Product classification
HS code for Quicklime: 2522.10
Quicklime, excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825.
Classification of quicklime under HS 2522.10
Quicklime is classified under HS code 2522.10. This classification is situated within Chapter 25, which deals with mineral products like lime and cement. Heading 2522 specifically covers quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime. Quicklime, or calcium oxide (CaO), is obtained by the calcination of limestone. The HS code 2522.10 is reserved for the commercial grade of quicklime used in industrial applications such as steel manufacturing, water treatment, and chemical production. It is important to note that this heading specifically excludes calcium oxide that is chemically pure. Chemically pure calcium oxide is treated as an inorganic chemical and is classified under Chapter 28. Therefore, the classification in 2522.10 is intended for bulk mineral products rather than laboratory-grade reagents. The distinction is based on the purity level and the intended industrial use of the material, which is a common theme in the transition between Chapter 25 (minerals) and Chapter 28 (chemicals). Proper classification is essential for regulatory compliance, especially regarding the reactive nature of quicklime when exposed to moisture.
- Covers
- Commercial grade quicklime (calcium oxide)
- Burnt lime for industrial use
- Fluxing lime used in metallurgical processes
- Calcinated limestone
- Also under 2522.10
- Carmeuse Quicklime
- Graymont Quicklime
- Lhoist Quicklime
- Mississippi Lime Quicklime
Codes often confused with 2522.10
Common mistake. Quicklime is most often misclassified under HS code 2825.90, which is for chemically pure calcium oxide. It is also sometimes confused with 2522.20, which is the code for slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), or 2522.30 for hydraulic lime.
Top exporters and importers of HS 252210 (the code used for quicklime), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252210 (the code used for quicklime) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 8.8% 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 252210, not only quicklime.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $160M 14% of world exports
- 2 Germany $148M 13% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$70M 6.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $102M 8.8% of world imports
- 2 Chile $89M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Finland $89M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 code for quicklime
Brazil classifies quicklime under NCM 2522.10.00: HS 2522.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about quicklime
What is the HS code for Quicklime?
The HS code for Quicklime is 252210 (Quicklime; excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825). The HS code for commercial-grade quicklime is 2522.10.
How do I classify Quicklime for customs?
Quicklime is classified under HS code 252210 — Quicklime; excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is quicklime distinguished from pure calcium oxide in the HS system?
Quicklime (2522.10) refers to the industrial mineral product, whereas chemically pure calcium oxide is classified as a chemical under HS code 2825.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of quicklime (HS 252210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252210 (the code used for quicklime) in UN Comtrade data were France ($160M, 14% of world exports), Germany ($148M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $70M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of quicklime (HS 252210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 252210 (the code used for quicklime) in UN Comtrade data were India ($102M, 8.8% of world imports), Chile ($89M) and Finland ($89M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Quicklime the same in all countries?
The base HS code 252210 for Quicklime 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 quicklime in Brazil?
In Brazil, quicklime (HS 252210) is classified under NCM 2522.10.00.