oil for trade classification purposes?

Bituminous shale and tar sands are classified as mineral substances in their raw, unextracted form — the hydrocarbon content is not yet separated or refined. Once the bitumen or synthetic crude is extracted and upgraded, the resulting product shifts to petroleum classifications. Importers should ensure that the physical state and processing stage of the material are clearly documented to support the mineral-substance classification.

Are there any environmental or permit requirements for importing tar sands into the US?

While there is no single federal import permit specific to tar sands as a mineral commodity, shipments may be subject to EPA reporting requirements depending on volume and intended processing method. Importers planning to process or upgrade the material domestically should consult with environmental counsel regarding applicable Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act obligations, in addition to working with a licensed customs broker on classification.

Bituminous Shale & Tar Sands

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