Product classification
HS code for Ciment fondu: 2523.30
Cement, aluminous (ciment fondu), whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers.
Classification of ciment fondu under HS 2523.30
Ciment fondu, also known as aluminous cement or calcium aluminate cement, is classified under HS code 2523.30. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically focusing on the chemical composition and intended use of the material. Chapter 25 encompasses salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, including plastering materials, lime, and cement. Within this chapter, heading 2523 covers hydraulic cements, whether or not colored or in the form of clinkers. Subheading 2523.30 is specifically reserved for aluminous cement. Unlike standard Portland cement, which is primarily composed of calcium silicates, ciment fondu is characterized by a high content of alumina (usually at least 30% by weight). This chemical distinction is the primary driver for its specific classification. The product is valued for its rapid hardening properties and resistance to high temperatures and chemical attacks, but for customs purposes, its identity as a hydraulic cement based on calcium aluminates dictates its placement here.
- Covers
- High-alumina cement
- Calcium aluminate cement clinkers
- Refractory binder cement (unmixed)
- Rapid-hardening aluminous hydraulic cement
- Fused cement (ciment fondu)
- Also under 2523.30
- Kerneos Ciment Fondu
- Almatis Calcium Aluminate Cement
- Denka Alumina Cement
- Calucem
Codes often confused with 2523.30
Common mistake. Ciment fondu is frequently misclassified under HS code 2523.29, which covers other Portland cements. While both are hydraulic cements, the alumina content in ciment fondu exceeds the thresholds for Portland cement. Another common error is classifying it under HS code 3816.00, which covers refractory cements, mortars, and concretes. The distinction lies in the preparation: HS code 2523.30 is for the cement binder itself, whereas 3816.00 is for composite mixtures that include aggregates and other additives ready for use as refractory linings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252330 (the code used for ciment fondu), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252330 (the code used for ciment fondu) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 252330, not only ciment fondu.
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 ciment fondu
Brazil classifies ciment fondu under NCM 2523.30.00: HS 2523.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 ciment fondu
What is the HS code for Ciment fondu?
The HS code for Ciment fondu is 252330 (Cement; aluminous (ciment fondu), whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers). The specific HS code for ciment fondu (aluminous cement) is 2523.30.
How do I classify Ciment fondu for customs?
Ciment fondu is classified under HS code 252330 — Cement; aluminous (ciment fondu), whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ciment fondu classified differently if it is colored?
No, HS code 2523.30 applies to aluminous cement whether or not it has been colored or is in the form of clinkers.
Which countries are the top exporters of ciment fondu (HS 252330)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252330 (the code used for ciment fondu) 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 ciment fondu (HS 252330)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252330 (the code used for ciment fondu) 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.
Is the HS code for Ciment fondu the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252330 for Ciment fondu 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 ciment fondu in Brazil?
In Brazil, ciment fondu (HS 252330) is classified under NCM 2523.30.00.