HS Code 26.17 – Ores and concentrates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2601

HS code 2617 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ores and concentrates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2601. Heading 2617 serves as a residual classification for Ores and concentrates, n.e.c. (not elsewhere specified or included) in heading No. 2601 to 2616. This heading is crucial for capturing a diverse range of metallic ores and concentrates that do not fall under the specific classifications for iron, copper, nickel, aluminum, lead, zinc, tin, chromium, tungsten, uranium/thorium, molybdenum, titanium, niobium, tantalum, vanadium, zirconium, or precious metals. It specifically applies to *metallic* ores. Examples include ores and concentrates of rare earth elements (REEs), beryllium, lithium, bismuth, germanium, gallium, indium, and other lesser-known but industrially significant metals. The scope covers both the crude ore and concentrates produced through physical beneficiation methods that increase the metal content without significant chemical transformation. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it ensures proper tariff application and regulatory oversight for these often strategic and emerging raw materials. Many of these elements are critical for high-tech industries like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics. Their trade significance is growing due to increasing demand for new technologies. As a catch-all within Chapter 26, this heading reinforces the chapter's focus on unrefined metallic ores and concentrates, clearly distinguishing them from non-metallic minerals (Chapter 25) or refined chemical elements and metals (Chapters 28 and 81).

Beryllium ore (e.g., beryl), lithium ore (e.g., spodumene, lepidolite, amblygonite), rare earth element (REE) ore, rare earth element concentrate (e.g., monazite, bastnasite), bismuth ore, germanium ore, indium ore, gallium ore, scandium ore, hafnium ore, rhenium ore, selenium ore, tellurium ore, thallium ore, raw beryl, spodumene concentrate, monazite sand, bastnasite concentrate, unprocessed lithium ore, tellurium-bearing ore, bismuth-nickel concentrate, germanium-zinc concentrate, rare earth mineral sands, eudialyte concentrate (if not primarily zirconium), raw scandium ore, hafnium-bearing zircon, rhenium-molybdenum concentrate (if primarily rhenium), crude selenium ore, thallium-bearing pyrite, industrial REE concentrate, beryl concentrate, lepidolite concentrate, amblygonite concentrate.

A frequent misclassification under HS 2617 involves confusing these metallic ores/concentrates with non-metallic minerals (Chapter 25) or chemically processed elements/compounds (Chapter 28 or 81). For instance, lithium carbonate or hydroxide (HS 2836) derived from spodumene concentrate is a chemical compound, not an ore or concentrate, but traders might incorrectly use 2617. Similarly, rare earth oxides (HS 2846) are distinct from rare earth element concentrates. The key is to verify if the product is a naturally occurring metallic mineral or a mechanically enriched form, as opposed to a refined chemical compound or a non-metallic substance. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duties, non-compliance with chemical regulations, or issues with export controls for strategic materials.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2617 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($216M, 25% of world exports), Thailand ($163M) and Russia (about $147M). World exports came to about $876M, 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 2617 in UN Comtrade data were China ($298M, 27% of world imports), Thailand ($254M) and Belgium ($181M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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.

HS code 2617 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (17) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.