Plaster of paris Hs Code

Plaster of paris harmonized system code

Product Overview Plaster of Paris (POP), classified under HS Code 252020, is a finely ground, white powder derived primarily from the calcination of natural gypsum. This inorganic material exhibits rapid setting properties upon hydration, forming a hard, smooth surface. Physically, POP typically presents a particle size distribution optimized for uniform consistency, with moisture content maintained below 1% to ensure shelf stability and performance reliability. Processing levels include calcination under controlled temperature ranges (approximately 120–180°C) to achieve partial dehydration, resulting in hemi-hydrate calcium sulfate (CaSO4·0.5H2O). The product is graded based on purity, setting time, and compressive strength parameters, catering to various industrial applications. Within HS Code 252020, subcategories differentiate between plaster of Paris used for construction, medical orthopedics, and food-grade variants, each adhering to specific quality standards such as ASTM C59 or equivalent. Commercially, POP is extensively utilized in construction for molding and casting, in food processing as a coagulant or additive, and in retail packaging for specialty applications. Its value proposition lies in its cost-effective production, consistent quality, and versatility, enabling streamlined integration into diverse industrial workflows. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications The Harmonized System (HS) Code 252020 corresponds to “Plasters of paris, calcined, including calcined gypsum.” This six-digit code is structured as follows: Chapter 25 (Salt; sulphur; earths and stone), Heading 2520 (Gypsum; anhydrite; plasters), and Subheading 252020 (Plasters of paris, calcined). The classification rationale is based on the chemical composition—calcium sulfate hemihydrate—and the material’s processed form, distinguishing it from raw gypsum (HS 252010) and other mineral plasters. Trade considerations for POP include packaging in moisture-resistant, multi-layered kraft paper bags or polypropylene sacks with inner polyethylene liners, typically in 25 kg increments, to prevent hydration and contamination during transit. Preservation involves storage in dry, temperature-controlled environments to maintain product integrity and setting properties. Shipping requirements comply with IMDG and ICAO regulations for non-hazardous goods, with emphasis on minimizing exposure to humidity. Quality standards conform to internationally recognized benchmarks such as ISO 9001 and ASTM specifications, ensuring consistency in chemical composition (minimum 90% calcium sulfate hemihydrate), setting time (typically 7–12 minutes), and compressive strength (above 2 MPa post-curing). Compliance with WTO agreements and customs documentation mandates accurate product declaration under HS 252020 to facilitate smooth cross-border transactions and tariff assessments.

Plaster of paris Chapter Note

1.- Except where their context or Note 4 to this Chapter otherwise requires, the headings of this Chapter cover only products which are in the crude state or which have been washed (even with chemical substances eliminating the impurities without changing the structure of the product), crushed, ground, powdered, levigated, sifted, screened, concentrated by flotation, magnetic separation or other mechanical or physical processes (except crystallisation), but not products which have been roasted, calcined, obtained by mixing or subjected to processing beyond that mentioned in each heading. The products of this Chapter may contain an added anti-dusting agent, provided that such addition does not render the product particularly suitable for specific use rather than for general use. 2.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Sublimed sulphur, precipitated sulphur or colloidal sulphur (heading 28.02); (b) Earth colours containing 70 % or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2O3 (heading 28.21); (c) Medicaments or other products of Chapter 30; (d) Perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations (Chapter 33); (e) Dolomite ramming mix (heading 38.16); (f) Setts, curbstones or flagstones (heading 68.01); mosaic cubes or the like (heading 68.02); roofing, facing or damp course slates (heading 68.03); (g) Precious or semi-precious stones (heading 71.02 or 71.03); (h) Cultured crystals (other than optical elements) weighing not less than 2.5 g each, of sodium chloride or of magnesium oxide, of heading 38.24; optical elements of sodium chloride or of magnesium oxide (heading 90.01); (ij) Billiard chalks (heading 95.04); or (k) Writing or drawing chalks or tailors' chalks (heading 96.09). 3.- Any products classifiable in heading 25.17 and any other heading of the Chapter are to be classified in heading 25.17. 4.- Heading 25.30 applies, inter alia, to : vermiculite, perlite and chlorites, unexpanded; earth colours, whether or not calcined or mixed together; natural micaceous iron oxides; meerschaum (whether or not in polished pieces); amber; agglomerated meerschaum and agglomerated amber, in plates, rods, sticks or similar forms, not worked after moulding; jet; strontianite (whether or not calcined), other than strontium oxide; broken pieces of pottery, brick or concrete.