HS Code 26.02 – Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and concentrates with a manganese content of 20% or more, calculated on the dry weight

HS code 2602 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and concentrates with a manganese content of 20% or more, calculated on the dry weight. Heading 2602 specifically covers manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores, provided they meet a critical threshold: a manganese content of 20% or more, calculated on the dry weight. This classification is vital because manganese is an indispensable element, primarily used in steel production as a deoxidizer, desulfurizer, and an alloying agent to enhance strength and hardness. It is also crucial for producing ferroalloys and in certain chemical and battery applications. The 20% manganese content rule is the primary determinant for classifying under this heading; ores below this threshold would typically fall under other residual headings. "Concentrates" implies minimal processing such as crushing, grinding, washing, and gravity separation to upgrade the ore's quality. Correct classification is essential for accurate duty assessment, adherence to import/export regulations, and for tracking the trade of this strategic mineral. Manganese is often designated as a critical raw material due to its irreplaceable role in metallurgy and relatively concentrated global primary sources. Its importance in industrial processes has a long history, making it a significant commodity in international trade. As part of Chapter 26, "Ores, slag and ash," this heading clearly defines manganese as a raw metallic ore, distinguishing it from processed manganese products or other mineral substances.

Pyrolusite ore, psilomelane ore, rhodochrosite ore, braunite ore, manganite ore, high-grade manganese ore, low-grade manganese ore concentrate (>=20% Mn), ferruginous manganese ore (>=20% Mn), manganese ore fines, manganese ore lumps, manganese ore pellets, beneficiated manganese ore, battery-grade manganese ore, metallurgical-grade manganese ore, chemical-grade manganese ore, manganese dioxide ore (natural), concentrated manganese nodules, washed manganese ore, crushed manganese ore, sintered manganese ore.

The most significant misclassification risk for 2602 is failing to meet the 20% manganese content threshold. Ores with less than 20% manganese are typically classified under 2617.90 (Other ores and concentrates) or, if not metallic, possibly 2530.90 (Other mineral substances). Another common error is confusing natural manganese ores with chemically processed manganese oxides (e.g., 2820.10 for manganese dioxide) or manufactured ferroalloys (e.g., 7202.11 for ferromanganese), which are distinct processed products. Careful laboratory analysis of manganese content and understanding the processing level are crucial for correct classification.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2602 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($3.0B, 59% of world exports), Gabon (about $1.4B) and Ghana ($264M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 2602 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.4B, 66% of world imports), India ($1.1B) and Norway ($227M). World imports came to about $6.7B, 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 2602 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.