About HS Code 261590
This HS code covers a group of critical strategic minerals: niobium, tantalum, and vanadium ores and concentrates. These elements are vital for producing high-performance alloys used in aerospace, electronics, automotive, and chemical processing industries due to their unique properties like high strength, corrosion resistance, and superconductivity. Niobium is crucial for high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels, tantalum for capacitors in electronics, and vanadium for steel hardening and battery technologies. Major importers are industrialized nations with advanced manufacturing capabilities, including China, the United States, Japan, and Germany. Leading exporters are countries rich in these deposits, such as Brazil (niobium), Democratic Republic of Congo (tantalum), and South Africa (vanadium). The trade is heavily influenced by global technological demand, geopolitical stability in producing regions, and concerns over conflict minerals, particularly for tantalum. Purity and concentration levels are paramount for their specific industrial applications.
Products Under This Code
Pyrochlore concentrate (niobium), Columbite-tantalite (coltan) ore, Vanadium pentoxide concentrate, Vanadinite ore, Niobium ore, Tantalum concentrate
Real World Examples
CBMM (Brazil - Niobium), AMG Critical Materials (Brazil/Germany - Tantalum), Bushveld Minerals (South Africa - Vanadium), Global Advanced Metals (Australia/US - Tantalum)
Common Misclassification
This code groups these three distinct elements; care must be taken not to confuse them with their refined metals (e.g., unwrought niobium HS 811212, unwrought tantalum HS 811292, unwrought vanadium HS 811299).
Products Classified Under 2615.90
Industry
This code belongs to the Minerals & Fuels industry.
Trade Overview
Brazil, DRC, and South Africa are major exporters, with China, the US, Japan, and Germany being key importers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 261590?
HS code 261590 covers: Niobium, tantalum, vanadium ores and concentrates. This HS code covers a group of critical strategic minerals: niobium, tantalum, and vanadium ores and concentrates. These elements are vital for producing high-performance alloys used in aerospace, electronics, automotive, and chemical processing industries due to their unique properties like high strength, corrosion resistance, and superconductivity. Niobium is crucial for high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels, tantalum for capacitors in electronics, and vanadium for steel hardening and battery technologies. Major importers are industrialized nations with advanced manufacturing capabilities, including China, the United States, Japan, and Germany. Leading exporters are countries rich in these deposits, such as Brazil (niobium), Democratic Republic of Congo (tantalum), and South Africa (vanadium). The trade is heavily influenced by global technological demand, geopolitical stability in producing regions, and concerns over conflict minerals, particularly for tantalum. Purity and concentration levels are paramount for their specific industrial applications.
What products fall under HS code 261590?
Pyrochlore concentrate (niobium), Columbite-tantalite (coltan) ore, Vanadium pentoxide concentrate, Vanadinite ore, Niobium ore, Tantalum concentrate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 261590?
This code groups these three distinct elements; care must be taken not to confuse them with their refined metals (e.g., unwrought niobium HS 811212, unwrought tantalum HS 811292, unwrought vanadium HS 811299).
How is HS code 261590 structured?
HS code 261590 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.