About HS Code 252100
This HS code covers limestone and other calcareous stones specifically intended for use as a flux in metallurgy or as a primary raw material for manufacturing lime or cement. This is a high-volume bulk commodity in international trade, essential for heavy industries globally. Major importers are typically countries with significant steel production (requiring limestone as a flux to remove impurities) or robust construction sectors that rely on cement manufacturing. Exporters are nations with abundant limestone reserves and the infrastructure for large-scale quarrying and transportation. Key aspects of its trade include the purity of the calcium carbonate, the presence of impurities like silica or magnesium, and its physical characteristics (e.g., size, hardness) which affect its suitability for specific industrial processes. The global demand for this material is directly tied to industrial output and infrastructure development, making it a foundational commodity for modern economies.
Products Under This Code
Limestone flux, Cement-grade limestone, Lime-grade limestone, Crushed calcareous stone, Metallurgical limestone, Agricultural limestone, High-calcium limestone
Real World Examples
Carmeuse Limestone, Graymont Limestone, Lhoist Limestone, Vulcan Materials Limestone
Common Misclassification
This code is often confused with other limestone categories, such as 2517 (pebbles, gravel, crushed stone for concrete) or 2515 (marble, travertine, ecaussine for monumental/building stone), because 252100 is specifically for industrial uses like flux, lime, or cement production. It could also be mistaken for dolomite (251810) if the magnesium content is significant, but 252100 is primarily calcium carbonate.
Products Classified Under 2521.00
Industry
This code belongs to the Minerals & Fuels industry.
Trade Overview
Top importers include China, India, and the USA, while major exporters are Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 252100?
HS code 252100 covers: Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement. This HS code covers limestone and other calcareous stones specifically intended for use as a flux in metallurgy or as a primary raw material for manufacturing lime or cement. This is a high-volume bulk commodity in international trade, essential for heavy industries globally. Major importers are typically countries with significant steel production (requiring limestone as a flux to remove impurities) or robust construction sectors that rely on cement manufacturing. Exporters are nations with abundant limestone reserves and the infrastructure for large-scale quarrying and transportation. Key aspects of its trade include the purity of the calcium carbonate, the presence of impurities like silica or magnesium, and its physical characteristics (e.g., size, hardness) which affect its suitability for specific industrial processes. The global demand for this material is directly tied to industrial output and infrastructure development, making it a foundational commodity for modern economies.
What products fall under HS code 252100?
Limestone flux, Cement-grade limestone, Lime-grade limestone, Crushed calcareous stone, Metallurgical limestone, Agricultural limestone, High-calcium limestone
What are common misclassifications for HS code 252100?
This code is often confused with other limestone categories, such as 2517 (pebbles, gravel, crushed stone for concrete) or 2515 (marble, travertine, ecaussine for monumental/building stone), because 252100 is specifically for industrial uses like flux, lime, or cement production. It could also be mistaken for dolomite (251810) if the magnesium content is significant, but 252100 is primarily calcium carbonate.
How is HS code 252100 structured?
HS code 252100 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (21) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.