Product classification
HS code for Calcareous stone: 2521.00
Limestone flux, limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement.
Classification of calcareous stone under HS 2521.00
Calcareous stone, specifically limestone flux and stone used for the manufacture of lime or cement, is classified under HS code 2521.00. This code is situated within Chapter 25, which encompasses salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, as well as plastering materials, lime, and cement. The classification is functional and material-based; it applies to raw or roughly broken stone intended for industrial processing. To fall under 2521.00, the stone must be of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement. This includes limestone, low-magnesium carbonates, and other calcareous rocks. The material must be in its natural state, crushed, or roughly split, but it cannot be polished, carved, or further worked. If the stone is intended for use as road aggregate or concrete ballast, it may be diverted to other headings. The distinction between 2521.00 and other stone headings in Chapter 25 depends on the intended industrial utility and the chemical composition of the rock. According to GRI 1, the classification is determined by the legal notes of the chapter. Chapter 25 generally excludes stones that have been worked beyond simple shaping. The Explanatory Notes for 2521 specify that this heading includes limestone used as a flux in the smelting of metals and for the manufacture of lime or cement. It is important to note that if the stone is of a variety used for monumental or building purposes (like marble), it is excluded from this heading even if it is used for lime production, provided it meets the criteria for heading 2515.
- Covers
- Limestone flux
- Calcareous stone for cement manufacture
- Raw limestone for lime production
- Crushed calcareous rock for industrial chemical use
- Calcite and aragonite in raw form
- Also under 2521.00
- Carmeuse Limestone
- Graymont Limestone
- Lhoist Limestone
- Vulcan Materials Limestone
Codes often confused with 2521.00
Common mistake. 2517.10 (Pebbles, gravel, and crushed stone) is often confused with 2521.00; however, 2517.10 is for stone used as aggregates. 2515.11 is for crude marble, which is a specific type of calcareous stone but has its own dedicated heading due to its value as a decorative material. 2522.10 (Quicklime) is also a common error, but that code is for the processed lime itself, not the raw stone.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252100 (the code used for calcareous stone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252100 (the code used for calcareous stone) in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 54% of world imports. Taiwan 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 20% of its imports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 252100, not only calcareous stone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$591M 54% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Japan $74M 6.8% of world exports
- 3 India $67M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $706M 54% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$85M 6.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $49M 3.8% of world imports
Taiwan 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 20% of its imports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.3B 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 calcareous stone
Brazil classifies calcareous stone under NCM 2521.00.00: HS 2521.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about calcareous stone
What is the HS code for Calcareous stone?
The HS code for Calcareous stone is 252100 (Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement). The HS code for calcareous stone used for lime or cement manufacture is 2521.00.
How do I classify Calcareous stone for customs?
Calcareous stone is classified under HS code 252100 — Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between this and building stone?
Building stone is typically classified under 2515 (marble/travertine) or 2516 (granite/sandstone) and is usually shaped for construction, whereas 2521.00 is for industrial raw materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of calcareous stone (HS 252100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252100 (the code used for calcareous stone) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $591M, 54% of world exports), Japan ($74M) and India ($67M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of calcareous stone (HS 252100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252100 (the code used for calcareous stone) in UN Comtrade data were India ($706M, 54% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $85M) and the Netherlands ($49M). World imports came to about $1.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan 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 20% of its imports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Calcareous stone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252100 for Calcareous stone is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for calcareous stone in Brazil?
In Brazil, calcareous stone (HS 252100) is classified under NCM 2521.00.00.