HS Code 25.22 – Quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime; other than calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825

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.

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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)**.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2522 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($183M, 12% of world exports), France ($181M) and Malaysia ($71M). World exports came to about $1.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). France reports $167M of its chapter 25 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher. The United Arab Emirates 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 3.7% of its exports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2522 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($134M, 8.8% of world imports), India ($109M) and Chile ($92M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 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.