HS Code 26.09 – Tin ores and concentrates

HS code 2609 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tin ores and concentrates. Heading 2609 covers all natural tin ores and their concentrates, serving as the fundamental raw material for tin metal production. The primary mineral encompassed is cassiterite (tin dioxide), but other tin-bearing minerals may also be included. This classification extends to these materials in their raw state as extracted from the earth, as well as after initial physical or mechanical beneficiation processes. These processes typically aim to increase the tin content and separate it from gangue minerals through methods like crushing, grinding, gravity separation, flotation, or magnetic separation. It is crucial to note that this heading strictly excludes chemically processed or smelted tin products, refined tin metal, or tin compounds. The scope focuses on the pre-smelting stage, where the material is still an "ore" or "concentrate." Sub-categories are often defined by the mineral type (e.g., alluvial cassiterite, lode cassiterite) and the concentration level. Correct classification under 2609 is paramount for trade compliance, impacting tariffs, export controls (especially for conflict minerals, where applicable), environmental regulations, and origin declarations. Tin ores have played a significant historical role in human civilization, from the Bronze Age to modern electronics, linking this heading to vital global supply chains for soldering, plating, and specialty alloys. As part of Chapter 26, "Ores, slag and ash," this heading clearly defines tin ores as primary raw materials, differentiated from processed tin metals (Chapter 80) or tin chemicals (Chapter 28).

Cassiterite concentrate, stannite ore, tin ore lumps, tin sulfide concentrate, tin oxide concentrate, beneficiated tin ore, alluvial tin concentrate, lode tin concentrate, finely ground tin ore, rough tin ore, smeltable tin concentrate, tin mineral sand concentrate, gravity separated tin concentrate, flotation tin concentrate, primary tin ore, unrefined tin ore, high-grade tin concentrate, low-grade tin ore, tin placer deposits (unprocessed), crushed tin ore, pulverised tin ore, cassiterite sand

A common classification error for tin ores and concentrates (2609) is confusing them with unwrought tin metal (8001) or tin chemical compounds like tin oxides (2825). The distinction lies in the degree of processing: 2609 covers naturally occurring ores and their physically beneficiated concentrates, not the result of smelting or chemical synthesis. Another frequent mistake is classifying tin-bearing industrial residues or slag (2620) under this heading; these are by-products of metal production, not primary ores. It's crucial to understand that "concentrate" implies a higher metal content than raw ore but is still far from the purity of refined metal.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2609 in UN Comtrade data were the DR Congo (about $631M, 40% of world exports), Australia ($363M) and Congo (about $123M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 2609 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 79% of world imports), Malaysia ($289M) and Thailand ($189M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 2609 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.