Product classification
HS code for Gold ore: 2616.90
Precious metal ores and concentrates, (excluding silver).
Classification of gold ore under HS 2616.90
Gold ore is classified under HS code 2616.90. Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2616 is specifically reserved for precious metal ores and concentrates. While 2616.10 is dedicated to silver ores and concentrates, 2616.90 serves as the residual category for other precious metal ores, including gold and platinum. Ores are defined as mineral substances used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of metals. This classification includes ores that have been treated to remove some of the gangue (waste material) but have not yet undergone chemical changes or smelting. The gold must be in its naturally occurring state within the rock or as a concentrate. Once the gold has been refined or smelted into bullion or unwrought forms, it moves from Chapter 26 to Chapter 71. The distinction is critical for customs as ores are raw commodities while refined metals are finished or semi-finished goods.
- Covers
- Auriferous quartz (gold-bearing quartz)
- Gold-bearing pyrites
- Gold concentrates obtained by flotation or gravity
- Alluvial gold sand (unrefined)
- Gold-bearing copper ores where gold is the primary value
- Also under 2616.90
- Barrick Gold (Canada)
- Newmont Corporation (USA)
- Anglo American Platinum (South Africa)
- Norilsk Nickel (Russia)
- Sibanye-Stillwater (South Africa)
Codes often confused with 2616.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is placing gold ore under HS code 7108. Heading 7108 is for gold in unwrought or semi-manufactured forms, such as bullion, bars, or powder. Ore is the raw mineral, whereas 7108 represents the metal after extraction. Another error involves 2620, which covers slag, ash, and residues containing metals; however, 2620 is for waste products from industrial processes, not naturally occurring ores. Additionally, 2616.10 is sometimes used incorrectly for gold ore, but that code is strictly for silver.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261690 (the code used for gold ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261690 (the code used for gold ore) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 62% 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 261690, not only gold ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $2.9B 17% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$2.8B 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Russia* ~$1.5B 9.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $16.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $11.5B 62% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.4B 13% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $978M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $18.7B 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 gold ore
Brazil classifies gold ore under NCM 2616.90.00: HS 2616.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about gold ore
What is the HS code for Gold ore?
The HS code for Gold ore is 261690 (Precious metal ores and concentrates; (excluding silver)). The HS code for gold ore and its concentrates is 2616.90.
How do I classify Gold ore for customs?
Gold ore is classified under HS code 261690 — Precious metal ores and concentrates; (excluding silver). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include gold bars?
No, gold bars are considered unwrought gold and are classified under HS code 7108.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of gold ore (HS 261690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261690 (the code used for gold ore) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($2.9B, 17% of world exports), Peru (about $2.8B) and Russia (about $1.5B). World exports came to about $16.9B, 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 gold ore (HS 261690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261690 (the code used for gold ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($11.5B, 62% of world imports), Germany ($2.4B) and the United Kingdom ($978M). World imports came to about $18.7B, 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.
Is the HS code for Gold ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261690 for Gold 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 gold ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, gold ore (HS 261690) is classified under NCM 2616.90.00.