HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2520.20 – Plasters; (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders
HS code 2520.20 is the 6-digit subheading for plasters, (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders. It is used for plaster of Paris, building plaster, dental plaster, orthopedic plaster and casting plaster.
What HS 2520.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers plasters derived from calcined gypsum or calcium sulfate, which have been thermally processed to remove water, making them reactive when mixed with water. These plasters are a significant commodity in international trade, primarily serving the construction and artistic industries. Major importers are countries with active building sectors, requiring these plasters for interior wall finishes, decorative elements, and mold making. They are also used in dentistry and orthopedics. Exporters are typically nations with access to raw gypsum (252010) and the industrial capacity for calcination and formulation. Key considerations in trade include the setting time (controlled by accelerators or retarders), fineness, strength, and specific application properties (e.g., dental plaster vs. building plaster). The addition of colorants or other minor additives does not alter its classification here. This code represents a value-added product compared to raw gypsum.
- Covers
- Plaster of Paris
- Building plaster
- Dental plaster
- Orthopedic plaster
- Casting plaster
- Gypsum stucco
- Wall finishing plaster
- Examples
- USG Plaster of Paris
- Saint-Gobain Gyproc Plaster
- Knauf Plaster
- Georgia-Pacific Plaster
Codes often confused with 2520.20
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 252010 (raw gypsum) because both are calcium sulfate-based, but 252020 specifically covers the calcined, processed form ready for use as plaster. It might also be mistaken for other types of building materials like cement (2523) if the specific chemical composition and application are not carefully considered.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 252020, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 252020 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 7.9% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $611M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $108M 18% of world exports
- 2 France $71M 12% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $54M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $609M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $61M 7.9% of world imports
- 2 India $57M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $52M 6.7% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $611M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $778M 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 codes for 2520.20 2
Brazil splits HS 2520.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2520.20.10 Dental plaster, groundMoído, apto para uso odontológico
- 2520.20.90 Other plasters (calcined gypsum)Outros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.20 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2520.20
What is HS code 252020?
HS code 252020 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Plasters; (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders. This HS code specifically covers plasters derived from calcined gypsum or calcium sulfate, which have been thermally processed to remove water, making them reactive when mixed with water. These plasters are a significant commodity in international trade, primarily serving the construction and artistic industries. Major importers are countries with active building sectors, requiring these plasters for interior wall finishes, decorative elements, and mold making. They are also used in dentistry and orthopedics. Exporters are typically nations with access to raw gypsum (252010) and the industrial capacity for calcination and formulation. Key considerations in trade include the setting time (controlled by accelerators or retarders), fineness, strength, and specific application properties (e.g., dental plaster vs. building plaster). The addition of colorants or other minor additives does not alter its classification here. This code represents a value-added product compared to raw gypsum.
What products fall under HS code 252020?
Plaster of Paris, Building plaster, Dental plaster, Orthopedic plaster, Casting plaster, Gypsum stucco, Wall finishing plaster
What are common misclassifications for HS code 252020?
This code is often confused with 252010 (raw gypsum) because both are calcium sulfate-based, but 252020 specifically covers the calcined, processed form ready for use as plaster. It might also be mistaken for other types of building materials like cement (2523) if the specific chemical composition and application are not carefully considered.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 252020?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 252020 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($108M, 18% of world exports), France ($71M) and Thailand ($54M). World exports came to about $609M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 252020?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 252020 in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($61M, 7.9% of world imports), India ($57M) and the United Kingdom ($52M). World imports came to about $778M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $611M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
How is HS code 252020 structured?
HS code 252020 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (20) 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 252020?
Brazil splits HS code 252020 into 2 NCM codes: 2520.20.10 (Dental plaster, ground), 2520.20.90 (Other plasters (calcined gypsum)). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.