HS Code 25.18 – Dolomite, whether or not calcined or sintered, including dolomite roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape

HS code 2518 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dolomite, whether or not calcined or sintered, including dolomite roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. Heading 2518 covers dolomite, a versatile mineral crucial across various industries, whether in its raw state, calcined, or sintered form. This classification also includes dolomite that has been roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into rectangular (including square) blocks or slabs. The scope focuses on dolomite as a mineral resource, allowing for minimal processing such as crushing, heating (calcining/sintering), or basic shaping for industrial use. It differentiates between raw dolomite, which is a calcium magnesium carbonate, and its processed forms that enhance its properties for specific applications, such as refractories or flux. Key sub-categories within this heading include raw dolomite ore, crushed dolomite aggregates, calcined dolomite (partially decarbonated), and sintered dolomite (dead-burned, for refractory applications). Accurate classification is paramount for trade compliance, impacting tariff rates, import quotas, and adherence to specific industry standards for purity or processing. Dolomite's trade significance stems from its widespread use in steelmaking (as a flux and refractory), glass manufacturing, agriculture (soil conditioner), and construction (as an aggregate or for cement production). Historically, dolomite has been fundamental in industrial processes requiring high-temperature resistance and as a source of magnesium. This heading aligns with Chapter 25's focus on basic mineral resources, highlighting the mineral in its natural or minimally processed state before transformation into more complex chemical products or finished goods.

Raw dolomite lumps, crushed dolomite for aggregates, calcined dolomite, sintered dolomite (dead-burned), dolomite blocks (roughly cut) for industrial use, dolomite slabs (merely sawn), agricultural dolomite (soil amendment), refractory grade dolomite, metallurgical dolomite flux, glass-grade dolomite, dolomite powder, dolomite for cement production, magnesia-dolomite clinker, dolomite for water treatment, decorative dolomite chips, dolomite for ceramics, dolomite for filler applications, crushed dolomite for road base, dolomite for magnesium metal production, dolomite for lime production, high-purity dolomite, low-iron dolomite, natural dolomite sand, unshaped dolomite refractories.

Common misclassification mistakes for dolomite under 2518 often involve its level of processing or specific use. If dolomite is finely crushed and used as sand, it might be confused with 2505 (sands). More significantly, if dolomite is cut and polished for monumental or building purposes, it would fall under 2515 (marble, travertine, etc.) or 6802 (worked monumental or building stone), rather than 2518, which is limited to "roughly trimmed or merely cut." Confusion also arises with magnesium oxide (2816) if the dolomite has been processed to a chemically pure magnesium oxide, exceeding the scope of 'calcined or sintered' dolomite. The key is to assess the degree of processing and the material's intended bulk industrial application, rather than its use as a decorative or finished building material.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2518 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($85M, 18% of world exports), Bhutan ($53M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $50M). World exports came to about $464M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2518 in UN Comtrade data were India ($136M, 20% of world imports), Japan ($81M) and the Netherlands ($52M). World imports came to about $675M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 2518 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (18) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.