About HS Code 2522
HS Code 2522 encompasses quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime, which are critical materials across numerous industries, primarily construction, agriculture, and environmental applications. This heading specifically covers these processed forms of limestone, distinguishing them from the raw calcareous stone (Chapter 2521) and from chemically pure calcium oxide or hydroxide (Chapter 2825). Quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO) is produced by calcining limestone and is known for its reactivity. Slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2), also known as hydrated lime, is formed by adding water to quicklime. Hydraulic lime, unlike quicklime or slaked lime, contains silicates and aluminates, allowing it to set and harden in the presence of water, making it suitable for masonry and mortar, particularly in damp conditions or heritage restoration. The scope of this classification is crucial for trade compliance. It ensures that these bulk mineral products, used as binders, soil conditioners, or industrial reagents, are correctly categorized. The explicit exclusion of calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading 2825 is a key boundary; if the product is a high-purity chemical compound for specific laboratory or chemical synthesis applications, it belongs to 2825. For importers and exporters, accurate classification under 2522 is vital for applying correct tariffs, adhering to specific product standards, and complying with health and safety regulations, as quicklime, for instance, is corrosive. Historically, lime has been a cornerstone of human civilization, used in building and agriculture for millennia, and its global trade continues to be fundamental to infrastructure development and industrial processes. Within Section V, Chapter 25, this heading is a core component of 'plastering materials, lime and cement,' reflecting its essential role as a processed earth-derived construction and industrial material.
Products Under This Code
Quicklime lumps, Quicklime powder, Hydrated lime, Slaked lime bags, Natural hydraulic lime (NHL 5), NHL 3.5, NHL 2, Calcitic quicklime, Dolomitic quicklime, Pulverized quicklime, Fine slaked lime, Agricultural lime, Building lime, Water treatment lime, Flue gas desulfurization lime, Steelmaking lime, Sugar refining lime, Industrial quicklime, Construction quicklime, Lime for soil stabilization, Lime for wastewater treatment, High-calcium quicklime, Hydrated dolomitic lime, Ground quicklime
Real World Examples
A major steel producer in Germany imports several thousand tonnes of quicklime powder from a Chinese supplier via bulk ocean freight, utilizing the Suez Canal route, for use in its basic oxygen furnace steelmaking process. A US-based construction materials distributor sources hydrated lime in large bags from Mexico, transported by truck across the border, for sale to local contractors for mortar and plaster applications in residential and commercial building projects. A European heritage restoration company specializing in historic buildings imports natural hydraulic lime (NHL 3.5) from a French manufacturer, typically transported by cross-channel ferry or road freight, for use in breathable mortars and renders to preserve ancient structures.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassifications for products under HS 2522 often arise from the distinction between raw materials, processed minerals, and chemical compounds. A frequent error is confusing lime products with **2825 (Calcium oxide and hydroxide, whether or not pure)**. The 'other than' clause in 2522 is critical; 2825 covers high-purity chemical compounds, while 2522 covers industrial-grade quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime, often containing natural impurities. Another mistake is classifying raw limestone intended for lime production under 2522 instead of **2521 (Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement)**, which is the unprocessed raw material. Lastly, if lime is combined with other substances to form a specialized binder or chemical preparation, it might mistakenly be classified under 2522 when it should belong to **3824 (Prepared binders; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries)**.
Subheadings 3
Industry
This code belongs to the Minerals & Fuels industry.
Trade Overview
Major producers and consumers of lime products include China, India, the USA, Brazil, and Russia, driven by their extensive construction, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Due to the bulk and weight of these materials, trade is often regional, minimizing transportation costs. For instance, there is significant cross-border trade between the USA, Canada, and Mexico under the USMCA agreement. The European Union has harmonized standards for construction products, including lime, under the Construction Products Regulation, impacting intra-EU trade. Tariffs are generally low or zero among free trade partners, but specific anti-dumping measures can occasionally apply to certain lime products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 2522?
HS code 2522 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime; other than calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825. HS Code 2522 encompasses quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime, which are critical materials across numerous industries, primarily construction, agriculture, and environmental applications. This heading specifically covers these processed forms of limestone, distinguishing them from the raw calcareous stone (Chapter 2521) and from chemically pure calcium oxide or hydroxide (Chapter 2825). Quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO) is produced by calcining limestone and is known for its reactivity. Slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2), also known as hydrated lime, is formed by adding water to quicklime. Hydraulic lime, unlike quicklime or slaked lime, contains silicates and aluminates, allowing it to set and harden in the presence of water, making it suitable for masonry and mortar, particularly in damp conditions or heritage restoration. The scope of this classification is crucial for trade compliance. It ensures that these bulk mineral products, used as binders, soil conditioners, or industrial reagents, are correctly categorized. The explicit exclusion of calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading 2825 is a key boundary; if the product is a high-purity chemical compound for specific laboratory or chemical synthesis applications, it belongs to 2825. For importers and exporters, accurate classification under 2522 is vital for applying correct tariffs, adhering to specific product standards, and complying with health and safety regulations, as quicklime, for instance, is corrosive. Historically, lime has been a cornerstone of human civilization, used in building and agriculture for millennia, and its global trade continues to be fundamental to infrastructure development and industrial processes. Within Section V, Chapter 25, this heading is a core component of 'plastering materials, lime and cement,' reflecting its essential role as a processed earth-derived construction and industrial material.
What products fall under HS code 2522?
Quicklime lumps, Quicklime powder, Hydrated lime, Slaked lime bags, Natural hydraulic lime (NHL 5), NHL 3.5, NHL 2, Calcitic quicklime, Dolomitic quicklime, Pulverized quicklime, Fine slaked lime, Agricultural lime, Building lime, Water treatment lime, Flue gas desulfurization lime, Steelmaking lime, Sugar refining lime, Industrial quicklime, Construction quicklime, Lime for soil stabilization, Lime for wastewater treatment, High-calcium quicklime, Hydrated dolomitic lime, Ground quicklime
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2522?
Common misclassifications for products under HS 2522 often arise from the distinction between raw materials, processed minerals, and chemical compounds. A frequent error is confusing lime products with **2825 (Calcium oxide and hydroxide, whether or not pure)**. The 'other than' clause in 2522 is critical; 2825 covers high-purity chemical compounds, while 2522 covers industrial-grade quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime, often containing natural impurities. Another mistake is classifying raw limestone intended for lime production under 2522 instead of **2521 (Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement)**, which is the unprocessed raw material. Lastly, if lime is combined with other substances to form a specialized binder or chemical preparation, it might mistakenly be classified under 2522 when it should belong to **3824 (Prepared binders; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries)**.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 2522?
Major producers and consumers of lime products include China, India, the USA, Brazil, and Russia, driven by their extensive construction, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Due to the bulk and weight of these materials, trade is often regional, minimizing transportation costs. For instance, there is significant cross-border trade between the USA, Canada, and Mexico under the USMCA agreement. The European Union has harmonized standards for construction products, including lime, under the Construction Products Regulation, impacting intra-EU trade. Tariffs are generally low or zero among free trade partners, but specific anti-dumping measures can occasionally apply to certain lime products.
How is HS code 2522 structured?
HS code 2522 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (22) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.