Product classification
HS code for Mortar: 3824.50
Mortars and concretes, non-refractory.
Classification of mortar under HS 3824.50
Mortar, specifically the non-refractory variety, is classified under HS code 3824.50. Chapter 38 covers miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3824 is a broad heading for prepared binders for foundry molds or cores and chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries. Subheading 3824.50 specifically addresses non-refractory mortars and concretes. These are typically mixtures of hydraulic binders (like cement or lime), aggregates (like sand), and sometimes chemical additives, which are used for masonry, plastering, or construction. The "non-refractory" distinction is crucial, as it excludes materials designed to withstand extremely high temperatures. The classification is based on the fact that the product is a prepared mixture ready for use after the addition of water, rather than a single mineral component. This code is essential for the construction industry, covering the vast majority of bonding agents used in standard brickwork and structural assembly.
- Covers
- Standard masonry mortar
- Ready-mixed non-refractory concrete
- Plastering mortars for interior and exterior walls
- Tile adhesive mortars (non-refractory)
- Grout for construction joints
- Also under 3824.50
- LafargeHolcim Ready-Mix Concrete
- Sika Repair Mortar
- Ardex Self-Leveling Compounds
- CEMEX Mortar Mix
Codes often confused with 3824.50
Common mistake. Mortar is frequently misclassified under HS code 3816.00, which is specifically for refractory cements, mortars, and concretes. Refractory products are those capable of resisting high temperatures (e.g., in furnaces), whereas 3824.50 is for standard construction. Another common error is using HS code 2523, which covers Portland cement and other hydraulic cements in their pure form. Mortar is a preparation containing cement, not the cement itself. Additionally, some specialized adhesives might be confused with HS code 3506 (prepared glues), but if the product is mineral-based for construction, 3824.50 is the correct choice. Accurate chemical composition data is often required to prove the non-refractory nature of the product.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382450 (the code used for mortar), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382450 (the code used for mortar) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 8.5% 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 382450, not only mortar.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $338M 23% of world exports
- 2 Italy $177M 12% of world exports
- 3 Spain $87M 5.9% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $120M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 United States $83M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $71M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 mortar
Brazil classifies mortar under NCM 3824.50.00: HS 3824.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mortar
What is the HS code for Mortar?
The HS code for Mortar is 382450 (Mortars and concretes; non-refractory). The HS code for non-refractory mortar and concrete is 3824.50.
How do I classify Mortar for customs?
Mortar is classified under HS code 382450 — Mortars and concretes; non-refractory. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is firebrick mortar included in this code?
No, mortar intended for high-heat applications like firebricks is considered refractory and is classified under HS code 3816.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of mortar (HS 382450)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382450 (the code used for mortar) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($338M, 23% of world exports), Italy ($177M) and Spain ($87M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 mortar (HS 382450)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382450 (the code used for mortar) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($120M, 8.5% of world imports), the United States ($83M) and the Netherlands ($71M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Mortar the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382450 for Mortar 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 mortar in Brazil?
In Brazil, mortar (HS 382450) is classified under NCM 3824.50.00.