Product classification
HS code for Metal ore concentrates: 2617.90
Ores and concentrates n.e.c. in chapter 26, other than antimony.
Classification of metal ore concentrates under HS 2617.90
Metal ore concentrates are classified under HS code 2617.90, which falls within Chapter 26: "Ores, slag and ash." Heading 2617 is a residual category for "Other ores and concentrates." The term "ores" refers to mineral substances used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of metals. "Concentrates" are ores that have undergone specific treatments—such as flotation, magnetic separation, or gravity concentration—to remove some or all of the foreign matter (gangue) and increase the metal content. Subheading 2617.90 is used for ores and concentrates that are not specifically named in headings 2601 through 2616. This includes ores of metals like bismuth, germanium, or gallium. The classification requires that the product has not yet been processed into a metal or a chemical compound, maintaining its status as a mineral substance intended for further metallurgical processing. The concentrate must still be in a state that requires smelting or chemical treatment to extract the pure metal.
- Covers
- Bismuth ores and concentrates
- Germanium ores and concentrates
- Indium ores and concentrates
- Gallium ores and concentrates
- Niobium and tantalum ores (if not elsewhere specified)
- Also under 2617.90
- Iluka Resources (Australia - zircon/titanium)
- Lynas Rare Earths (Australia - rare earths)
- AMG Critical Materials (Germany - tantalum/niobium)
- Rio Tinto (various specialty minerals)
Codes often confused with 2617.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with specific metal ore codes such as 2601 (Iron), 2603 (Copper), or 2608 (Zinc). It is critical to ensure the metal is not listed in 2601-2616 before using 2617.90. Furthermore, if the material has been refined into a pure metal, it moves to Chapters 72-81. If it is a chemical compound, it belongs in Chapter 28.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261790 (the code used for metal ore concentrates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261790 (the code used for metal ore concentrates) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 75% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 74% of world imports. Austria reports $1.1B of its chapter 26 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 261790, not only metal ore concentrates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $179M 75% of world exports
- 2 Rwanda* ~$12M 5.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Zambia* ~$9.0M 3.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $238M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $179M 74% of world imports
- 2 China $33M 13% of world imports
- 3 Chile $6.8M 2.8% of world imports
Austria reports $1.1B of its chapter 26 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $242M 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 metal ore concentrates
Brazil classifies metal ore concentrates under NCM 2617.90.00: HS 2617.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal ore concentrates
What is the HS code for Metal ore concentrates?
The HS code for Metal ore concentrates is 261790 (Ores and concentrates n.e.c. in chapter 26; other than antimony). The HS code for metal ore concentrates not elsewhere specified is 2617.90.
How do I classify Metal ore concentrates for customs?
Metal ore concentrates is classified under HS code 261790 — Ores and concentrates n.e.c. in chapter 26; other than antimony. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between an ore and a concentrate?
An ore is the raw mineral as extracted, while a concentrate has been processed to remove impurities and increase the percentage of the target metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal ore concentrates (HS 261790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261790 (the code used for metal ore concentrates) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($179M, 75% of world exports), Rwanda (about $12M) and Zambia (about $9.0M). World exports came to about $238M, 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 metal ore concentrates (HS 261790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261790 (the code used for metal ore concentrates) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($179M, 74% of world imports), China ($33M) and Chile ($6.8M). World imports came to about $242M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $1.1B of its chapter 26 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Metal ore concentrates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261790 for Metal ore concentrates 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 metal ore concentrates in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal ore concentrates (HS 261790) is classified under NCM 2617.90.00.