Product classification
HS code for Iron ore: 2601.11
Iron ores and concentrates, non-agglomerated.
Classification of iron ore under HS 2601.11
Iron ore is classified under HS code 2601.11. This classification is situated in Chapter 26, which covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2601 specifically includes iron ores and concentrates, including roasted iron pyrites. The classification is determined by GRI 1 and the specific descriptions provided in the subheadings. Subheading 2601.11 is reserved for non-agglomerated iron ores. In the context of the Harmonized System, 'non-agglomerated' refers to ores that are in their natural state or have only undergone basic physical processing such as crushing, grinding, screening, or washing to remove impurities. These are often referred to in the industry as 'fines' or 'lump' ores. This classification is distinct from ores that have been processed into pellets or briquettes. Iron ores are primarily composed of iron oxides, such as hematite or magnetite, and are the fundamental raw material for the global steel industry.
- Covers
- Hematite ore (non-agglomerated)
- Magnetite ore (non-agglomerated)
- Limonite and Siderite
- Iron ore fines
- Iron ore lumps
- Also under 2601.11
- Pilbara iron ore
- Carajás iron ore
- Kumba iron ore
- Vale's iron ore products
- Rio Tinto's iron ore
Codes often confused with 2601.11
Common mistake. Iron ore is most commonly misclassified under HS code 2601.12, which is the code for agglomerated iron ores. Agglomerated ores have undergone a thermal process (like sintering or pelletizing) to bind the fine particles into larger, uniform shapes like pellets. Another misclassification is HS code 2601.20, which is specifically for roasted iron pyrites. While pyrites contain iron, they are classified separately when roasted. Additionally, some may confuse iron concentrates with refined metals in Chapter 72, but as long as the material has not been smelted and remains a mineral ore, it must stay in Chapter 26.
Top exporters and importers of HS 260111 (the code used for iron ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 260111 (the code used for iron ore) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% 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 260111, not only iron ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $77.7B 59% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $26.3B 20% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $5.9B 4.5% of world exports
World total: $131.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $120.1B 79% of world imports
- 2 Japan $8.8B 5.8% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $6.2B 4.1% of world imports
World total: $151.4B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 iron ore
Brazil classifies iron ore under NCM 2601.11.00: HS 2601.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about iron ore
What is the HS code for Iron ore?
The HS code for Iron ore is 260111 (Iron ores and concentrates; non-agglomerated). The HS code for non-agglomerated iron ore and concentrates is 2601.11.
How do I classify Iron ore for customs?
Iron ore is classified under HS code 260111 — Iron ores and concentrates; non-agglomerated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does 'non-agglomerated' mean for iron ore?
It means the ore is in its natural form (lumps or fines) and has not been processed into pellets, briquettes, or sinters through heat or pressure treatments.
Which countries are the top exporters of iron ore (HS 260111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 260111 (the code used for iron ore) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($77.7B, 59% of world exports), Brazil ($26.3B) and South Africa ($5.9B). World exports came to about $131.6B, 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 iron ore (HS 260111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 260111 (the code used for iron ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($120.1B, 79% of world imports), Japan ($8.8B) and South Korea ($6.2B). World imports came to about $151.4B, 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 Iron ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 260111 for Iron 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 iron ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, iron ore (HS 260111) is classified under NCM 2601.11.00.