HS Code 26.10 – Chromium ores and concentrates

HS code 2610 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chromium ores and concentrates. Heading 2610 specifically covers natural chromium ores and their concentrates, which are the primary source for all chromium-based products, most notably ferrochrome for stainless steel production. The key mineral under this heading is chromite (iron chromium oxide). This classification includes chromite in its raw, unbeneficiated state as mined, as well as after various initial physical or mechanical concentration processes. These processes, such as crushing, grinding, gravity separation, magnetic separation, or flotation, are designed to increase the chromium content and remove undesirable gangue minerals. Importantly, this heading excludes chromium metal, ferro-alloys (which are classified in Chapter 72), or chemically produced chromium compounds. The scope focuses on the material's status as a primary ore or a beneficiated concentrate, prior to any smelting or significant chemical transformation. Sub-categories are often identified by their end-use applications, such as metallurgical-grade, refractory-grade, or chemical-grade chromite concentrates, depending on their chemical composition and purity. Accurate classification under 2610 is critical for trade compliance, affecting import duties, export restrictions (as chromium is a strategic mineral), environmental regulations, and origin declarations. Chromium ores have historical significance as a critical component in modern metallurgy and industrial processes. This heading is a key part of Chapter 26, "Ores, slag and ash," firmly placing it as a raw mineral commodity distinct from ferro-alloys or pure metals.

Chromite ore, ferrochrome ore, chromite concentrate, high-grade chromite ore, metallurgical chromite concentrate, refractory chromite ore, chemical-grade chromite ore, lumpy chromite ore, granular chromite concentrate, beneficiated chromite, raw chromite lumps, finely crushed chromite, chromite sand, foundry chromite sand, unroasted chromite, primary chromium ore, low-grade chromite ore, chrome spinel ore, chrome iron ore, washed chromite concentrate, flotation chromite concentrate, gravity separated chromite

Common misclassifications for chromium ores and concentrates (2610) include confusing them with ferro-chromium (7202), unwrought chromium metal (8112), or chromium oxides (2819). The crucial distinction is that 2610 covers natural ores and their physically concentrated forms, not smelted alloys or purified metals. Ferro-chromium, for example, is an alloy produced by smelting chromite, while chromium metal is a refined element. Another mistake is classifying chromium-bearing slag or ash (2620) as primary ore; these are industrial by-products and fall under a different heading within Chapter 26.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2610 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($5.2B, 77% of world exports), Zimbabwe (about $625M) and Türkiye ($324M). World exports came to about $6.7B, 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 2610 in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.2B, 82% of world imports), Indonesia ($716M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $138M). World imports came to about $7.5B, 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 2610 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.