HS Code 26.01 – Iron ores and concentrates; including roasted iron pyrites

HS code 2601 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron ores and concentrates; including roasted iron pyrites. Heading 2601 covers iron ores and concentrates, including roasted iron pyrites. This classification is fundamental to the global steel industry, as it encompasses the primary raw materials from which iron and steel are produced. Iron ores typically consist of iron oxides such as hematite, magnetite, limonite, and goethite. "Concentrates" refer to ores that have undergone minimal processing, such as crushing, grinding, washing, magnetic separation, flotation, pelletizing, or sintering, to increase their iron content and prepare them for smelting. Roasted iron pyrites, also known as cinder, are residues from the processing of iron pyrites (iron sulfides) to extract sulfur, and they retain a significant iron content, making them valuable for iron production. The scope is strictly limited to these unprocessed or minimally processed forms; highly refined iron products fall under different chapters. Accurate classification under 2601 is critical for determining customs duties, managing import/export regulations, and understanding global commodity markets. Historically, iron ore trade has been a cornerstone of industrialization, and its classification reflects its status as a vital bulk commodity. This heading is part of Chapter 26, "Ores, slag and ash," which specifically covers metallic ores in their raw state, distinguishing them from other mineral substances in Chapter 25 or manufactured metal products in later chapters.

Hematite ore, magnetite ore, limonite ore, goethite ore, taconite pellets, iron ore fines, iron ore lumps, sintered iron ore, beneficiated iron ore, roasted iron pyrites cinders, iron ore briquettes, iron sand, titaniferous iron ore, chromiferous iron ore, low-grade iron ore concentrate, high-grade iron ore concentrate, specular hematite, banded iron formation (BIF) ore, pelletized iron concentrate, fine iron ore powder.

A common misclassification error occurs when distinguishing iron ores from processed iron products or waste. Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) or Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI), while derived from iron ore, are more processed and typically fall under 7203.10 (Ferrous products obtained by direct reduction). Metallic waste and scrap of iron or steel (e.g., 7204.41 or 7204.49) should not be confused with natural iron ores or roasted pyrites. Additionally, other mineral substances containing iron but not primarily classified as iron ore might fall under 2617.90 (Other ores and concentrates) or even 2530.90 if the iron content is incidental or too low to be considered an ore.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2601 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($78.0B, 54% of world exports), Brazil ($29.0B) and Canada ($6.1B). World exports came to about $144.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2601 in UN Comtrade data were China ($122.8B, 74% of world imports), Japan ($9.7B) and South Korea ($7.2B). World imports came to about $165.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 2601 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.