HS 252390 Other hydraulic cements
Quick Answer: HS code 252390 covers "Other hydraulic cements," encompassing various specialized cements beyond Portland cement (252329). This includes aluminous cement, slag cement, supersulphated cement, and similar hydraulic binders that harden when mixed with water. For importers, duty rates vary significantly: the UK Trade Tariff currently applies a 0.00% ad valorem duty. The EU TARIC system levies a 1.70% ad valorem duty. In the United States, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) imposes a duty of $1.32 per tonne, including the weight of the container, with a "Free" rate for eligible goods under certain trade agreements. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific product compositions against national explanatory notes to ensure correct classification and duty calculation, especially given the diverse nature of "other" hydraulic cements.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2523900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2523900000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2523900000 | 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 252390 cover?
This subheading covers "Other hydraulic cements," which encompasses all hydraulic cements not specifically provided for in subheadings 252321 (white Portland cement), 252329 (other Portland cement), or 252330 (aluminous cement). According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Heading 2523, hydraulic cements are binders that set and harden when mixed with water, forming a water-resistant product. This includes various blended cements, masonry cements, and other specialty hydraulic cements that meet the performance criteria but do not fall under the more specific Portland or aluminous categories. Examples include slag cements, pozzolanic cements, and composite cements, as defined by international standards and recognized by official sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system.
What falls outside HS 252390?
The following products are excluded from HS 252390: Portland cements, whether white (252321) or other (252329), and aluminous cements (252330), as these have their own specific subheadings within Heading 2523. Furthermore, non-hydraulic binders such as plaster, lime, or gypsum-based products are excluded, as they do not possess the hydraulic properties required for classification under Heading 2523. For instance, gypsum plaster (HS 2520) or quicklime (HS 2522) are distinct products with different chemical compositions and setting mechanisms. Mixtures of cement with other materials that significantly alter its primary function, such as pre-mixed mortars or concretes containing aggregates, are also generally excluded and classified elsewhere, often in Chapter 38 or Chapter 68, depending on their composition and intended use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 252390?
A common error is misclassifying blended hydraulic cements that contain Portland cement as pure Portland cement under 252329, rather than as "Other hydraulic cements" under 252390. This often occurs when the Portland cement component is dominant but other hydraulic constituents are present in significant amounts, making it a blended product. Another mistake is classifying non-hydraulic binders, such as certain types of lime or gypsum-based plasters, as hydraulic cements due to their use in construction, overlooking the critical requirement of hydraulic setting properties. Importers sometimes fail to apply 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, leading to incorrect differentiation between specific cement types and general hydraulic cements.
How should importers classify products under HS 252390?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 252390 involves first identifying that the product is indeed a hydraulic cement, meaning it sets and hardens underwater. Next, importers must confirm that it is not specifically a Portland cement (white or other) or an aluminous cement, which have their own dedicated subheadings. This requires a detailed review of the product's chemical composition, manufacturing process, and performance specifications, often referencing material safety data sheets (MSDS) or technical data sheets. Importers and customs brokers should consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2523, as well as official national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, to ensure the product meets the specific criteria for "Other hydraulic cements." If doubt persists, a binding ruling request from the relevant customs authority is advisable to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for 'Other hydraulic cements' (HS 2523.90) when imported into the United States?
For imports into the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 2523.90, 'Other hydraulic cements,' is Free. This rate is effective for products originating from countries with which the U.S. has MFN status. Importers should always verify the current rates via the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for the most up-to-date information.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2523.90 under common trade agreements when importing into the EU or UK?
Yes, preferential duty rates may apply depending on the origin of the goods and the specific trade agreement. For example, under the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) or various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), goods classified under HS 2523.90 might be eligible for a 0.00% duty rate. Similarly, the UK Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a 0.00% duty rate for MFN imports of HS 2523.90, and further preferential rates may apply under its independent trade agreements. Importers should consult the EU TARIC database or the UK Trade Tariff, respectively, and ensure compliance with Rules of Origin to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Other hydraulic cements' under HS 2523.90, distinguishing it from other cement types?
HS 2523.90 covers 'Other hydraulic cements,' which are distinct from Portland cement (HS 2523.21 and 2523.29) and aluminous cement (HS 2523.30). The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition and hydraulic properties of the cement. Hydraulic cements are those that set and harden when mixed with water, and remain stable under water. 'Other hydraulic cements' typically include slag cements, supersulphated cements, pozzolanic cements, and various blended cements that do not meet the specific compositional requirements for Portland or aluminous cements. Importers should have detailed technical specifications and chemical analyses to support classification, aligning with Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (ENs) for Chapter 25.
What documentation is typically required for customs clearance of 'Other hydraulic cements' (HS 2523.90) and are there any specific regulatory requirements?
Standard import documentation for HS 2523.90 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates). Depending on the importing country, additional regulatory requirements may apply. For instance, some jurisdictions may require compliance with specific construction material standards (e.g., ASTM, EN standards) or environmental regulations regarding dust control or chemical content. While 'Other hydraulic cements' are generally not subject to extensive import licensing, importers should verify any specific national or regional product safety or environmental regulations that might impact their specific type of cement. Customs brokers should confirm these requirements with the relevant national authorities.