Product classification
HS code for Gypsum plaster: 2520.20
Plasters, (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders.
Classification of gypsum plaster under HS 2520.20
Gypsum plaster is classified under HS code 2520.20. This classification is situated within Chapter 25, which encompasses salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, as well as plastering materials. Heading 2520 specifically covers gypsum and anhydrite, and the subheading 2520.20 is designated for plasters consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulfate. The classification process involves identifying that the gypsum has undergone a calcination process (heating to remove water of crystallization), which transforms it from the crude mineral state (2520.10) into a material that sets when mixed with water. The Harmonized System allows for the inclusion of small quantities of additives in this code, such as accelerators to speed up the hardening process or retarders to delay it. Furthermore, the plaster may be colored or specially prepared for specific applications like dental or surgical use, provided it does not contain other materials that would move it to a different chapter.
- Covers
- Calcined gypsum
- Plaster of Paris
- Dental plaster (calcined gypsum based)
- Surgical plaster
- Plaster with added accelerators or retarders
- Also under 2520.20
- USG Plaster of Paris
- Saint-Gobain Gyproc Plaster
- Knauf Plaster
- Georgia-Pacific Plaster
Codes often confused with 2520.20
Common mistake. Gypsum plaster is often confused with crude gypsum, which is classified under 2520.10. The difference is that 2520.10 is for the uncalcined mineral, while 2520.20 is for the processed powder. It is also frequently misclassified under 3214.10, which covers painters' fillings and glaziers' putty; however, 3214.10 is for prepared mixtures ready for use, often containing binders like polymers. Another misclassification occurs with Portland cement (2523.29), which is a different chemical composition entirely. Finally, if the plaster is already formed into boards or tiles, it must be classified in Chapter 68 rather than Chapter 25.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252020 (the code used for gypsum plaster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252020 (the code used for gypsum plaster) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 7.9% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $611M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 252020, not only gypsum plaster.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $108M 18% of world exports
- 2 France $71M 12% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $54M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $609M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $61M 7.9% of world imports
- 2 India $57M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $52M 6.7% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $611M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $778M 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 codes for gypsum plaster
Brazil splits HS 2520.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2520.20.10Dental plaster, ground
- 2520.20.90Other plasters (calcined gypsum)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about gypsum plaster
What is the HS code for Gypsum plaster?
The HS code for Gypsum plaster is 252020 (Plasters; (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders). The HS code for gypsum plaster is 2520.20. This code covers plasters consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulfate, including those with added accelerators or retarders for construction or medical use.
How do I classify Gypsum plaster for customs?
Gypsum plaster is classified under HS code 252020 — Plasters; (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can dental plaster be classified here?
Yes, dental plasters consisting of calcined gypsum are classified under 2520.20. However, if they are prepared as 'dental wax' or 'dental impression compounds' with complex additives, they may fall under 3407.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of gypsum plaster (HS 252020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252020 (the code used for gypsum plaster) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($108M, 18% of world exports), France ($71M) and Thailand ($54M). World exports came to about $609M, 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 gypsum plaster (HS 252020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252020 (the code used for gypsum plaster) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($61M, 7.9% of world imports), India ($57M) and the United Kingdom ($52M). World imports came to about $778M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $611M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Gypsum plaster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252020 for Gypsum plaster 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 gypsum plaster in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 252020 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gypsum plaster depends on the product's details: 2520.20.10 (Dental plaster, ground), 2520.20.90 (Other plasters (calcined gypsum)).