Product classification
HS code for Calcium carbonate: 2836.50
Carbonates, calcium carbonate.
Classification of calcium carbonate under HS 2836.50
Calcium carbonate is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 2836.50. This classification is precise, as the HS description explicitly identifies "Carbonates; calcium carbonate." This places calcium carbonate within Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals, and specifically within the subheading for carbonates. The direct mention of "calcium carbonate" in the description ensures that this widely used compound, in its various forms, is consistently classified under this particular code. This includes both naturally occurring forms like limestone and chalk, as well as synthetically produced calcium carbonate.
- Covers
- Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) for industrial fillers.
- Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) for paper and plastics.
- Limestone and chalk, when classified as calcium carbonate.
- Calcium carbonate used in pharmaceuticals and food additives.
- Also under 2836.50
- Omya (calcium carbonate)
- Imerys (minerals)
- Huber Engineered Materials (calcium carbonate)
- Minerals Technologies (PCC)
Codes often confused with 2836.50
Common mistake. Calcium carbonate can be confused with other carbonates, such as sodium carbonate (HS 2836.20) or magnesium carbonate (HS 2836.91). The critical distinction for HS 2836.50 is the specific cation "calcium." Misclassification might occur if the product is a mixture containing calcium carbonate but is primarily identified by another component, or if it is a different carbonate altogether. For instance, dolomite, a mixture of calcium and magnesium carbonates, might be classified under other mineral codes if not processed into pure calcium carbonate. Careful attention to the specific chemical composition is necessary.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283650 (the code used for calcium carbonate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283650 (the code used for calcium carbonate) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 283650, not only calcium carbonate.
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 calcium carbonate
Brazil classifies calcium carbonate under NCM 2836.50.00: HS 2836.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about calcium carbonate
What is the HS code for Calcium carbonate?
The HS code for Calcium carbonate is 283650 (Carbonates; calcium carbonate). The HS code for Calcium carbonate is 2836.50, which specifically covers "Carbonates; calcium carbonate."
How do I classify Calcium carbonate for customs?
Calcium carbonate is classified under HS code 283650 — Carbonates; calcium carbonate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the main applications of Calcium carbonate?
Calcium carbonate is extensively used as a filler in plastics, paints, and paper, as a building material (limestone, marble), in agriculture to neutralize soil acidity, and as a dietary supplement or antacid in pharmaceuticals.
Which countries are the top exporters of calcium carbonate (HS 283650)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283650 (the code used for calcium carbonate) 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 calcium carbonate (HS 283650)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283650 (the code used for calcium carbonate) 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.
Is the HS code for Calcium carbonate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283650 for Calcium carbonate 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 calcium carbonate in Brazil?
In Brazil, calcium carbonate (HS 283650) is classified under NCM 2836.50.00.