HS Code 26.07 – Lead ores and concentrates

HS code 2607 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lead ores and concentrates. Heading 2607 covers "Lead ores and concentrates," a crucial classification for the global lead industry, primarily driven by demand for batteries and radiation shielding. This heading encompasses naturally occurring lead-bearing minerals, with galena (lead sulfide) being the most significant, alongside cerussite (lead carbonate) and anglesite (lead sulfate). It includes both raw lead ore and products that have undergone initial physical beneficiation processes, such as crushing, grinding, flotation, or gravity separation, to increase the lead content and remove gangue minerals. The scope is strictly limited to the ore and concentrated forms, excluding refined lead metal (7801) or lead matte (7801). Key sub-categories often reflect the presence of co-mined valuable metals like silver or zinc (e.g., lead-silver concentrates, lead-zinc concentrates). For trade compliance professionals, accurate classification under 2607 is essential for navigating import duties, export controls, and stringent environmental regulations surrounding lead production and trade. Historically, lead has been vital for plumbing, pigments, and ammunition, evolving today into a critical component of rechargeable batteries. This heading is fundamental to Chapter 26, representing the initial raw material stage before the complex metallurgical processes that yield refined lead.

Galena concentrates, cerussite ore, anglesite ore, primary lead concentrates, secondary lead concentrates, beneficiated lead ore, raw lead ore, flotation concentrates containing lead, leached lead ore, roasted lead concentrates, lead-silver concentrates, lead-zinc concentrates, high-grade lead concentrates, low-grade lead concentrates, run-of-mine lead ore, crushed lead ore, screened lead ore, lead sulfide ore, lead oxide ore, mixed lead-zinc-silver concentrates, bulk lead concentrates, lead-copper concentrates, lead-gold concentrates

Common misclassification errors for HS 2607 involve confusing lead ores and concentrates with more processed lead materials. Traders sometimes mistakenly classify refined lead (HS 7801), lead matte (HS 7801), or lead alloys (HS 7801) under 2607. Refined lead is the pure metallic form, and lead matte is an intermediate product from smelting, both having undergone significant metallurgical transformation beyond physical concentration. Another error is confusing these with lead slag, dross, or ash (HS 2620), which are waste products rather than primary ores. The critical distinction for 2607 is that the product remains in its natural mineral or physically concentrated form, requiring further chemical extraction to produce lead metal.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2607 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($1.2B, 17% of world exports), Australia ($961M) and the United States ($846M). World exports came to about $6.8B, 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 2607 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($2.9B, 35% of world imports), China ($2.7B) and Germany ($871M). World imports came to about $8.4B, 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 2607 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.