HS Code 26.04 – Nickel ores and concentrates

HS code 2604 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nickel ores and concentrates. Heading 2604 covers "Nickel ores and concentrates," a vital category for industries ranging from stainless steel production to electric vehicle batteries. This classification encompasses naturally occurring nickel-bearing minerals, such as laterites (limonite and saprolite) and sulfides (pentlandite), along with their concentrated forms. The scope includes raw ore, which may be crushed or screened, and products that have undergone physical beneficiation processes like flotation or magnetic separation to increase the nickel content. These concentrates are precursors to nickel matte, ferronickel, or pure nickel metal, which fall under different HS headings (e.g., 7501, 7202, 7502 respectively). Key sub-categories often differentiate between sulfide and laterite ores, given their distinct processing routes. For importers and exporters, accurate classification under 2604 is crucial for navigating complex international trade policies, including export bans on raw materials in some producing countries, import duties, and environmental regulations. The strategic importance of nickel in modern high-tech applications has heightened its trade significance, making this heading a focal point for global supply chain discussions. It sits within Chapter 26, signifying its status as a primary raw material extracted from the earth, before undergoing major chemical transformations.

Nickel sulfide concentrates, nickel laterite ore, garnierite ore, limonite ore, saprolite ore, nickel oxide ore, roasted nickel concentrates, beneficiated nickel ore, primary nickel concentrates, secondary nickel concentrates, nickel-cobalt concentrates, nickel-iron concentrates, nickel flotation concentrates, high-grade nickel concentrates, low-grade nickel concentrates, run-of-mine nickel ore, crushed nickel ore, screened nickel ore, mixed nickel hydroxide precipitate (MHP), mixed sulfide precipitate (MSP), pentlandite concentrates, pyrrhotite concentrates

A common classification pitfall for HS 2604 is distinguishing between nickel ores/concentrates and more processed forms. Traders often confuse raw nickel ore with ferro-nickel (HS 7202), which is an alloy of iron and nickel, or nickel matte (HS 7501), an intermediate product from smelting. Nickel matte has undergone significant thermal and chemical processing to remove impurities and enrich the nickel content, while ferro-nickel is a final product for steelmaking. Another error is classifying mixed nickel hydroxide precipitate (MHP) or mixed sulfide precipitate (MSP) under 2604 when they might be considered more processed chemical products, depending on their purity and form, potentially falling under Chapters 28 or 75 if they meet specific criteria. The key differentiator is the extent of chemical change versus physical concentration.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2604 in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($1.5B, 36% of world exports), Zambia (about $460M) and New Caledonia (about $367M). World exports came to about $4.1B, 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 2604 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.1B, 61% of world imports), Indonesia ($747M) and Canada ($356M). World imports 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.

HS code 2604 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.