Product classification
HS code for Limestone: 2521.00
Limestone flux, limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement.
Classification of limestone under HS 2521.00
HS code 2521.00 is specifically reserved for limestone flux and other calcareous stones used primarily in the manufacture of lime or cement. This classification is functional, meaning the intended industrial use of the stone dictates its placement here rather than in other parts of Chapter 25. Limestone flux is used in metallurgical processes to remove impurities, while the calcareous stone classified here serves as a raw material for the production of clinker in cement kilns. To qualify for this code, the stone must generally be in a raw or roughly broken state. If the stone is further worked, such as being crushed for use as road aggregate, it may move to heading 2517. The distinction is vital because 2521.00 covers the primary industrial feedstock for the construction and chemical industries. The chemical composition, specifically high calcium carbonate content, is a prerequisite, but the physical form and the intended industrial application are the primary drivers for classification under this specific heading. It excludes limestone used for monumental or building purposes, which is classified under 2515 or 2516 depending on its density and how it has been cut.
- Covers
- Limestone flux for steelmaking
- Calcareous stone for cement manufacture
- Raw limestone for lime production
- Roughly broken limestone for industrial use
- Also under 2521.00
- Carmeuse Limestone
- Graymont Limestone
- Lhoist Limestone
- Vulcan Materials Limestone
Codes often confused with 2521.00
Common mistake. Limestone is frequently misclassified under 2517.10 if it is crushed for use as concrete aggregate. It is also confused with 2515.11 (crude marble and travertine) or 2515.20 (other calcareous monumental stone). The key to 2521.00 is the specific industrial end-use for lime, cement, or fluxing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252100 (the code used for limestone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252100 (the code used for limestone) in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 54% of world imports. Taiwan 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 20% of its imports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 252100, not only limestone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$591M 54% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Japan $74M 6.8% of world exports
- 3 India $67M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $706M 54% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$85M 6.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $49M 3.8% of world imports
Taiwan 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 20% of its imports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.3B 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 limestone
Brazil classifies limestone under NCM 2521.00.00: HS 2521.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about limestone
What is the HS code for Limestone?
The HS code for Limestone is 252100 (Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement).
How do I classify Limestone for customs?
Limestone is classified under HS code 252100 — Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the manufacture of lime or cement. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for limestone used in cement?
Limestone intended for the manufacture of cement is classified under HS code 2521.00.
Is crushed limestone for roads classified here?
No, limestone crushed for use as road metal or concrete aggregate is typically classified under HS code 2517.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of limestone (HS 252100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252100 (the code used for limestone) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $591M, 54% of world exports), Japan ($74M) and India ($67M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of limestone (HS 252100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252100 (the code used for limestone) in UN Comtrade data were India ($706M, 54% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $85M) and the Netherlands ($49M). World imports came to about $1.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan 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 20% of its imports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Limestone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252100 for Limestone 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 limestone in Brazil?
In Brazil, limestone (HS 252100) is classified under NCM 2521.00.00.