HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2523.90 – Cement; hydraulic kinds n.e.c. in heading no. 2523

HS code 2523.90 is the 6-digit subheading for cement, hydraulic kinds n.e.c. in heading no. 2523. It is used for masonry cement, oil-well cement, expansive cement, blended hydraulic cement (not Portland-based) and slag cement (not Portland blend).

What HS 2523.90 covers

This residual category covers various other hydraulic cements not specifically classified elsewhere in heading 2523, encompassing a range of specialized binders beyond the common Portland and aluminous types. These might include masonry cements, oil-well cements, expansive cements, or unique blended cements formulated for specific engineering or construction challenges. Trade in these cements is often niche, driven by particular project requirements, regional building codes, or proprietary formulations. Importers are typically specialized contractors, industrial users, or distributors catering to specific market segments, while exporters are manufacturers with unique production capabilities or proprietary blends. Understanding the specific application and performance requirements is crucial for effective trade in this diverse and specialized category.

Covers
  • Masonry cement
  • Oil-well cement
  • Expansive cement
  • Blended hydraulic cement (not Portland-based)
  • Slag cement (not Portland blend)
Examples
  • Lafarge Masonry Cement
  • Halliburton Oilwell Cement
  • Sika Expansive Cement
  • specific blended cements for niche applications

Codes often confused with 2523.90

Common mistake. Can be easily misclassified as Portland cement (252329) if its specific hydraulic properties or non-Portland composition are not clearly identified.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 252390, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 252390 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 19% 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. 1 Germany $319M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$92M
  3. 3 Belgium $75M

World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $204M
  2. 2 United States $124M
  3. 3 Philippines $99M

World total: $1.1B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 2523.90

Brazil does not split HS 2523.90: its NCM code is 2523.90.00.

  1. 2523.90.00 Other hydraulic cementsOutros cimentos hidráulicos

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 2523.90

What is HS code 252390?

HS code 252390 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cement; hydraulic kinds n.e.c. in heading no. 2523. This residual category covers various other hydraulic cements not specifically classified elsewhere in heading 2523, encompassing a range of specialized binders beyond the common Portland and aluminous types. These might include masonry cements, oil-well cements, expansive cements, or unique blended cements formulated for specific engineering or construction challenges. Trade in these cements is often niche, driven by particular project requirements, regional building codes, or proprietary formulations. Importers are typically specialized contractors, industrial users, or distributors catering to specific market segments, while exporters are manufacturers with unique production capabilities or proprietary blends. Understanding the specific application and performance requirements is crucial for effective trade in this diverse and specialized category.

What products fall under HS code 252390?

Masonry cement, oil-well cement, expansive cement, blended hydraulic cement (not Portland-based), slag cement (not Portland blend)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 252390?

Can be easily misclassified as Portland cement (252329) if its specific hydraulic properties or non-Portland composition are not clearly identified.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 252390?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 252390 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($319M, 31% of world exports), Vietnam (about $92M) and Belgium ($75M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 252390?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 252390 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($204M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($124M) and the Philippines ($99M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 252390 structured?

HS code 252390 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 252390?

In Brazil, HS code 252390 is NCM 2523.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.