HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2836.50 – Carbonates; calcium carbonate
HS code 2836.50 is the 6-digit subheading for carbonates, calcium carbonate. It is used for ground calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), limestone powder, marble powder and chalk powder.
What HS 2836.50 covers
Calcium carbonate, a ubiquitous compound, is classified under this HS code and is one of the most widely traded minerals globally. It exists naturally as limestone, marble, and chalk, and is also produced synthetically as precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). Its applications are incredibly diverse: as a filler in plastics, paints, and paper; an extender in adhesives and sealants; a dietary supplement; an antacid; and a building material component. Countries with large manufacturing bases across various industries, from construction to pharmaceuticals, are major importers. Exporters are typically nations with abundant natural deposits or advanced processing capabilities for PCC. Key trade considerations include particle size, whiteness, purity, and surface treatment, as these properties dictate its suitability for specific end-uses. Its high volume and broad utility make it an essential raw material in almost every industrial economy worldwide.
- Covers
- Ground calcium carbonate (GCC)
- Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)
- Limestone powder
- Marble powder
- Chalk powder
- Calcium carbonate food grade
- Calcium carbonate pharmaceutical grade
- Examples
- Omya (calcium carbonate)
- Imerys (minerals)
- Huber Engineered Materials (calcium carbonate)
- Minerals Technologies (PCC)
Codes often confused with 2836.50
Common mistake. This code is specific for calcium carbonate. It could be confused with 2521.00 (limestone flux) if traded as a raw mineral for metallurgical use, or with 2517.41 (marble granules) if primarily for decorative purposes, but 283650 is for the chemical compound.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283650, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283650 in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.5% of world imports. 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 9.9% of its exports here ($9.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $105M 13% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$104M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $74M 9.1% of world exports
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 9.9% of its exports here ($9.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $817M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $62M 6.5% of world imports
- 2 India $55M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $44M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $951M 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 2836.50
Brazil does not split HS 2836.50: its NCM code is 2836.50.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.36 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2836.50
What is HS code 283650?
HS code 283650 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbonates; calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate, a ubiquitous compound, is classified under this HS code and is one of the most widely traded minerals globally. It exists naturally as limestone, marble, and chalk, and is also produced synthetically as precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). Its applications are incredibly diverse: as a filler in plastics, paints, and paper; an extender in adhesives and sealants; a dietary supplement; an antacid; and a building material component. Countries with large manufacturing bases across various industries, from construction to pharmaceuticals, are major importers. Exporters are typically nations with abundant natural deposits or advanced processing capabilities for PCC. Key trade considerations include particle size, whiteness, purity, and surface treatment, as these properties dictate its suitability for specific end-uses. Its high volume and broad utility make it an essential raw material in almost every industrial economy worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 283650?
Ground calcium carbonate (GCC), Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), Limestone powder, Marble powder, Chalk powder, Calcium carbonate food grade, Calcium carbonate pharmaceutical grade
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283650?
This code is specific for calcium carbonate. It could be confused with 2521.00 (limestone flux) if traded as a raw mineral for metallurgical use, or with 2517.41 (marble granules) if primarily for decorative purposes, but 283650 is for the chemical compound.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283650?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283650 in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($105M, 13% of world exports), Vietnam (about $104M) and Belgium ($74M). World exports came to about $817M, 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 9.9% of its exports here ($9.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 283650?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283650 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($62M, 6.5% of world imports), India ($55M) and Indonesia ($44M). World imports came to about $951M, 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 283650 structured?
HS code 283650 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (36) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283650?
In Brazil, HS code 283650 is NCM 2836.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.