Product classification
HS code for Limestone powder: 2836.50
Carbonates, calcium carbonate.
Classification of limestone powder under HS 2836.50
Limestone powder is classified under HS code 2836.50 when it consists of chemically defined calcium carbonate. While natural limestone is a mineral product typically found in Chapter 25, the process of refining it into a high-purity powder or the production of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) shifts the classification to Chapter 28. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2836 specifically includes carbonates and peroxocarbonates. The classification under 2836.50 is reserved for calcium carbonate that is either chemically synthesized or refined to a degree that it is no longer considered a raw mineral. This distinction is crucial for industrial applications in the pharmaceutical, paper, and plastic industries where specific chemical purity levels are required.
- Covers
- Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)
- Purified limestone powder for pharmaceutical use
- Chemically pure calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
- Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) meeting Chapter 28 purity standards
- Surface-treated calcium carbonate powder
- Also under 2836.50
- Omya (calcium carbonate)
- Imerys (minerals)
- Huber Engineered Materials (calcium carbonate)
- Minerals Technologies (PCC)
Codes often confused with 2836.50
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2521.00, which covers limestone flux and limestone used for the manufacture of lime or cement. If the limestone is merely crushed or ground without chemical purification, it remains in Chapter 25. Additionally, 2517.10 is often used for crushed limestone used as aggregate. Another confusion arises with 2522.10 (Quicklime) or 2522.20 (Slaked lime), which are products of the calcination of limestone. It is essential to determine if the product is a natural mineral (Chapter 25) or a chemically defined compound (Chapter 28).
Top exporters and importers of HS 283650 (the code used for limestone powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283650 (the code used for limestone powder) in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.5% of world imports. Vietnam 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 9.9% of its exports here ($9.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 283650, not only limestone powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $105M 13% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$104M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $74M 9.1% of world exports
Vietnam 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 9.9% of its exports here ($9.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $817M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $62M 6.5% of world imports
- 2 India $55M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $44M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $951M 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 powder
Brazil classifies limestone powder under NCM 2836.50.00: HS 2836.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about limestone powder
What is the HS code for Limestone powder?
The HS code for Limestone powder is 283650 (Carbonates; calcium carbonate). Limestone powder that is chemically defined as calcium carbonate is classified under HS code 2836.50.
How do I classify Limestone powder for customs?
Limestone powder is classified under HS code 283650 — Carbonates; calcium carbonate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should I use Chapter 25 instead of Chapter 28?
Use Chapter 25 (specifically 2521.00) if the limestone is a raw mineral product that has only been crushed or ground and has not undergone chemical purification or precipitation.
Which countries are the top exporters of limestone powder (HS 283650)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283650 (the code used for limestone powder) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($105M, 13% of world exports), Vietnam (about $104M) and Belgium ($74M). World exports came to about $817M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 9.9% of its exports here ($9.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of limestone powder (HS 283650)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283650 (the code used for limestone powder) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($62M, 6.5% of world imports), India ($55M) and Indonesia ($44M). World imports came to about $951M, 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 Limestone powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283650 for Limestone powder 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 powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, limestone powder (HS 283650) is classified under NCM 2836.50.00.