Product classification
HS code for Platinum ore: 2616.90
Precious metal ores and concentrates, (excluding silver).
Classification of platinum ore under HS 2616.90
Platinum ore is classified under HS code 2616.90. Chapter 26 covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2616 is specifically for \"Precious metal ores and concentrates.\" Within this heading, 2616.10 is reserved for silver ores, while 2616.90 covers \"Other\" precious metal ores, including platinum, gold, and other Platinum Group Metals (PGM) concentrates. Ores are defined as mineral substances used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of metals. This classification applies to the raw, unrefined mineral state or concentrates obtained through physical or chemical treatments (like flotation or gravity separation) that do not alter the chemical state of the metal. Once the metal is refined into an unwrought form (like an ingot or powder), it moves to Chapter 71. The classification is based on the product being a primary raw material for the smelting and refining industry.
- Covers
- Platinum-bearing mineral concentrates
- Sperrylite (platinum arsenide) concentrates
- Cooperite (platinum sulfide) ores
- Crude platinum concentrates from flotation
- Platinum-palladium-rhodium ores
- Also under 2616.90
- Barrick Gold (Canada)
- Newmont Corporation (USA)
- Anglo American Platinum (South Africa)
- Norilsk Nickel (Russia)
- Sibanye-Stillwater (South Africa)
Codes often confused with 2616.90
Common mistake. Platinum ore (2616.90) is often confused with unwrought platinum under heading 7110. The distinction lies in the level of processing; 2616.90 is for raw minerals that have not yet been smelted. Once the platinum has been refined into grains, powder, or ingots, it must be classified in Chapter 71. Another error involves 2620, which covers ash containing metals; however, 2620 is for waste products, whereas 2616 is for naturally occurring ores.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261690 (the code used for platinum ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261690 (the code used for platinum ore) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 62% 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 261690, not only platinum ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $2.9B 17% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$2.8B 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Russia* ~$1.5B 9.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $16.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $11.5B 62% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.4B 13% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $978M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $18.7B 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 code for platinum ore
Brazil classifies platinum ore under NCM 2616.90.00: HS 2616.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about platinum ore
What is the HS code for Platinum ore?
The HS code for Platinum ore is 261690 (Precious metal ores and concentrates; (excluding silver)). The HS code for platinum ore is 2616.90. This code is used for precious metal ores and concentrates, excluding silver, that are intended for metal extraction.
How do I classify Platinum ore for customs?
Platinum ore is classified under HS code 261690 — Precious metal ores and concentrates; (excluding silver). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include platinum scrap or waste?
No, platinum waste and scrap, including broken jewelry or industrial scrap, are classified under HS code 7112.92, as they are secondary materials rather than primary ores.
Which countries are the top exporters of platinum ore (HS 261690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261690 (the code used for platinum ore) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($2.9B, 17% of world exports), Peru (about $2.8B) and Russia (about $1.5B). World exports came to about $16.9B, 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 platinum ore (HS 261690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261690 (the code used for platinum ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($11.5B, 62% of world imports), Germany ($2.4B) and the United Kingdom ($978M). World imports came to about $18.7B, 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 Platinum ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261690 for Platinum 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 platinum ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, platinum ore (HS 261690) is classified under NCM 2616.90.00.