Product classification
HS code for Portland cement: 2523.29
Cement, portland, other than white, whether or not artificially coloured.
Classification of portland cement under HS 2523.29
Portland cement, specifically the variety that is not white, is classified under HS code 2523.29. This falls within Chapter 25, which covers mineral products like earth, stone, and cement. Heading 2523 is reserved for hydraulic cements, whether or not colored. The classification is further refined into Portland cement (2523.2x). Within this group, a distinction is made between white Portland cement (2523.21) and other types (2523.29). Most grey Portland cement used in general construction, including Type I through Type V, falls under 2523.29. The classification depends on the chemical composition and the absence of specific whitening agents or high-purity limestone that would categorize it as white cement. Portland cement is produced by pulverizing clinker consisting essentially of hydraulic calcium silicates, usually containing one or more forms of calcium sulfate as an inter-ground addition. The "other" designation in 2523.29 captures the vast majority of industrial and construction-grade grey cements. Customs authorities require the chemical analysis to ensure the iron oxide content is high enough to disqualify it from the "white" category, which has a different tariff structure due to its higher production cost and specialized decorative uses.
- Covers
- Grey Portland cement (Type I, II, III, IV, V)
- Sulfate-resistant Portland cement
- Moderate heat of hydration Portland cement
- General purpose construction cement
- Oil-well cement (Portland-based)
- Also under 2523.29
- LafargeHolcim OPC
- HeidelbergCement OPC
- Cemex OPC
- UltraTech Cement OPC
Codes often confused with 2523.29
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2523.21, which is strictly for white Portland cement, whether or not artificially colored. Another common error is using 2523.30 for aluminous cement (Ciment Fondu) or 2523.90 for other hydraulic cements like slag cement or pozzolanic cement, which have different chemical profiles than standard Portland cement.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252329 (the code used for portland cement), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252329 (the code used for portland cement) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 252329, not only portland cement.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$973M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Türkiye $904M 11% of world exports
- 3 Egypt $493M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $8.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.8B 22% of world imports
- 2 Israel $352M 4.3% of world imports
- 3 Italy $285M 3.5% of world imports
World total: $8.2B 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 codes for portland cement
Brazil splits HS 2523.29 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2523.29.10Ordinary (grey) Portland cement
- 2523.29.90Other Portland cement
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about portland cement
What is the HS code for Portland cement?
The HS code for Portland cement is 252329 (Cement; portland, other than white, whether or not artificially coloured). The HS code for standard (non-white) Portland cement is 2523.29.
How do I classify Portland cement for customs?
Portland cement is classified under HS code 252329 — Cement; portland, other than white, whether or not artificially coloured. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include pre-mixed concrete?
No, pre-mixed or ready-mixed concrete is classified under HS code 3824.50, as it contains aggregates and additives beyond just the cement binder.
Which countries are the top exporters of portland cement (HS 252329)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252329 (the code used for portland cement) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $973M, 12% of world exports), Türkiye ($904M) and Egypt ($493M). World exports came to about $8.1B, 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 portland cement (HS 252329)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252329 (the code used for portland cement) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.8B, 22% of world imports), Israel ($352M) and Italy ($285M). World imports came to about $8.2B, 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 Portland cement the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252329 for Portland cement 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 portland cement in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 252329 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for portland cement depends on the product's details: 2523.29.10 (Ordinary (grey) Portland cement), 2523.29.90 (Other Portland cement).