Product classification
HS code for Precious metal ore: 2616.90
Precious metal ores and concentrates, (excluding silver).
Classification of precious metal ore under HS 2616.90
HS code 2616.90 covers ores and concentrates of precious metals, with the specific exclusion of silver. Classification within Chapter 26 is reserved for mineral substances as they occur in nature or after they have undergone basic processing intended to facilitate transport or further metallurgical treatment. Heading 2616 is dedicated to precious metal ores. While silver ores and their concentrates are specifically classified under subheading 2616.10, all other precious metal ores—including gold, platinum, iridium, osmium, palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium—are grouped under the residual subheading 2616.90. The term \"concentrates\" refers to ores where some or all of the foreign matter (gangue) has been removed by processes such as crushing, grinding, or flotation. However, the material must not have undergone chemical changes associated with smelting or refining. Once the metal is refined into a pure state or an alloy, it moves to Chapter 71. Thus, 2616.90 is the correct code for raw gold-bearing quartz or platinum-group metal concentrates being shipped to a refinery for processing.
- Covers
- Gold ores and concentrates
- Platinum ores and concentrates
- Palladium-bearing mineral concentrates
- Rhodium ores
- Iridium and ruthenium concentrates
- 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. The primary misclassification is 2616.10, which is strictly for silver ores. Another common error is 7108, which covers gold in unwrought or semi-manufactured forms. If the material has been smelted into dore bars or bullion, it is no longer an ore and must be classified in Chapter 71.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261690 (the code used for precious metal ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261690 (the code used for precious metal 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 precious metal 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 precious metal ore
Brazil classifies precious metal 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 precious metal ore
What is the HS code for Precious metal ore?
The HS code for Precious metal ore is 261690 (Precious metal ores and concentrates; (excluding silver)).
How do I classify Precious metal ore for customs?
Precious metal ore is classified under HS code 261690 — Precious metal ores and concentrates; (excluding silver). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for gold ore?
Gold ore is classified under HS code 2616.90, as it falls under the category of precious metal ores other than silver.
Is platinum concentrate classified here?
Yes, platinum concentrates that have been processed to remove waste but not yet refined are classified under 2616.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of precious metal ore (HS 261690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261690 (the code used for precious metal 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 precious metal ore (HS 261690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261690 (the code used for precious metal 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 Precious metal ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261690 for Precious metal 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 precious metal ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, precious metal ore (HS 261690) is classified under NCM 2616.90.00.