HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2615.10 – Zirconium ores and concentrates
HS code 2615.10 is the 6-digit subheading for zirconium ores and concentrates. It is used for zircon sand, zircon concentrate, zircon flour, milled zircon and premium zircon.
What HS 2615.10 covers
Zirconium ores and concentrates, predominantly zircon sand, are essential raw materials for a wide array of industrial applications, particularly in ceramics, refractories, and foundry industries due to their high melting point and chemical inertness. They are also used to produce zirconium metal, which is critical for nuclear reactor components due to its low neutron absorption cross-section. Major importers include industrialized nations with robust manufacturing sectors, such as China, the United States, and European countries. Leading exporters are countries with significant mineral sands deposits, including Australia, South Africa, and Indonesia. The trade is influenced by global construction trends, industrial production, and the demand for specialized materials. Environmental regulations concerning mineral sands mining and processing are also important. The purity and grain size of the zircon concentrate are critical factors determining its market value and suitability for different end-uses, from ceramic glazes to nuclear-grade zirconium.
- Covers
- Zircon sand
- Zircon concentrate
- Zircon flour
- Milled zircon
- Premium zircon
- Standard zircon
- Examples
- Iluka Resources (Australia)
- Tronox Holdings (US/Australia)
- Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa - Rio Tinto)
- Eramet (Senegal)
Codes often confused with 2615.10
Common mistake. This code is distinct from zirconium oxide (HS 282560) or unwrought zirconium metal (HS 810910), which are processed forms.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 261510, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 261510 in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% 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 South Africa $525M 41% of world exports
- 2 Senegal $118M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Australia $112M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.3B 63% of world imports
- 2 Spain $169M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 India $158M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 codes for 2615.10 3
Brazil splits HS 2615.10 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2615.10.10 Baddeleyite (zirconium ore)Badeleíta
- 2615.10.20 Zircon ores and concentratesZirconita
- 2615.10.90 Other zirconium ores and concentratesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 26.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2615.10
What is HS code 261510?
HS code 261510 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zirconium ores and concentrates. Zirconium ores and concentrates, predominantly zircon sand, are essential raw materials for a wide array of industrial applications, particularly in ceramics, refractories, and foundry industries due to their high melting point and chemical inertness. They are also used to produce zirconium metal, which is critical for nuclear reactor components due to its low neutron absorption cross-section. Major importers include industrialized nations with robust manufacturing sectors, such as China, the United States, and European countries. Leading exporters are countries with significant mineral sands deposits, including Australia, South Africa, and Indonesia. The trade is influenced by global construction trends, industrial production, and the demand for specialized materials. Environmental regulations concerning mineral sands mining and processing are also important. The purity and grain size of the zircon concentrate are critical factors determining its market value and suitability for different end-uses, from ceramic glazes to nuclear-grade zirconium.
What products fall under HS code 261510?
Zircon sand, Zircon concentrate, Zircon flour, Milled zircon, Premium zircon, Standard zircon
What are common misclassifications for HS code 261510?
This code is distinct from zirconium oxide (HS 282560) or unwrought zirconium metal (HS 810910), which are processed forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 261510?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 261510 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($525M, 41% of world exports), Senegal ($118M) and Australia ($112M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 261510?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 261510 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 63% of world imports), Spain ($169M) and India ($158M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 261510 structured?
HS code 261510 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 261510?
Brazil splits HS code 261510 into 3 NCM codes: 2615.10.10 (Baddeleyite (zirconium ore)), 2615.10.20 (Zircon ores and concentrates), 2615.10.90 (Other zirconium ores and concentrates). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.