Product classification
HS code for Agglomerated iron ore: 2601.12
Iron ores and concentrates, agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites).
Classification of agglomerated iron ore under HS 2601.12
This HS code specifically covers iron ores and concentrates that have undergone an agglomeration process. Agglomeration refers to techniques like sintering, pelletizing, or briquetting, which consolidate fine ore particles into larger, more manageable forms. This process improves handling, transportation, and efficiency in subsequent metallurgical operations, particularly in blast furnaces. The "excluding roasted iron pyrites" clause differentiates these products from iron derived from the roasting of sulfide ores, which falls under other classifications. The primary characteristic for classification here is the raw material (iron ore/concentrate) and the physical state (agglomerated).
- Covers
- Iron ore pellets
- Sintered iron ore
- Iron ore briquettes
- Agglomerated iron concentrates
- Also under 2601.12
- Vale's iron ore pellets
- LKAB iron ore pellets
- ArcelorMittal's agglomerated products
- Cleveland-Cliffs pellets
Codes often confused with 2601.12
Common mistake. 260111 (Iron ores and concentrates; non-agglomerated): This code is often confused with 260112. The key distinction is the agglomeration process. If the iron ore or concentrate has not been subjected to sintering, pelletizing, or similar consolidation, it falls under 260111. Misclassification can occur if the physical state (agglomerated vs. non-agglomerated) is not accurately identified. 7204 (Ferrous waste and scrap): While both involve iron, 7204 covers waste and scrap materials, often post-consumer or industrial by-products, intended for remelting. Agglomerated iron ore (260112) is a primary raw material derived directly from mining and processing, not a waste product.
Top exporters and importers of HS 260112 (the code used for agglomerated iron ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 260112 (the code used for agglomerated iron ore) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 260112, not only agglomerated iron ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $2.7B 21% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $2.3B 18% of world exports
- 3 Canada $1.7B 13% of world exports
World total: $12.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.7B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $1.1B 7.6% of world imports
World total: $14.4B 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 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 agglomerated iron ore
Brazil splits HS 2601.12 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2601.12.10Iron ore pellets, 8 mm to 18 mm diameter
- 2601.12.20Iron ore briquettes, 4 to 60 cm³
- 2601.12.90Other agglomerated iron ores and concentrates
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about agglomerated iron ore
What is the HS code for Agglomerated iron ore?
The HS code for Agglomerated iron ore is 260112 (Iron ores and concentrates; agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites)). The Harmonized System (HS) code for agglomerated iron ore is 260112. This code specifically identifies iron ores and concentrates that have been processed into agglomerated forms, such as pellets or sinter, but excludes roasted iron pyrites.
How do I classify Agglomerated iron ore for customs?
Agglomerated iron ore is classified under HS code 260112 — Iron ores and concentrates; agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is agglomeration important for iron ore?
Agglomeration is crucial for iron ore because it transforms fine ore particles, which are difficult to handle and process, into larger, more uniform lumps. This improves permeability in blast furnaces, reduces dust generation, and enhances overall efficiency and productivity in steelmaking.
Which countries are the top exporters of agglomerated iron ore (HS 260112)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 260112 (the code used for agglomerated iron ore) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($2.7B, 21% of world exports), Sweden ($2.3B) and Canada ($1.7B). World exports came to about $12.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of agglomerated iron ore (HS 260112)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 260112 (the code used for agglomerated iron ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.7B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and Egypt ($1.1B). World imports came to about $14.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for Agglomerated iron ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 260112 for Agglomerated iron ore is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for agglomerated iron ore in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 260112 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for agglomerated iron ore depends on the product's details: 2601.12.10 (Iron ore pellets, 8 mm to 18 mm diameter), 2601.12.20 (Iron ore briquettes, 4 to 60 cm³), 2601.12.90 (Other agglomerated iron ores and concentrates).