Product classification
HS code for Nickel ore: 2604.00
Nickel ores and concentrates.
Classification of nickel ore under HS 2604.00
Nickel ores and concentrates are classified under HS code 2604.00. Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2604 specifically covers nickel ores, which are naturally occurring mineral aggregates from which metallic nickel is extracted, and concentrates, which are ores that have undergone treatments like flotation or magnetic separation to remove some foreign matter. This classification applies to the raw, unrefined state of the mineral before any chemical or metallurgical transformation into matte or metal has occurred. The primary requirement for this classification is that the product has not been subjected to processes beyond those allowed for ores, such as crushing, grinding, or concentration by physical or physico-chemical methods.
- Covers
- Pentlandite ore
- Garnierite (nickel silicate)
- Limonite nickel ore
- Nickel concentrates (flotation or magnetic)
- Lateritic nickel ores
- Also under 2604.00
- Norilsk Nickel concentrates
- Vale's nickel ore
- Glencore's nickel products
- Sumitomo Metal Mining's nickel laterite
Codes often confused with 2604.00
Common mistake. Nickel ore is sometimes confused with other mineral substances in heading 2530 or with nickel mattes in 7501.10. The distinction between 2604.00 and 7501.10 is critical: 2604.00 is for minerals that have only been physically concentrated, while 7501.10 is for products that have undergone smelting. If the ore has been chemically treated to produce a nickel oxide, it may also be misclassified here instead of 2825.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 260400 (the code used for nickel ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 260400 (the code used for nickel ore) in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% 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 260400, not only nickel ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Philippines $1.5B 36% of world exports
- 2 Zambia* ~$460M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 New Caledonia* ~$367M 9.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $4.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.1B 61% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $747M 15% of world imports
- 3 Canada $356M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $5.1B 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 nickel ore
Brazil classifies nickel ore under NCM 2604.00.00: HS 2604.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nickel ore
What is the HS code for Nickel ore?
The HS code for Nickel ore is 260400 (Nickel ores and concentrates). The HS code for nickel ores and their concentrates is 2604.00.
How do I classify Nickel ore for customs?
Nickel ore is classified under HS code 260400 — Nickel ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a nickel concentrate for classification?
A concentrate is an ore that has had part or all of the foreign matter removed by special treatments like flotation, but has not yet undergone any metallurgical smelting or chemical transformation.
Which countries are the top exporters of nickel ore (HS 260400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 260400 (the code used for nickel ore) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($1.5B, 36% of world exports), Zambia (about $460M) and New Caledonia (about $367M). World exports came to about $4.1B, 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 nickel ore (HS 260400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 260400 (the code used for nickel ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.1B, 61% of world imports), Indonesia ($747M) and Canada ($356M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Nickel ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 260400 for Nickel 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 nickel ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, nickel ore (HS 260400) is classified under NCM 2604.00.00.