HS Code 25.23 – Portland cement, aluminous cement (ciment fondu), slag cement, supersulphate cement and similar hydraulic cements, whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers

HS code 2523 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Portland cement, aluminous cement (ciment fondu), slag cement, supersulphate cement and similar hydraulic cements, whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers. HS Code 2523 is dedicated to hydraulic cements, which are indispensable binders in the construction industry, capable of setting and hardening underwater. This comprehensive heading covers a range of essential cements including Portland cement (the most widely used type), aluminous cement (known for its rapid hardening and high-temperature resistance), slag cement (utilizing blast furnace slag for enhanced durability), supersulphate cement, and other similar hydraulic cements. A key aspect of this classification is its inclusion of these cements 'whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers.' Clinkers are the intermediate granular products produced during the cement manufacturing process, which are then ground with gypsum and other additives to produce finished cement. The scope of 2523 is broad, encompassing various formulations designed for specific applications, from standard construction to specialized engineering projects. It distinguishes these finished or semi-finished cements from their raw mineral components, which are typically found earlier in Chapter 25. For importers, exporters, and customs brokers, precise classification under 2523 is paramount for accurate duty assessment, compliance with national building codes, and adherence to environmental regulations concerning dust emissions and material safety. The global trade in cement and clinker is a significant indicator of infrastructure development and economic growth. Historically, the invention of Portland cement in the 19th century revolutionized construction, and its trade has since become a global commodity. As part of Section V, Chapter 25, this heading directly aligns with the chapter's focus on 'plastering materials, lime and cement,' underscoring its foundational role in modern building and civil engineering.

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) 42.5N, White Portland cement, Rapid hardening cement, Sulphate resisting cement, Low heat cement, Blast furnace slag cement, Pozzolanic Portland cement, Aluminous cement (Ciment Fondu), Supersulphate cement, Oil well cement, Masonry cement, Coloured cement, Cement clinkers, Ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), Fly ash cement, High-strength cement, Waterproof cement, Marine cement, Road paving cement, Bulk cement, Bagged cement, Ready-mix cement, Microcement, Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) cement

Misclassification under HS 2523 often occurs when confusing raw materials with finished products or specialized mixtures. A common mistake is classifying raw limestone or other calcareous stones used in cement manufacturing under 2523 instead of **2521 (Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement)**. The key distinction is that 2523 covers processed hydraulic cements or their clinkers, not the raw mineral inputs. Another error involves categorizing articles made from cement, such as concrete blocks or pipes, which belong to **6810 (Articles of cement, of concrete or of artificial stone)**, under 2523, which is exclusively for the cement binder itself. Furthermore, highly specialized binders, such as those for foundry molds, which might contain cement but are formulated for specific non-construction applications, could be mistakenly placed in 2523 instead of **3824 (Prepared binders; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries)**.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2523 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($1.4B, 10% of world exports), Vietnam (about $1.3B) and Egypt ($837M). World exports came to about $13.8B, 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 12% of its exports here ($171M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2523 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.3B, 16% of world imports), France ($536M) and Italy ($532M). World imports came to about $15.0B, 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 2523 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (23) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.