Duty Rates
General (Column 1 - MFN)
Free
This item enters the United States duty-free. No import duty is charged regardless of origin country.
Column 2 Rate (Non-Tariff Treaty Countries)
This rate applies to countries without normal trade relations (most-favored-nation status) with the United States:
$1.32/t, including weight of container
Column 2 rates are substantially higher than Column 1 rates and are rarely applied in modern international trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
What HTS 2523.10.00.00 Covers
This code covers cement clinker, the lumpy intermediate product that comes out of a cement kiln before it is ground into finished cement. It is imported in bulk by cement producers and grinding plants that mill it into portland or other hydraulic cements. Only unground clinker belongs here, not finished cement powder.
Notes for Importers
Typical shipments are bulk vessel loads of gray clinker destined for grinding facilities. The most common mistake is classifying ground portland cement here; finished cement falls under other subheadings of 2523 such as 2523.29 for portland cement. White cement and aluminous cement also have their own lines within heading 2523.
Product Category
Mineral Products
This chapter covers salt, sulfur, stone, cement, ores, slag, and other mineral materials used in construction and industry.
Classification Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| HTS Code | 2523.10.00.00 |
| Description | Cement clinkers |
| Chapter | 25 - Mineral Products |
| General Duty Rate | Free |
| Rate Type | Free |
| Special Rates | |
Related HTS Codes
Other tariff codes under the same heading:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cement clinker and cement for classification?
Clinker is the unground nodular material straight from the kiln and stays in 2523.10. Once it is ground into powder, with or without gypsum added, it becomes cement and shifts to other subheadings of heading 2523, most commonly 2523.29 for gray portland cement.
Does 2523.10.00.00 cover white cement clinker?
Yes, the subheading covers cement clinkers generally, whether destined for gray or white cement. It is the finished cements that split into separate lines, such as white portland cement under 2523.21.
What is the HTS code 2523.10.00.00 used for?
HTS code 2523.10.00.00 is the harmonized tariff schedule code for Cement clinkers. This code is used to classify and identify this product type for customs clearance, duty calculation, and trade statistics.
What is the Column 2 rate for HTS 2523.10.00.00?
The Column 2 rate is the tariff duty rate applicable to goods from countries that do not have normal trade relations with the United States. This rate is typically higher than Column 1 (Most Favored Nation) rates and is rarely used in modern trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
Do I need a customs broker to import goods classified under HTS 2523.10.00.00?
While not always required, using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended for most imports. A customs broker can help ensure proper HTS classification, prepare customs documentation, pay duties correctly, and avoid delays or penalties. Your broker should be familiar with Mineral Products products.
Which countries receive special tariff rates for HTS 2523.10.00.00?
Multiple free trade agreements and trade preference programs provide reduced or free tariffs for eligible HTS classifications. Common programs include USMCA (Canada, Mexico), various bilateral FTAs (Korea, Australia, Singapore), GSP for developing countries, and AGOA for eligible African nations. Check the special rates section on this page.
How does HTS code 2523.10.00.00 affect my import costs?
The HTS code determines the applicable duty rate (either free or a percentage/specific amount), whether your product qualifies for trade agreement benefits, any quota restrictions, and special documentation requirements. Proper classification directly impacts your import expenses, so verify the correct code with your supplier or a customs professional.