Product classification

HS code for Plaster of Paris: 2520.20

Plasters, (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders.

Classification of plaster of Paris under HS 2520.20

Plaster of Paris is classified under HS code 2520.20 because it is a mineral product consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate. Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System covers salt, sulfur, earths, and stone, including plastering materials. Heading 2520 specifically addresses gypsum and anhydrite. The subheading 2520.20 is designated for \"plasters,\" which are defined as gypsum that has been dehydrated (calcined) to form a fine powder that hardens when mixed with water. This classification applies even if the plaster contains small quantities of accelerators (to speed up setting) or retarders (to slow it down), or if it has been colored for specific industrial or artistic uses. The essential character of the product remains a mineral-based plastering material derived from the processing of natural gypsum.

Covers
  • Calcined gypsum powder
  • Dental plaster (non-specialized)
  • Artistic casting plaster
  • Construction-grade Plaster of Paris
  • Dehydrated calcium sulphate for building use
Also under 2520.20
  • USG Plaster of Paris
  • Saint-Gobain Gyproc Plaster
  • Knauf Plaster
  • Georgia-Pacific Plaster

Codes often confused with 2520.20

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2520.10, which is strictly for crude gypsum or anhydrite that has not been calcined. Once the material undergoes the heating process to become Plaster of Paris, it must move to 2520.20. Another frequent error involves HS code 3214.10, which covers painters' fillings and non-refractory surfacing preparations; while Plaster of Paris is used in construction, it is a base material rather than a prepared mastic or filler. Finally, specialized medical or dental plasters that are prepared for specific surgical uses may fall under 3006.40.

2520.10Gypsum; anhydrite3214.10Mastics; painters' fillings3006.40Pharmaceutical goods; dental cements and other dental fillings, bone reconstruction cements

Top exporters and importers of HS 252020 (the code used for plaster of Paris), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252020 (the code used for plaster of Paris) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 7.9% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $611M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 252020, not only plaster of Paris.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $108M
  2. 2 France $71M
  3. 3 Thailand $54M

World total: $609M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Nigeria $61M
  2. 2 India $57M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $52M

The United Kingdom reports $611M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.

World total: $778M 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 codes for plaster of Paris

Brazil splits HS 2520.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about plaster of Paris

What is the HS code for Plaster of Paris?

The HS code for Plaster of Paris is 252020 (Plasters; (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders). The standard HS code for Plaster of Paris (calcined gypsum) is 2520.20.

How do I classify Plaster of Paris for customs?

Plaster of Paris is classified under HS code 252020 — Plasters; (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate), whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or retarders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is Plaster of Paris classified differently if it is colored?

No, HS code 2520.20 specifically includes plasters whether or not they are colored, provided they consist of calcined gypsum.

Which countries are the top exporters of plaster of Paris (HS 252020)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252020 (the code used for plaster of Paris) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($108M, 18% of world exports), France ($71M) and Thailand ($54M). World exports came to about $609M, 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 plaster of Paris (HS 252020)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 252020 (the code used for plaster of Paris) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($61M, 7.9% of world imports), India ($57M) and the United Kingdom ($52M). World imports came to about $778M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $611M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.

Is the HS code for Plaster of Paris the same in all countries?

The base HS code 252020 for Plaster of Paris 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 plaster of Paris in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 252020 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plaster of Paris depends on the product's details: 2520.20.10 (Dental plaster, ground), 2520.20.90 (Other plasters (calcined gypsum)).