Product classification
HS code for Thorium ore: 2612.20
Thorium ores and concentrates.
Classification of thorium ore under HS 2612.20
Thorium ores and concentrates are classified under HS code 2612.20. This classification is part of Chapter 26, which encompasses ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2612 is dedicated to uranium or thorium ores and concentrates. The distinction between uranium and thorium is made at the subheading level, with 2612.10 covering uranium and 2612.20 covering thorium. Classification depends on the primary metal content of the ore that justifies its extraction. Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive element, and its ores, such as monazite sand, are often processed for their rare earth content as well. However, if the ore is primarily valued for its thorium content, 2612.20 is the appropriate code. It is important to note that this code applies to the raw ore or concentrates obtained by physical or chemical treatments normal to the preparation of ores for the extraction of metal, but not to the refined metal itself. The concentrates are obtained by removing part or all of the foreign matter from the ore, such as by crushing, grinding, or magnetic separation. If the product has undergone chemical changes not intended for ore concentration, it may fall under Chapter 28.
- Covers
- Monazite sands and concentrates
- Thorite (thorium silicate)
- Thorianite (thorium dioxide)
- Thorium-bearing concentrates from mineral processing
- Crushed thorium ore
- Also under 2612.20
- Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL)
- Lynas Rare Earths (Australia, as a byproduct)
- China Northern Rare Earth Group
Codes often confused with 2612.20
Common mistake. Thorium ore is often confused with HS code 2612.10 (Uranium ores) when the ore contains both elements. It is also misclassified under 2844.30 if the material has been chemically refined into thorium compounds or isotopes rather than remaining in an ore or concentrate state.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261220 (the code used for thorium ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261220 (the code used for thorium ore) in UN Comtrade data was Madagascar, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 100% of world imports. Austria reports $1.1B of its chapter 26 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 261220, not only thorium ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Madagascar $14M 70% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$1.8M 9.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Africa $1.5M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $275M 100% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $556K 0.2% of world imports
- 3 France $13K <0.1% of world imports
Austria reports $1.1B of its chapter 26 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $276M 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 thorium ore
Brazil classifies thorium ore under NCM 2612.20.00: HS 2612.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about thorium ore
What is the HS code for Thorium ore?
The HS code for Thorium ore is 261220 (Thorium ores and concentrates). The HS code for thorium ores and concentrates is 2612.20.
How do I classify Thorium ore for customs?
Thorium ore is classified under HS code 261220 — Thorium ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is monazite sand classified under this code?
Yes, monazite sand is typically classified under 2612.20 if it is being imported or exported as a thorium ore concentrate.
Which countries are the top exporters of thorium ore (HS 261220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261220 (the code used for thorium ore) in UN Comtrade data were Madagascar ($14M, 70% of world exports), Vietnam (about $1.8M) and South Africa ($1.5M). World exports came to about $19M, 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 thorium ore (HS 261220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261220 (the code used for thorium ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($275M, 100% of world imports), Malaysia ($556K) and France ($13K). World imports came to about $276M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $1.1B of its chapter 26 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Thorium ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261220 for Thorium 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 thorium ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, thorium ore (HS 261220) is classified under NCM 2612.20.00.