HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2605.00 – Cobalt ores and concentrates
HS code 2605.00 is the 6-digit subheading for cobalt ores and concentrates. It is used for heterogenite concentrate, carrolite concentrate, cobalt-bearing copper ore, cobalt-bearing nickel ore and cobalt sulfide concentrate.
What HS 2605.00 covers
Cobalt ores and concentrates are strategically important commodities, primarily due to cobalt's critical role in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronics, as well as in superalloys for aerospace and defense. The global supply chain for cobalt is highly concentrated, with the Democratic Republic of Congo being the dominant source of mined cobalt. This concentration leads to significant geopolitical and ethical sourcing considerations in international trade. Importers are typically countries with advanced battery manufacturing and high-tech industries. The market is characterized by high demand, price volatility, and increasing scrutiny over supply chain transparency and sustainability practices.
- Covers
- Heterogenite concentrate
- Carrolite concentrate
- Cobalt-bearing copper ore
- Cobalt-bearing nickel ore
- Cobalt sulfide concentrate
- Examples
- Glencore's cobalt concentrates
- ERG's cobalt products
- CMOC's cobalt ore
- Katanga Mining cobalt
Codes often confused with 2605.00
Common mistake. Often confused with 260400 (nickel ores) or 260300 (copper ores) as cobalt is frequently a byproduct of these mines, or 2822 (cobalt oxides) if processed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 260500, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 260500 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 68% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 28% of world imports. 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. 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.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $5.6M 68% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $807K 9.9% of world exports
- 3 DR Congo* ~$370K 4.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
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.
World total: $8.1M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $1.8M 28% of world imports
- 2 Italy $893K 14% of world imports
- 3 Finland $873K 14% of world imports
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.
World total: $6.3M 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 2605.00
Brazil does not split HS 2605.00: its NCM code is 2605.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 26.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2605.00
What is HS code 260500?
HS code 260500 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cobalt ores and concentrates. Cobalt ores and concentrates are strategically important commodities, primarily due to cobalt's critical role in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronics, as well as in superalloys for aerospace and defense. The global supply chain for cobalt is highly concentrated, with the Democratic Republic of Congo being the dominant source of mined cobalt. This concentration leads to significant geopolitical and ethical sourcing considerations in international trade. Importers are typically countries with advanced battery manufacturing and high-tech industries. The market is characterized by high demand, price volatility, and increasing scrutiny over supply chain transparency and sustainability practices.
What products fall under HS code 260500?
Heterogenite concentrate, Carrolite concentrate, Cobalt-bearing copper ore, Cobalt-bearing nickel ore, Cobalt sulfide concentrate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 260500?
Often confused with 260400 (nickel ores) or 260300 (copper ores) as cobalt is frequently a byproduct of these mines, or 2822 (cobalt oxides) if processed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 260500?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 260500 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 260500?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 260500 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.
How is HS code 260500 structured?
HS code 260500 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 260500?
In Brazil, HS code 260500 is NCM 2605.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.