Product classification

HS code for Chromium ore: 2610.00

Chromium ores and concentrates.

Classification of chromium ore under HS 2610.00

Chromium ore and its concentrates are classified under HS code 2610.00. Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2610 is a single-level heading that specifically identifies chromium ores and concentrates. In the context of the HS, \"ores\" refers to mineral substances actually used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of metals, while \"concentrates\" refers to ores which have had part or all of the foreign matter removed by special treatments such as enrichment or flotation. This classification is straightforward because the heading is specific to the mineral type. The chemical composition, primarily chromite (FeCr2O4), defines the product's placement here. Chromium ore is the primary source of chromium metal and is essential for the production of stainless steel and various alloys. The ore can be imported in various physical states, including lumpy ore or fine concentrates, but as long as it has not been chemically processed into a specific chromium compound, it remains in 2610.00.

Covers
  • Chromite ore
  • Metallurgical grade chromium concentrates
  • Chemical grade chromium ore
  • Refractory grade chromium ore
  • Foundry grade chromite sand
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. Chromium ore is sometimes misclassified under 2611.00, which is for tungsten ores, due to proximity in the tariff schedule. It can also be confused with 2819, which covers chromium oxides and hydroxides; however, 2819 is for chemically defined compounds, whereas 2610 is for naturally occurring ores. Another common error is classifying ferro-chromium under this code; ferro-chromium is an alloy and must be classified under heading 7202.

2611.00Tungsten ores and concentrates28.19Chromium oxides and hydroxides26.10Chromium ores and concentrates72.02Ferro-alloys

Top exporters and importers of HS 261000 (the code used for chromium ore), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261000 (the code used for chromium 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 chromium ore.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Africa $5.2B
  2. 2 Zimbabwe* ~$625M
  3. 3 Türkiye $324M

World total: $6.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $6.2B
  2. 2 Indonesia $716M
  3. 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$138M

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 chromium ore

Brazil splits HS 2610.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about chromium ore

What is the HS code for Chromium ore?

The HS code for Chromium ore is 261000 (Chromium ores and concentrates). The HS code for chromium ores and concentrates is 2610.00.

How do I classify Chromium ore for customs?

Chromium ore is classified under HS code 261000 — Chromium ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include processed chromium metal?

No, chromium metal in its unwrought form is classified under HS code 8112.21. HS code 2610.00 is strictly for the raw ore or concentrated mineral.

Which countries are the top exporters of chromium ore (HS 261000)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261000 (the code used for chromium 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 chromium ore (HS 261000)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 261000 (the code used for chromium 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 Chromium ore the same in all countries?

The base HS code 261000 for Chromium 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 chromium ore in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 261000 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for chromium ore depends on the product's details: 2610.00.10 (Chromite), 2610.00.90 (Other chromium ores and concentrates).