HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2518.20 – Dolomite, calcined or sintered; including dolomite roughly trimmed, or merely cut by sawing or otherwise into blocks or slabs of rectangular (including square) shape
HS code 2518.20 is the 6-digit subheading for dolomite, calcined or sintered, including dolomite roughly trimmed, or merely cut by sawing or otherwise into blocks or slabs of rectangular (including square) shape. It is used for calcined dolomite, sintered dolomite, dolime, refractory-grade calcined dolomite and metallurgical dolime.
What HS 2518.20 covers
This HS code encompasses dolomite that has undergone calcination or sintering, processes involving high-temperature treatment to alter its chemical and physical properties. This processed form, often referred to as "dolime" or "sintered dolomite," is a crucial commodity in global trade, valued for its enhanced reactivity and specific industrial applications. Countries with advanced metallurgical industries, particularly steel production, are significant importers, as calcined dolomite serves as a refractory material and a flux. It's also vital for environmental applications like water treatment and flue gas desulfurization. Exporters are typically nations with abundant raw dolomite reserves and the energy-intensive facilities required for calcination. The trade involves specialized bulk carriers and careful handling due to its reactivity. Understanding the degree of calcination is important, as it impacts the material's properties and suitability for different end-uses, making it distinct from raw dolomite.
- Covers
- Calcined dolomite
- Sintered dolomite
- Dolime
- Refractory-grade calcined dolomite
- Metallurgical dolime
- Agricultural dolime
- Water treatment dolime
- Examples
- RHI Magnesita Dolime
- Vesuvius Refractories Dolime
- Lhoist Dolime
- Carmeuse Dolime
Codes often confused with 2518.20
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 251810 (dolomite, not calcined or sintered) due to the shared base material; the distinction lies solely in the thermal processing. It might also be mistaken for certain magnesium oxides under 251990 if the magnesium content is the primary focus, but 251820 specifically refers to calcined dolomite.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 251820, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 251820 in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 16% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 47% of its exports here ($8.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $65M 42% of world exports
- 2 United States $14M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Italy $12M 8.1% of world exports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 47% of its exports here ($8.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $154M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $28M 16% of world imports
- 2 Sweden $24M 14% of world imports
- 3 Japan $14M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $175M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2518.20
Brazil does not split HS 2518.20: its NCM code is 2518.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.18 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2518.20
What is HS code 251820?
HS code 251820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dolomite, calcined or sintered; including dolomite roughly trimmed, or merely cut by sawing or otherwise into blocks or slabs of rectangular (including square) shape. This HS code encompasses dolomite that has undergone calcination or sintering, processes involving high-temperature treatment to alter its chemical and physical properties. This processed form, often referred to as "dolime" or "sintered dolomite," is a crucial commodity in global trade, valued for its enhanced reactivity and specific industrial applications. Countries with advanced metallurgical industries, particularly steel production, are significant importers, as calcined dolomite serves as a refractory material and a flux. It's also vital for environmental applications like water treatment and flue gas desulfurization. Exporters are typically nations with abundant raw dolomite reserves and the energy-intensive facilities required for calcination. The trade involves specialized bulk carriers and careful handling due to its reactivity. Understanding the degree of calcination is important, as it impacts the material's properties and suitability for different end-uses, making it distinct from raw dolomite.
What products fall under HS code 251820?
Calcined dolomite, Sintered dolomite, Dolime, Refractory-grade calcined dolomite, Metallurgical dolime, Agricultural dolime, Water treatment dolime
What are common misclassifications for HS code 251820?
This code is frequently confused with 251810 (dolomite, not calcined or sintered) due to the shared base material; the distinction lies solely in the thermal processing. It might also be mistaken for certain magnesium oxides under 251990 if the magnesium content is the primary focus, but 251820 specifically refers to calcined dolomite.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 251820?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 251820 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($65M, 42% of world exports), the United States ($14M) and Italy ($12M). World exports came to about $154M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 47% of its exports here ($8.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 251820?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 251820 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($28M, 16% of world imports), Sweden ($24M) and Japan ($14M). World imports came to about $175M, 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.
How is HS code 251820 structured?
HS code 251820 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 251820?
In Brazil, HS code 251820 is NCM 2518.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.