Product classification

HS code for Niobium ore: 2615.90

Niobium, tantalum, vanadium ores and concentrates.

Classification of niobium ore under HS 2615.90

Niobium ore, also known as columbium ore, is classified under HS code 2615.90. Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System encompasses ores, slag, and ash. Heading 26.15 specifically covers niobium, tantalum, vanadium, or zirconium ores and concentrates. While 2615.10 is dedicated to zirconium ores and concentrates, the subheading 2615.90 serves as the residual category for niobium, tantalum, and vanadium. Niobium is typically extracted from minerals such as pyrochlore and columbite. For a product to be classified as an ore or concentrate under this heading, it must be a mineralogical species actually used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of the metal. According to the Chapter 26 notes, the term "ores" means minerals of mineralogical species actually used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of mercury, of the metals of heading 28.44 or of the metals of Section XIV or XV. The ores must not have undergone processes beyond those allowed for Chapter 26, such as crushing, grinding, magnetic separation, or flotation. Chemical changes or roasting processes intended to change the chemical structure would typically move the product into Chapter 28.

Covers
  • Pyrochlore concentrates
  • Columbite-tantalite (Coltan) where niobium predominates
  • Crushed niobium ore
  • Niobium concentrates obtained by physical processing
  • Ground niobium minerals
Also under 2615.90
  • CBMM (Brazil - Niobium)
  • AMG Critical Materials (Brazil/Germany - Tantalum)
  • Bushveld Minerals (South Africa - Vanadium)
  • Global Advanced Metals (Australia/US - Tantalum)

Codes often confused with 2615.90

Common mistake. Niobium ore is frequently confused with HS code 8112.92, which covers unwrought niobium metal and powders. The distinction is that 2615.90 is for the raw mineral (ore), while 8112.92 is for the refined metal. Another common misclassification is 2615.10, which is specifically for zirconium ores. Because niobium and tantalum often occur together in nature (as Coltan), there is sometimes confusion between 2615.90 and other mineral headings; however, 2615.90 is the correct catch-all for these specific transition metal ores.

8112.92Gallium, germanium, indium, niobium (columbium) and vanadium; articles thereof, unwrought, including waste and scrap, powders2615.10Zirconium ores and concentrates

Top exporters and importers of HS 261590 (the code used for niobium ore), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261590 (the code used for niobium ore) in UN Comtrade data was Rwanda, with about 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% 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 261590, not only niobium ore.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Rwanda* ~$166M
  2. 2 Malaysia $59M
  3. 3 DR Congo* ~$53M

World total: $446M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $416M
  2. 2 Thailand $92M
  3. 3 Malaysia $52M

World total: $636M 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 niobium ore

Brazil classifies niobium ore under NCM 2615.90.00: HS 2615.90 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about niobium ore

What is the HS code for Niobium ore?

The HS code for Niobium ore is 261590 (Niobium, tantalum, vanadium ores and concentrates). The HS code for niobium ores and concentrates is 2615.90.

How do I classify Niobium ore for customs?

Niobium ore is classified under HS code 261590 — Niobium, tantalum, vanadium ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are columbium and niobium the same for HS classification?

Yes, columbium is the former name for niobium, and both are classified under the same HS code 2615.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of niobium ore (HS 261590)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261590 (the code used for niobium ore) in UN Comtrade data were Rwanda (about $166M, 37% of world exports), Malaysia ($59M) and the DR Congo (about $53M). World exports came to about $446M, 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 niobium ore (HS 261590)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 261590 (the code used for niobium ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($416M, 65% of world imports), Thailand ($92M) and Malaysia ($52M). World imports came to about $636M, 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 Niobium ore the same in all countries?

The base HS code 261590 for Niobium 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 niobium ore in Brazil?

In Brazil, niobium ore (HS 261590) is classified under NCM 2615.90.00.