Product classification
HS code for Lead ore: 2607.00
Lead ores and concentrates.
Classification of lead ore under HS 2607.00
Lead ore is classified under HS code 2607.00 because it represents the primary mineral form of lead as extracted from the earth, prior to any metallurgical smelting or refining processes. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 26 notes of the Harmonized System, this heading covers ores and concentrates of lead. Ores are defined as mineral substances actually used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of lead, even if they are intended for the manufacture of chemical compounds. The term 'concentrates' refers to ores which have had part or all of the foreign matter removed by special treatments, such as enrichment by physical or physico-chemical operations like flotation, magnetic separation, or gravimetric separation, provided these processes do not alter the chemical state of the mineral.
- Covers
- Galena (lead sulfide)
- Cerussite (lead carbonate)
- Anglesite (lead sulfate)
- Lead concentrates obtained by flotation or gravity separation
- Argentiferous lead ores (if lead content predominates by weight)
- Also under 2607.00
- Teck Resources lead concentrates
- Boliden's lead ore
- Glencore's lead products
- Vedanta Resources lead
Codes often confused with 2607.00
Common mistake. Lead ore is frequently misclassified with HS code 2620.21 or 2620.29, which cover lead-bearing slag, ash, and residues. The distinction lies in the origin: 2607.00 is for naturally occurring minerals, while 2620 is for waste products from industrial processes. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with HS code 7801, which covers unwrought lead. However, 7801 applies only after the ore has been smelted into a metallic form. Importers must ensure that the mineral has not undergone chemical transformation, as this would move the product into Chapter 28.
Top exporters and importers of HS 260700 (the code used for lead ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 260700 (the code used for lead ore) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 35% 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 260700, not only lead ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $1.2B 17% of world exports
- 2 Australia $961M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $846M 12% of world exports
World total: $6.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $2.9B 35% of world imports
- 2 China $2.7B 32% of world imports
- 3 Germany $871M 10% of world imports
World total: $8.4B 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 lead ore
Brazil classifies lead ore under NCM 2607.00.00: HS 2607.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lead ore
What is the HS code for Lead ore?
The HS code for Lead ore is 260700 (Lead ores and concentrates). The primary HS code for lead ores and concentrates is 2607.00.
How do I classify Lead ore for customs?
Lead ore is classified under HS code 260700 — Lead ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include lead-acid battery scrap?
No, lead-acid battery scrap is generally classified under HS code 8548.10 as waste and scrap of primary cells, or under 7802.00 if it consists of recovered metallic lead scrap.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead ore (HS 260700)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 260700 (the code used for lead ore) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($1.2B, 17% of world exports), Australia ($961M) and the United States ($846M). World exports came to about $6.8B, 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 lead ore (HS 260700)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 260700 (the code used for lead ore) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($2.9B, 35% of world imports), China ($2.7B) and Germany ($871M). World imports came to about $8.4B, 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 Lead ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 260700 for Lead 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 lead ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, lead ore (HS 260700) is classified under NCM 2607.00.00.