HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2523.30 – Cement; aluminous (ciment fondu), whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers
HS code 2523.30 is the 6-digit subheading for cement, aluminous (ciment fondu), whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers. It is used for calcium aluminate cement, high-alumina cement, refractory cement, rapid-setting aluminous cement and sulfate-resistant aluminous cement.
What HS 2523.30 covers
Aluminous cement, also known as calcium aluminate cement or Ciment Fondu, is a specialized hydraulic cement fundamentally different from Portland cement. It is characterized by its rapid hardening, high early strength, exceptional resistance to chemical attack (especially sulfates), and ability to withstand high temperatures. These unique properties make it indispensable for niche applications such as refractory concretes, sewerage systems, marine environments, and rapid-setting repair mortars. Trade in aluminous cement involves specialized manufacturers exporting to industries requiring these specific performance characteristics, often in smaller volumes than ordinary Portland cement. Strict quality control and specific application knowledge are crucial for its successful international distribution and use.
- Covers
- Calcium aluminate cement
- High-alumina cement
- Refractory cement
- Rapid-setting aluminous cement
- Sulfate-resistant aluminous cement
- Examples
- Kerneos Ciment Fondu
- Almatis Calcium Aluminate Cement
- Denka Alumina Cement
- Calucem
Codes often confused with 2523.30
Common mistake. Frequently confused with Portland cements (252321, 252329) due to both being hydraulic cements, but their chemical compositions and performance characteristics are fundamentally different.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 252330, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 252330 in UN Comtrade data was Croatia, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Croatia $65M 28% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $43M 18% of world exports
- 3 China $27M 11% of world exports
World total: $234M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $80M 15% of world imports
- 2 United States $78M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $43M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $525M 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 code for 2523.30
Brazil does not split HS 2523.30: its NCM code is 2523.30.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.23 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 2523.30
What is HS code 252330?
HS code 252330 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cement; aluminous (ciment fondu), whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers. Aluminous cement, also known as calcium aluminate cement or Ciment Fondu, is a specialized hydraulic cement fundamentally different from Portland cement. It is characterized by its rapid hardening, high early strength, exceptional resistance to chemical attack (especially sulfates), and ability to withstand high temperatures. These unique properties make it indispensable for niche applications such as refractory concretes, sewerage systems, marine environments, and rapid-setting repair mortars. Trade in aluminous cement involves specialized manufacturers exporting to industries requiring these specific performance characteristics, often in smaller volumes than ordinary Portland cement. Strict quality control and specific application knowledge are crucial for its successful international distribution and use.
What products fall under HS code 252330?
Calcium aluminate cement, high-alumina cement, refractory cement, rapid-setting aluminous cement, sulfate-resistant aluminous cement
What are common misclassifications for HS code 252330?
Frequently confused with Portland cements (252321, 252329) due to both being hydraulic cements, but their chemical compositions and performance characteristics are fundamentally different.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 252330?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 252330 in UN Comtrade data were Croatia ($65M, 28% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($43M) and China ($27M). World exports came to about $234M, 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 252330?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 252330 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($80M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($78M) and Italy ($43M). World imports came to about $525M, 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.
How is HS code 252330 structured?
HS code 252330 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (23) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 252330?
In Brazil, HS code 252330 is NCM 2523.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.