HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2609.00 – Tin ores and concentrates
HS code 2609.00 is the 6-digit subheading for tin ores and concentrates. It is used for cassiterite ore, tin concentrate (60% Sn), tin concentrate (70% Sn), low-grade tin ore and high-grade tin ore.
What HS 2609.00 covers
Tin ores and concentrates are crucial raw materials for the global electronics, packaging, and automotive industries. These primary forms of tin are traded internationally to feed smelters that refine them into pure tin metal. Major importers are typically industrialized nations with significant manufacturing sectors, such as China, Japan, and the United States, which rely on tin for solder, tinplate, and various alloys. Exporters are often countries rich in tin deposits, like Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bolivia. Key things to know include the volatility of tin prices, driven by supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical factors affecting mining operations. Environmental and social governance (ESG) concerns are also paramount, as tin mining can be associated with deforestation, water pollution, and labor issues, leading to increased scrutiny on supply chain traceability and responsible sourcing initiatives. The purity and concentration levels of the ore are critical factors determining its market value and suitability for different refining processes.
- Covers
- Cassiterite ore
- Tin concentrate (60% Sn)
- Tin concentrate (70% Sn)
- Low-grade tin ore
- High-grade tin ore
- Alluvial tin concentrate
- Examples
- PT Timah Tbk (Indonesia)
- Myanmar Tin & Tungsten Co.
- Minsur S.A. (Peru)
- Alphamin Resources (DRC)
Codes often confused with 2609.00
Common mistake. This code might be confused with unwrought tin (HS 800100) or tin waste and scrap (HS 800200), as those are refined or secondary forms of tin, not the raw ore.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 260900, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 260900 in UN Comtrade data was the DR Congo, with about 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 DR Congo* ~$631M 40% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Australia $363M 23% of world exports
- 3 Congo* ~$123M 7.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.9B 79% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $289M 12% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $189M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 2609.00
Brazil does not split HS 2609.00: its NCM code is 2609.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 26.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2609.00
What is HS code 260900?
HS code 260900 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tin ores and concentrates. Tin ores and concentrates are crucial raw materials for the global electronics, packaging, and automotive industries. These primary forms of tin are traded internationally to feed smelters that refine them into pure tin metal. Major importers are typically industrialized nations with significant manufacturing sectors, such as China, Japan, and the United States, which rely on tin for solder, tinplate, and various alloys. Exporters are often countries rich in tin deposits, like Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bolivia. Key things to know include the volatility of tin prices, driven by supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical factors affecting mining operations. Environmental and social governance (ESG) concerns are also paramount, as tin mining can be associated with deforestation, water pollution, and labor issues, leading to increased scrutiny on supply chain traceability and responsible sourcing initiatives. The purity and concentration levels of the ore are critical factors determining its market value and suitability for different refining processes.
What products fall under HS code 260900?
Cassiterite ore, Tin concentrate (60% Sn), Tin concentrate (70% Sn), Low-grade tin ore, High-grade tin ore, Alluvial tin concentrate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 260900?
This code might be confused with unwrought tin (HS 800100) or tin waste and scrap (HS 800200), as those are refined or secondary forms of tin, not the raw ore.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 260900?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 260900 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 260900?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 260900 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.
How is HS code 260900 structured?
HS code 260900 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) 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 260900?
In Brazil, HS code 260900 is NCM 2609.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.