Product classification
HS code for Cobalt ore: 2605.00
Cobalt ores and concentrates.
Classification of cobalt ore under HS 2605.00
Cobalt ore is classified under HS code 2605.00 because it represents the raw mineral state as extracted from the earth. This classification is governed by Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System, which covers ores, slag, and ash. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the heading texts and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 2605 specifically names cobalt ores and concentrates. These are mineral substances used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of cobalt. The term "concentrates" refers to ores that have had part or all of the foreign matter removed by special treatments, such as enrichment by physical or physico-chemical methods like flotation, magnetic separation, or gravity concentration. This classification applies as long as the chemical identity of the mineral remains unchanged by the processing, meaning it has not been subjected to roasting, calcining, or chemical treatment beyond what is necessary for concentration.
- Covers
- Heterogenite (hydrated cobalt oxide ore)
- Linnaeite (cobalt sulfide ore)
- Cobaltite (cobalt sulfarsenide ore)
- Smaltite (cobalt arsenide ore)
- Cobalt concentrates from flotation processes
- Also under 2605.00
- Glencore's cobalt concentrates
- ERG's cobalt products
- CMOC's cobalt ore
- Katanga Mining cobalt
Codes often confused with 2605.00
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion occurs between HS code 2605.00 and HS code 2822.00, which covers cobalt oxides. While some ores are oxides by nature, once they are chemically refined or produced through industrial chemical processes, they move to Chapter 28. Additionally, residues containing cobalt that result from smelting or other metallurgical processes are often incorrectly placed here but should be classified under HS code 2620.99. Another common error involves unwrought cobalt metal, which belongs in HS code 8105.20. Distinguishing between a highly concentrated ore and a crude metal or chemical compound requires laboratory analysis of the oxygen content and crystal structure.
Top exporters and importers of HS 260500 (the code used for cobalt ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 260500 (the code used for cobalt ore) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 68% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 28% of world imports. The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 41% of its exports here ($14M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 260500, not only cobalt ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $5.6M 68% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $807K 9.9% of world exports
- 3 DR Congo* ~$370K 4.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 41% of its exports here ($14M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $8.1M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $1.8M 28% of world imports
- 2 Italy $893K 14% of world imports
- 3 Finland $873K 14% of world imports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $6.3M 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 code for cobalt ore
Brazil classifies cobalt ore under NCM 2605.00.00: HS 2605.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cobalt ore
What is the HS code for Cobalt ore?
The HS code for Cobalt ore is 260500 (Cobalt ores and concentrates). The HS code for cobalt ores and concentrates is 2605.00.
How do I classify Cobalt ore for customs?
Cobalt ore is classified under HS code 260500 — Cobalt ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between an ore and a concentrate?
An ore is the raw mineral as mined, while a concentrate is an ore that has been processed to remove waste material (gangue) without changing its chemical state.
Which countries are the top exporters of cobalt ore (HS 260500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 260500 (the code used for cobalt ore) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($5.6M, 68% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($807K) and the DR Congo (about $370K). World exports came to about $8.1M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 41% of its exports here ($14M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of cobalt ore (HS 260500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 260500 (the code used for cobalt ore) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($1.8M, 28% of world imports), Italy ($893K) and Finland ($873K). World imports came to about $6.3M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Cobalt ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 260500 for Cobalt 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 cobalt ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, cobalt ore (HS 260500) is classified under NCM 2605.00.00.