Product classification
HS code for Refractory cement: 3816.00
Refractory cements, mortars, concretes and similar compositions, including dolomite ramming mix, other than products of heading 38.01.
Classification of refractory cement under HS 3816.00
HS code 3816.00 covers refractory cements, mortars, and concretes. These are non-fired preparations used to bond refractory bricks or to form monolithic linings in high-temperature industrial environments. Unlike standard construction cement (Portland cement), these products are formulated with refractory aggregates like bauxite, mullite, or chamotte, and specialized binders such as calcium aluminate cement. The classification includes "ramming mixes" which are compacted into place and "gunning mixes" applied via pneumatic spray. These products are classified in Chapter 38 because they are chemical preparations rather than finished ceramic articles. They are essential for the maintenance and repair of industrial furnaces where traditional bricks cannot be easily installed. The material must be capable of resisting high temperatures and thermal shock once cured and fired in situ.
- Covers
- Refractory mortars for bricklaying
- High-temperature castable concretes
- Dolomite ramming mixes
- Refractory gunning materials
- Heat-setting refractory cements
- Also under 3816.00
- Saint-Gobain Refractories
- RHI Magnesita
- Vesuvius
- Krosaki Harima
- Calderys
Codes often confused with 3816.00
Common mistake. Refractory cement is often misclassified under HS code 2523, which is for hydraulic Portland cements used in general construction. It is also confused with HS code 3214, which covers glazier's putty and resinous cements. The key distinction is the refractory property; if the material is designed to withstand temperatures above 1,000°C in industrial furnaces, 3816.00 is the correct heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381600 (the code used for refractory cement), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381600 (the code used for refractory cement) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 7.7% 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 381600, not only refractory cement.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $515M 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $311M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $228M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $225M 7.7% of world imports
- 2 United States $148M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 India $143M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 refractory cement
Brazil splits HS 3816.00 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3816.00.11Magnesite-based refractory cements and mortars
- 3816.00.12Sillimanite refractory cements and mortars
- 3816.00.19Other refractory cements and mortars
- 3816.00.21Graphite refractory mixes, 50 % or more corundum
- 3816.00.29Other chrome-magnesite, corundum etc. refractories
- 3816.00.90Other refractory concretes and compositions
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about refractory cement
What is the HS code for Refractory cement?
The HS code for Refractory cement is 381600 (Refractory cements, mortars, concretes and similar compositions, including dolomite ramming mix, other than products of heading 38.01). The HS code for refractory cements, mortars, and concretes is 3816.00.
How do I classify Refractory cement for customs?
Refractory cement is classified under HS code 381600 — Refractory cements, mortars, concretes and similar compositions, including dolomite ramming mix, other than products of heading 38.01. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is refractory mortar the same as refractory cement?
Yes, for classification purposes, both refractory mortars and cements used for high-temperature applications fall under HS code 3816.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of refractory cement (HS 381600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381600 (the code used for refractory cement) in UN Comtrade data were China ($515M, 20% of world exports), Germany ($311M) and the United States ($228M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 refractory cement (HS 381600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381600 (the code used for refractory cement) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($225M, 7.7% of world imports), the United States ($148M) and India ($143M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 Refractory cement the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381600 for Refractory 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 refractory cement in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381600 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for refractory cement depends on the product's details: 3816.00.11 (Magnesite-based refractory cements and mortars), 3816.00.12 (Sillimanite refractory cements and mortars), 3816.00.19 (Other refractory cements and mortars), 3816.00.21 (Graphite refractory mixes, 50 % or more corundum), 3816.00.29 (Other chrome-magnesite, corundum etc. refractories), 3816.00.90 (Other refractory concretes and compositions).