HS 252310 Cement clinkers

Quick Answer: HS code 252310 covers "Cement clinkers," which are intermediate products in cement manufacturing. These are typically dark grey nodules, formed by heating limestone and other materials in a rotary kiln, then ground to produce cement. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates: the UK Trade Tariff applies a 0.00% ad valorem duty. The EU TARIC system levies a 1.70% ad valorem duty. For imports into the United States, the rate is $1.32 per tonne, including the weight of the container, as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Understanding these specific rates is crucial for accurate cost forecasting and customs declarations, especially given the bulk nature of this commodity.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2523100000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2523100000 1.70 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2523100000 Free — ["t"]

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

What products does HS 252310 cover?

This subheading covers cement clinkers, which are intermediate products in the manufacture of Portland cement and other hydraulic cements. Clinkers are typically formed by sintering limestone and aluminosilicate materials (such as clay) at high temperatures (around 1450°C) in a rotary kiln. The resulting hard, nodular material, usually 3-25 mm in diameter, consists primarily of calcium silicates. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2523 specifically identify clinkers as the product obtained by burning cement raw materials to the point of incipient fusion, which are then ground with gypsum to produce cement. Both the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system align with this definition, classifying these specific intermediate products here.

What falls outside HS 252310?

The following products are excluded from HS 252310: finished cements, such as Portland cement, aluminous cement, slag cement, and similar hydraulic cements, which are classified under HS 2523. For instance, ground Portland cement, ready for use in construction, falls under HS 252321 (White Portland cement) or 252329 (Other Portland cement). Similarly, unmixed raw materials for cement production, such as limestone (Chapter 25, e.g., 252100 for limestone flux) or clay (Chapter 25, e.g., 250810 for kaolin), are classified separately according to their individual compositions. Gypsum, often added to clinker during grinding, is classified under HS 252010.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 252310?

A common error is misclassifying finished cement as clinker, or vice versa. Importers sometimes incorrectly apply HS 252310 to ground cement that has already had gypsum or other additives incorporated, which should properly be classified under the relevant subheading within HS 2523 (e.g., 252329 for ordinary Portland cement). Conversely, raw materials that have not undergone the high-temperature sintering process to form clinker are sometimes erroneously declared as clinker. This mistake often arises from a lack of understanding of the manufacturing stage of the product. Proper application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial here, ensuring the product's specific form and stage of processing are accurately considered.

How should importers classify products under HS 252310?

The correct procedure for classifying cement clinkers under HS 252310 involves verifying the product's physical and chemical characteristics to ensure it aligns with the definition of clinker. Importers and customs brokers should obtain technical specifications from the manufacturer, confirming that the product is the sintered intermediate material, not a finished ground cement or raw material. This includes reviewing material safety data sheets (MSDS) and production process descriptions. If there is any doubt, a binding tariff information (BTI) ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., US Customs and Border Protection or an EU member state's customs authority) is highly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or delays. Always refer to the most current version of the HTSUS or TARIC for the precise duty rates and any applicable trade agreements.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 252321 HS 252330 HS 252390 HS 251310 HS 252210 HS 251710

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for cement clinkers (HS 2523.10) when imported into the United States?

As per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), specifically Chapter 25, the MFN (General) duty rate for cement clinkers classified under HS 2523.10.00.00 is Free. This means there is no ad valorem or specific duty applied under the MFN tariff schedule for imports from countries with which the U.S. has normal trade relations. Importers should always verify the current HTSUS via the USITC website for the most up-to-date information.

Are there any preferential duty rates available for cement clinkers (HS 2523.10) under U.S. Free Trade Agreements or special programs?

Yes, cement clinkers (HS 2523.10) may be eligible for preferential duty treatment under various U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or special programs, provided the rules of origin are met. For example, under agreements like NAFTA's successor, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), or other FTAs, the duty rate is typically Free. Importers must ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim preferential treatment. It is crucial to consult the specific FTA text and the HTSUS 'Special' column for applicable program indicators and conditions.

What are the key classification criteria for cement clinkers under HS 2523.10, and how does it differ from finished cement?

HS 2523.10 specifically covers 'Cement clinkers.' According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, clinkers are intermediate products obtained by heating a mixture of calcareous and argillaceous materials (e.g., limestone and clay) in a kiln to a high temperature, resulting in a fused, nodular material. These clinkers are then ground with gypsum and other additives to produce finished cement (e.g., Portland cement, classified under HS 2523.21 or 2523.29). The key distinction for classification under 2523.10 is that the product must be in the clinker form, not yet ground into a fine powder suitable for use as cement, nor containing the typical additives of finished cement. If the product is already ground and mixed to form cement, it would fall under other subheadings of 2523.

What common documentation is required for importing cement clinkers (HS 2523.10) into the EU under the TARIC system?

When importing cement clinkers (CN code 2523 10 00) into the European Union, standard import documentation typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs value declaration. For claiming preferential duty rates, a valid proof of origin (e.g., EUR.1 movement certificate, invoice declaration, or statement on origin, depending on the trade agreement) is essential. While the EU TARIC system generally shows a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for MFN imports of 2523 10 00, importers should be aware of potential anti-dumping or countervailing duties that may apply based on the country of origin, which would require specific documentation or declarations. Always check the integrated TARIC database for the most current measures and required documents.

Are there any specific import restrictions or non-tariff barriers that commonly apply to cement clinkers (HS 2523.10)?

While cement clinkers (HS 2523.10) generally do not face extensive product-specific import restrictions like those for agricultural goods or certain chemicals, importers should be aware of potential non-tariff barriers. These can include environmental regulations (e.g., dust control, CO2 emissions related to production methods in the country of origin), quality standards (though less common for an intermediate product like clinker), and, significantly, trade remedies. Anti-dumping or countervailing duties have historically been applied to cement and clinker imports from various countries by major importing regions (e.g., U.S., EU) to address unfair trade practices. Importers must diligently check for any active trade remedy measures against the specific country of origin through official customs websites (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to avoid unexpected duties or penalties.