HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2601.20 – Iron pyrites; roasted
HS code 2601.20 is the 6-digit subheading for iron pyrites, roasted. It is used for pyrite cinders, roasted pyrite, sulfur-extracted iron ore, burnt pyrites and iron oxide residue.
What HS 2601.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers roasted iron pyrites, often referred to as 'pyrite cinders' or 'burnt pyrites.' These are residues left after iron pyrites (iron sulfide) have been roasted, primarily to extract sulfur for sulfuric acid production. While their primary value is often derived from the sulfur content, the remaining roasted material still contains iron and can be used as a low-grade iron ore or for specific applications like cement production or as a pigment. The trade in roasted iron pyrites is a niche market, often linked to the chemical industry's demand for sulfur and the subsequent disposal or repurposing of the iron-rich byproduct. Importers and exporters are typically industrial entities looking for cost-effective raw materials or waste management solutions.
- Covers
- Pyrite cinders
- Roasted pyrite
- Sulfur-extracted iron ore
- Burnt pyrites
- Iron oxide residue
- Examples
- Residues from sulfuric acid plants
- specific industrial waste products
- iron oxide pigments from pyrite cinders
Codes often confused with 2601.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with 260111 or 260112 if its origin as a roasted byproduct isn't specified, or even 2508 (other clays) if its iron oxide content is mistaken for a pigment.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 260120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 260120 in UN Comtrade data was Oman, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mozambique, with 38% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Oman $19M 51% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $12M 33% of world exports
- 3 Fiji $2.8M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $38M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mozambique $7.2M 38% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$4.4M 24% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Egypt $2.4M 13% of world imports
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2601.20
Brazil does not split HS 2601.20: its NCM code is 2601.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 26.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2601.20
What is HS code 260120?
HS code 260120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron pyrites; roasted. This HS code specifically covers roasted iron pyrites, often referred to as 'pyrite cinders' or 'burnt pyrites.' These are residues left after iron pyrites (iron sulfide) have been roasted, primarily to extract sulfur for sulfuric acid production. While their primary value is often derived from the sulfur content, the remaining roasted material still contains iron and can be used as a low-grade iron ore or for specific applications like cement production or as a pigment. The trade in roasted iron pyrites is a niche market, often linked to the chemical industry's demand for sulfur and the subsequent disposal or repurposing of the iron-rich byproduct. Importers and exporters are typically industrial entities looking for cost-effective raw materials or waste management solutions.
What products fall under HS code 260120?
Pyrite cinders, Roasted pyrite, Sulfur-extracted iron ore, Burnt pyrites, Iron oxide residue
What are common misclassifications for HS code 260120?
Can be confused with 260111 or 260112 if its origin as a roasted byproduct isn't specified, or even 2508 (other clays) if its iron oxide content is mistaken for a pigment.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 260120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 260120 in UN Comtrade data were Oman ($19M, 51% of world exports), South Africa ($12M) and Fiji ($2.8M). World exports came to about $38M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 260120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 260120 in UN Comtrade data were Mozambique ($7.2M, 38% of world imports), Vietnam (about $4.4M) and Egypt ($2.4M). World imports came to about $19M, 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.
How is HS code 260120 structured?
HS code 260120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 260120?
In Brazil, HS code 260120 is NCM 2601.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.