Product classification
HS code for Chrome ore: 2610.00
Chromium ores and concentrates.
Classification of chrome ore under HS 2610.00
Chrome ore is classified under HS code 2610.00 because it represents the raw mineral state of chromium as extracted from the earth. Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to ores, slag, and ash. Specifically, heading 2610 covers chromium ores and concentrates. This classification applies to minerals that have been mined but not yet chemically processed into pure metals or chemical compounds. The term \"concentrates\" refers to ores that have had some or all of the foreign matter removed by special treatments, such as mechanical or physical processes like crushing, grinding, magnetic separation, or flotation, provided these processes do not alter the chemical identity of the mineral. The classification is determined by the primary intent of the material as a source for metal extraction or chemical production rather than a finished industrial product.
- Covers
- Lumpy chromite ore
- Chrome ore fines
- Metallurgical grade chromite concentrates
- Chemical grade chromite
- Refractory grade chrome ore
- Friable chrome ore
- Also under 2610.00
- Samancor Chrome (South Africa)
- Eurasian Resources Group (Kazakhstan)
- Yildirim Group (Turkey)
- Merafe Resources (South Africa)
Codes often confused with 2610.00
Common mistake. Chrome ore is frequently confused with HS code 2619.00, which covers slag, dross, and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel. While slag may contain chromium, it is a byproduct rather than a primary ore. Additionally, processed chromium oxides are often incorrectly filed under 2610.00, but they should be classified under 2819.10 or 2819.90 as inorganic chemicals. Another common error involves chromite sand used in foundries, which some importers attempt to classify under 2505 (natural sands), though 2610.00 remains the correct code for chromite-based minerals regardless of particle size.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261000 (the code used for chrome ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261000 (the code used for chrome ore) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 82% 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 261000, not only chrome ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $5.2B 77% of world exports
- 2 Zimbabwe* ~$625M 9.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Türkiye $324M 4.8% of world exports
World total: $6.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $6.2B 82% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $716M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$138M 1.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $7.5B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 chrome ore
Brazil splits HS 2610.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2610.00.10Chromite
- 2610.00.90Other chromium ores and concentrates
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chrome ore
What is the HS code for Chrome ore?
The HS code for Chrome ore is 261000 (Chromium ores and concentrates). The universal HS code for chromium ores and concentrates is 2610.00.
How do I classify Chrome ore for customs?
Chrome ore is classified under HS code 261000 — Chromium ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change based on the grade of the ore?
No, whether the ore is metallurgical, chemical, or refractory grade, it remains under 2610.00, though specific country-level tariff lines (8 or 10 digits) may differentiate between them for duty purposes.
Which countries are the top exporters of chrome ore (HS 261000)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261000 (the code used for chrome ore) 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.
Which countries are the top importers of chrome ore (HS 261000)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261000 (the code used for chrome ore) 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.
Is the HS code for Chrome ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261000 for Chrome 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 chrome ore in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 261000 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for chrome ore depends on the product's details: 2610.00.10 (Chromite), 2610.00.90 (Other chromium ores and concentrates).