Product classification

HS code for Copper ore: 2603.00

Copper ores and concentrates.

Classification of copper ore under HS 2603.00

Copper ore is classified under HS code 260300, which falls within Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers ores, slag, and ash. According to Note 2 to Chapter 26, the term "ores" refers to minerals of mineralogical species actually used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of mercury, of the metals of heading 2844, or of the metals of Section XIV or XV. Copper, being a base metal in Section XV, fits this definition. Heading 2603 specifically identifies copper ores and concentrates. Concentrates are included in this classification because they are ores that have had part or all of the foreign matter removed by special treatments, such as flotation or magnetic separation, to prepare them for further metallurgical processing. This classification is strictly for naturally occurring minerals and their concentrated forms. It does not include products that have undergone chemical changes or smelting processes that result in intermediate products like copper mattes. The classification process requires a mineralogical analysis to confirm the presence of copper-bearing minerals such as chalcopyrite or malachite. Customs authorities often require a certificate of analysis to verify that the product is indeed an ore or concentrate and not a residue or waste product from a different industrial process.

Covers
  • Chalcopyrite ores
  • Bornite concentrates
  • Malachite mineral ores
  • Azurite copper ores
  • Flotation copper concentrates
Also under 2603.00
  • Escondida copper concentrate
  • Grasberg copper concentrate
  • Codelco's copper ores
  • Freeport-McMoRan concentrates

Codes often confused with 2603.00

Common mistake. Copper ore is often misclassified under HS code 2620, which is reserved for slag, ash, and residues containing copper. It is also confused with HS code 7401, which covers copper mattes and cement copper, products that have already undergone initial smelting or precipitation and are no longer considered raw ores.

26.20Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel) containing metals, arsenic or their compounds74.01Copper mattes; cement copper (precipitated copper)

Top exporters and importers of HS 260300 (the code used for copper ore), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 260300 (the code used for copper ore) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 67% of world imports. Mexico reports $6.4B of its chapter 26 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 260300, not only copper ore.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Chile $38.8B
  2. 2 Peru* ~$25.0B
  3. 3 Mongolia* ~$5.9B

Mexico reports $6.4B of its chapter 26 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $125.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $81.9B
  2. 2 Japan $13.0B
  3. 3 South Korea $6.1B

World total: $122.5B 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 copper ore

Brazil splits HS 2603.00 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 copper ore

What is the HS code for Copper ore?

The HS code for Copper ore is 260300 (Copper ores and concentrates). The HS code for copper ores and concentrates is 260300.

How do I classify Copper ore for customs?

Copper ore is classified under HS code 260300 — Copper ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are copper concentrates classified differently than raw ore?

No, both raw copper ores and their concentrated forms are classified under the same HS code 260300, as long as they have not been chemically altered by smelting.

Which countries are the top exporters of copper ore (HS 260300)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 260300 (the code used for copper ore) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($38.8B, 31% of world exports), Peru (about $25.0B) and Mongolia (about $5.9B). World exports came to about $125.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $6.4B of its chapter 26 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of copper ore (HS 260300)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 260300 (the code used for copper ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($81.9B, 67% of world imports), Japan ($13.0B) and South Korea ($6.1B). World imports came to about $122.5B, 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 Copper ore the same in all countries?

The base HS code 260300 for Copper 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 copper ore in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 260300 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for copper ore depends on the product's details: 2603.00.10 (Copper sulphide ores and concentrates), 2603.00.90 (Other copper ores and concentrates).