Product classification
HS code for Hydraulic lime: 2522.30
Hydraulic lime, excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825.
Classification of hydraulic lime under HS 2522.30
Hydraulic lime is classified under HS code 2522.30 within Chapter 25, which covers mineral products like salt, sulfur, and stone. Unlike quicklime (2522.10) or slaked lime (2522.20), hydraulic lime contains specific impurities—primarily silicates and aluminates—that allow it to set and harden under water or in damp conditions through a chemical process known as hydration. This material is produced by the calcination of limestone that naturally contains clay or by mixing lime with pozzolanic materials. The classification 2522.30 is specific to this hydraulic property. It is distinct from Portland cement (2523), which is a more highly processed hydraulic binder. The presence of these reactive silicates is the defining characteristic that separates 2522.30 from other forms of lime used in construction and agriculture. It is valued in historic restoration and sustainable building for its breathability and flexibility compared to modern cements.
- Covers
- Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL 2, NHL 3.5, NHL 5).
- Feebly hydraulic lime used in internal plastering.
- Eminently hydraulic lime used for external masonry in harsh environments.
- Hydraulic lime binders for traditional mortar mixes.
- Argillaceous limestone-derived lime.
- Also under 2522.30
- Saint-Astier Natural Hydraulic Lime
- Prompt Natural Cement
- Singleton Birch Hydraulic Lime
- Otterbein Hydraulic Lime
Codes often confused with 2522.30
Common mistake. Hydraulic lime is often misclassified under HS code 2523.10 through 2523.90, which covers Portland and other hydraulic cements. While they share hydraulic properties, lime is chemically distinct and falls under 2522. Another error is using 2522.10 (Quicklime) or 2522.20 (Slaked lime). These types of lime require carbon dioxide from the air to set (carbonation) and will not set under water, thus they do not meet the definition of hydraulic lime. Finally, pure calcium hydroxide is classified in 2825.90, but the commercial construction material remains in Chapter 25.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252230 (the code used for hydraulic lime), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252230 (the code used for hydraulic lime) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 40% 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 252230, not only hydraulic lime.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $12M 32% of world exports
- 2 Dominican Republic $4.6M 12% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $2.8M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $38M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $31M 40% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $8.8M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $3.5M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $78M 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 hydraulic lime
Brazil classifies hydraulic lime under NCM 2522.30.00: HS 2522.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hydraulic lime
What is the HS code for Hydraulic lime?
The HS code for Hydraulic lime is 252230 (Hydraulic lime; excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825). The HS code for hydraulic lime is 2522.30. This code excludes calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading 2825.
How do I classify Hydraulic lime for customs?
Hydraulic lime is classified under HS code 252230 — Hydraulic lime; excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can hydraulic lime be used for underwater construction?
Yes, the defining characteristic of hydraulic lime (2522.30) is its ability to set and harden through hydration, making it suitable for use in damp conditions or even submerged environments where standard lime would fail.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydraulic lime (HS 252230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252230 (the code used for hydraulic lime) in UN Comtrade data were France ($12M, 32% of world exports), the Dominican Republic ($4.6M) and South Africa ($2.8M). World exports came to about $38M, 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 lime (HS 252230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252230 (the code used for hydraulic lime) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($31M, 40% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($8.8M) and Germany ($3.5M). World imports came to about $78M, 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 lime the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252230 for Hydraulic lime 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 lime in Brazil?
In Brazil, hydraulic lime (HS 252230) is classified under NCM 2522.30.00.