Product classification
HS code for Hydraulic cement: 2523.90
Cement, hydraulic kinds n.e.c. in heading no. 2523.
Classification of hydraulic cement under HS 2523.90
Hydraulic cement is classified under HS code 2523.90. Heading 2523 covers all types of portland cement, aluminous cement, slag cement, supersulfate cement, and similar hydraulic cements, whether or not colored or in the form of clinkers. While specific types like Portland cement have their own subheadings (2523.21, 2523.29), the subheading 2523.90 serves as a residual or other category for hydraulic cements that do not meet the specific definitions of the preceding codes. Hydraulic cement is defined by its ability to set and harden through a chemical reaction with water (hydration) and its ability to maintain its strength and stability even under water. This classification includes specialized cements used in construction that may contain various additives or be formulated for specific environmental conditions. The classification is governed by the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 25, which emphasize that the cement must be in a form ready for use or as a finished product, excluding raw minerals that have not been processed into cement. It is important to distinguish these from refractory cements or dental cements, which have different chemical compositions and intended uses.
- Covers
- Blended hydraulic cements
- Natural hydraulic cements
- Expansive hydraulic cements
- Specialized masonry cements (non-Portland)
- Waterproof hydraulic cements
- Also under 2523.90
- Lafarge Masonry Cement
- Halliburton Oilwell Cement
- Sika Expansive Cement
- specific blended cements for niche applications
Codes often confused with 2523.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 2523.29 (Other Portland Cement) or 2523.30 (Aluminous Cement). It is also sometimes misclassified under 3824.50 (Non-refractory mortars and concretes) if the product is a pre-mixed mortar rather than a pure hydraulic cement binder.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252390 (the code used for hydraulic cement), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252390 (the code used for hydraulic cement) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 19% 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 252390, not only hydraulic cement.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $319M 31% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$92M 8.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $75M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $204M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $124M 12% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $99M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 hydraulic cement
Brazil classifies hydraulic cement under NCM 2523.90.00: HS 2523.90 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 hydraulic cement
What is the HS code for Hydraulic cement?
The HS code for Hydraulic cement is 252390 (Cement; hydraulic kinds n.e.c. in heading no. 2523). The HS code for hydraulic cements not elsewhere specified (n.e.c.) is 2523.90.
How do I classify Hydraulic cement for customs?
Hydraulic cement is classified under HS code 252390 — Cement; hydraulic kinds n.e.c. in heading no. 2523. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 2523.29 and 2523.90?
2523.29 is specifically for Portland cement that is not white, while 2523.90 is for other types of hydraulic cement like natural or blended cements that do not qualify as Portland.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydraulic cement (HS 252390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252390 (the code used for hydraulic cement) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($319M, 31% of world exports), Vietnam (about $92M) and Belgium ($75M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 hydraulic cement (HS 252390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252390 (the code used for hydraulic cement) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($204M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($124M) and the Philippines ($99M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Hydraulic cement the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252390 for Hydraulic cement 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 hydraulic cement in Brazil?
In Brazil, hydraulic cement (HS 252390) is classified under NCM 2523.90.00.