HS Code for Portland Cement
The HS Code for portland cement is 252329. The MFN duty rate for importing to the US is Free.
| HS Code (6-digit) | 252329 |
|---|---|
| US Duty Rate (MFN) | Free |
| EU Duty Rate (MFN) | 1.7% |
| Chapter | 25 |
| Heading | 2523 |
| Last Updated | 2026-05 |
Description
Portland cement, other
HS Code 252329 covers other Portland cement and has a US MFN duty rate of Free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the presence of additives like slag or fly ash affect the classification of Portland cement under HTS 252329?
Portland cement classified under HTS 252329 is specifically for cement clinker ground without additives. If slag, fly ash, or other pozzolanic materials are added during grinding to create composite or blended cements (e.g., Portland-slag cement), the product typically moves to a different heading, such as 2523.30. The classification shift depends on the additive's proportion and purpose, making the exact material composition critical for accurate tariff assignment.
What specific customs inspection risks are associated with importing Portland cement under HTS 252329?
Shipments of Portland cement face high scrutiny for improper country of origin marking and quality verification against ASTM C150 standards. Customs may require sampling and laboratory testing to confirm the cement composition, which can lead to significant delays and potential penalties if the product does not match the declared specifications.
What are the typical additional costs, beyond the product price, when importing Portland cement under HTS 252329 into the United States?
Importers must pay a 2.6% ad valorem Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff on Portland cement under this HTS code. Additional mandatory costs include the 0.3464% Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and the 0.125% Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) on the shipment's value. You should also budget for customs broker fees, which are variable but typically range from $100 to $300 for entry formalities.
Portland Cement Material Variants
Classification under 2523.29.00 is specifically for Portland cement, which is defined as a hydraulic cement produced by pulverizing clinker consisting essentially of hydraulic calcium silicates. The key material distinction is the clinker composition. White Portland cement, made from raw materials low in iron and manganese, is also classified here. However, other hydraulic cements (e.g., aluminous, slag, or pozzolanic cements) are excluded and fall under heading 2523.30. The presence of additives or pigments in minor quantities for coloring does not remove the product from this subheading, provided it remains predominantly Portland cement clinker-based.
Similar and Potentially Confused HTS Codes for Portland Cement
Portland cement under HTS 2523.29 is often confused with other cement types and building plasters. A key alternative is 2523.10 (Cement clinkers), which is the unground intermediate product used to make finished cement. Builders' cement and masonry cement, which contain additives like limestone, may fall under 2523.29 or the more specific 2523.90. Hydraulic cements not elsewhere specified (n.e.s.) are also classified in 2523.90. Additionally, be cautious of 3824.50 (Non-refractory mortars and concretes), which are ready-mixed products, not the dry cement powder.
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