Product classification
HS code for Silver ore: 2616.10
Silver ores and concentrates.
Classification of silver ore under HS 2616.10
Silver ore and its concentrates are classified under HS code 2616.10. Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2616 is reserved for precious metal ores and concentrates. The term "ore" refers to the raw mineral as extracted from the earth, while "concentrates" refers to ores that have undergone physical or chemical treatments (like flotation or magnetic separation) to remove some of the waste rock (gangue) before smelting. Subheading 10 specifically identifies silver-bearing ores. This classification is essential for the primary stage of the silver supply chain, before the metal has been refined into its unwrought metallic form.
- Covers
- Argentite ore
- Cerargyrite (horn silver) ore
- Silver-bearing lead concentrates (where silver is the primary value)
- Silver-bearing copper concentrates
- Enriched silver ore concentrates
- Also under 2616.10
- Fresnillo plc (Mexico)
- Polymetal International (Russia)
- Pan American Silver (Canada)
- KGHM Polska Miedลบ (Poland)
- Hecla Mining (USA)
Codes often confused with 2616.10
Common mistake. Silver ore is often confused with 2616.90, which covers other precious metal ores like gold or platinum. If an ore contains multiple precious metals, it is classified based on the metal that gives the ore its essential character or highest value. It is also frequently confused with 7106, which covers silver that has already been refined into unwrought forms like ingots or grains. Ore is the raw mineral, whereas 7106 is the refined metal.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261610 (the code used for silver ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261610 (the code used for silver ore) in UN Comtrade data was Peru, with about 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 89% 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 261610, not only silver ore.
Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports
- 1 Peru* ~$2.8B 47% of world exports ยท partner records โ
- 2 Bolivia $1.7B 29% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$571M 9.6% of world exports ยท partner records โ
World total: $5.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports
- 1 China $7.4B 89% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $520M 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Kazakhstan $63M 0.8% of world imports
World total: $8.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
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 silver ore
Brazil classifies silver ore under NCM 2616.10.00: HS 2616.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about silver ore
What is the HS code for Silver ore?
The HS code for Silver ore is 261610 (Silver ores and concentrates). The HS code for silver ores and their concentrates is 2616.10.
How do I classify Silver ore for customs?
Silver ore is classified under HS code 261610 โ Silver ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include refined silver bars?
No, refined silver bars are classified under 7106. Code 2616.10 is only for the raw ore or the concentrate produced before smelting.
Which countries are the top exporters of silver ore (HS 261610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261610 (the code used for silver ore) in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $2.8B, 47% of world exports), Bolivia ($1.7B) and Russia (about $571M). World exports came to about $5.9B, 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 silver ore (HS 261610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261610 (the code used for silver ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.4B, 89% of world imports), South Korea ($520M) and Kazakhstan ($63M). World imports came to about $8.4B, 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 Silver ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261610 for Silver 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 silver ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, silver ore (HS 261610) is classified under NCM 2616.10.00.