Product classification

HS code for Manganese ore: 2602.00

Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and concentrates with a manganese content of 20% or more, calculated on the dry weight.

Classification of manganese ore under HS 2602.00

Manganese ore is classified under HS code 2602.00 because it is a naturally occurring mineral extracted from the earth. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 26 notes, this heading includes manganese ores and concentrates. A critical distinction is made for ferruginous manganese ores; these are included here only if the manganese content is 20% or more by weight, calculated on the dry product. If the manganese content is lower, the product is typically classified as iron ore. The classification covers both the raw extracted ore and concentrates produced by processes such as heating or chemical treatment to remove foreign matter, provided the chemical structure of the ore remains unchanged. The dry weight calculation is essential for compliance, as moisture content can significantly alter the percentage of manganese present in a bulk shipment. Importers must ensure that lab reports specify the manganese-to-iron ratio to justify the use of this specific code over iron ore alternatives.

Covers
  • High-grade manganese ore
  • Low-grade manganese ore (min 20% Mn)
  • Manganese concentrates
  • Ferruginous manganese ores
  • Manganiferous iron ores with high Mn content
Also under 2602.00
  • South32's manganese ore
  • Eramet's manganese products
  • Consolidated Minerals manganese
  • OM Holdings manganese

Codes often confused with 2602.00

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2601.11 or 2601.12 (Iron ores). If the manganese content is less than 20% by dry weight, the material must be classified as iron ore under Chapter 2601. Additionally, chemically processed manganese oxides are often confused with ores; however, synthetic oxides belong in 2820.90.

2601.11Iron ores and concentrates; non-agglomerated2601.12Iron ores and concentrates; agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites)26.01Iron ores and concentrates; including roasted iron pyrites2820.90Manganese oxides; excluding manganese dioxide

Top exporters and importers of HS 260200 (the code used for manganese ore), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 260200 (the code used for manganese ore) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 66% 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 260200, not only manganese ore.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Africa $3.0B
  2. 2 Gabon* ~$1.4B
  3. 3 Ghana $264M

World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $4.4B
  2. 2 India $1.1B
  3. 3 Norway $227M

World total: $6.7B 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 codes for manganese ore

Brazil splits HS 2602.00 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 manganese ore

What is the HS code for Manganese ore?

The HS code for Manganese ore is 260200 (Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and concentrates with a manganese content of 20% or more, calculated on the dry weight). The HS code for manganese ore and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores with 20% or more manganese content, is 2602.00.

How do I classify Manganese ore for customs?

Manganese ore is classified under HS code 260200 — Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and concentrates with a manganese content of 20% or more, calculated on the dry weight. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

One more relevant question

Does this code include manganese waste? No, manganese waste and scrap are generally classified under heading 8111, which covers manganese in its metallic form and articles thereof.

Which countries are the top exporters of manganese ore (HS 260200)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 260200 (the code used for manganese ore) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($3.0B, 59% of world exports), Gabon (about $1.4B) and Ghana ($264M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 manganese ore (HS 260200)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 260200 (the code used for manganese ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.4B, 66% of world imports), India ($1.1B) and Norway ($227M). World imports came to about $6.7B, 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 Manganese ore the same in all countries?

The base HS code 260200 for Manganese 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 manganese ore in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 260200 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for manganese ore depends on the product's details: 2602.00.10 (Agglomerated manganese ores and concentrates), 2602.00.90 (Non-agglomerated manganese ores).