HS Code 26.05 – Cobalt ores and concentrates

HS code 2605 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cobalt ores and concentrates. Heading 2605 covers "Cobalt ores and concentrates," a classification of increasing strategic importance due to cobalt's critical role in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and high-performance superalloys. This heading encompasses naturally occurring minerals containing cobalt, which are often co-mined with copper or nickel, such as carrollite, heterogenite, or as impurities within other sulfide or oxide ores. It includes both raw ore and products that have undergone initial physical concentration processes like flotation or gravity separation to enhance cobalt content. The scope is strictly limited to the ore and concentrated forms, excluding refined cobalt metal (8105) or cobalt compounds (Chapter 28). Key sub-categories often reflect the primary co-mined metal (e.g., cobalt-copper concentrates, cobalt-nickel concentrates). For trade compliance professionals, accurate classification under 2605 is vital for navigating evolving regulations concerning critical minerals, responsible sourcing, and potential trade restrictions. The geopolitical sensitivity surrounding cobalt supply chains, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscores the profound trade significance and global focus on this heading. As part of Chapter 26, it represents the raw material stage, before complex chemical refinement processes transform it into commercial products.

Cobalt sulfide concentrates, cobalt oxide concentrates, cobalt-rich copper concentrates, cobalt-rich nickel concentrates, mixed cobalt-nickel concentrates, primary cobalt concentrates, secondary cobalt concentrates, beneficiated cobalt ore, raw cobalt ore, flotation concentrates containing cobalt, leached cobalt ore, roasted cobalt concentrates, high-grade cobalt concentrates, low-grade cobalt concentrates, run-of-mine cobalt ore, crushed cobalt ore, screened cobalt ore, cobalt-bearing pyrites, carrollite concentrates, heterogenite concentrates, asbolane ore, sphaerocobaltite concentrates

Misclassification under HS 2605 often arises when traders confuse cobalt ores and concentrates with refined cobalt metal (HS 8105) or specific cobalt compounds (HS 2822). Refined cobalt is a pure metallic form, while cobalt compounds are chemically processed substances, both distinct from the raw, concentrated mineral. Another common error is classifying intermediate products like cobalt matte or speiss under 2605; these are partially processed materials that have undergone significant metallurgical changes, typically falling under HS 8105 (as other unwrought cobalt) if not pure metal. The critical distinction for 2605 is that the product remains in a mineral ore or physically concentrated form, requiring further chemical extraction to yield pure cobalt.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2605 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($5.6M, 68% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($807K) and the DR Congo (about $370K). World exports came to about $8.1M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 41% of its exports here ($14M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2605 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($1.8M, 28% of world imports), Italy ($893K) and Finland ($873K). World imports came to about $6.3M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

HS code 2605 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.