Product classification
HS code for Tin ore: 2609.00
Tin ores and concentrates.
Classification of tin ore under HS 2609.00
Tin ore and its concentrates are classified under HS code 2609.00. This classification is governed by the principles of Chapter 26, which encompasses metallic ores, including those used for the extraction of tin. The primary mineral source for tin is cassiterite (SnO2), which is typically found in alluvial deposits or lode veins. To be classified under this heading, the ore must not have undergone any processes beyond those intended to prepare it for the extraction of the metal. These permissible processes include physical or chemical treatments such as crushing, grinding, magnetic separation, or flotation to remove impurities and increase the concentration of the metal. The resulting concentrate is still considered 2609.00 because the chemical structure of the tin-bearing mineral remains unchanged. This code is vital for customs authorities to monitor the flow of raw mineral resources before they enter the smelting stage where they are converted into unwrought metal. The classification requires that the material is not yet in a metallic state and is intended for metallurgical processing.
- Covers
- Cassiterite (tin dioxide) in its natural mineral state
- Tin concentrates obtained by physical or chemical treatment
- Roasted tin ores for the removal of sulfur or arsenic
- Washed and ground tin-bearing sands
- Also under 2609.00
- PT Timah Tbk (Indonesia)
- Myanmar Tin & Tungsten Co.
- Minsur S.A. (Peru)
- Alphamin Resources (DRC)
Codes often confused with 2609.00
Common mistake. Tin ore is frequently confused with HS code 8001.10 or 8001.20, which covers unwrought tin. The distinction lies in the state of the material; 2609.00 is for the raw mineral (ore), while 8001 is for the metal after it has been smelted. Another common error is misclassifying tin-bearing residues under 2620.99. While 2609.00 covers naturally occurring ores, 2620 is reserved for ash and residues resulting from industrial processes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 260900 (the code used for tin ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 260900 (the code used for tin ore) in UN Comtrade data was the DR Congo, with about 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% 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 260900, not only tin ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 DR Congo* ~$631M 40% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Australia $363M 23% of world exports
- 3 Congo* ~$123M 7.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.9B 79% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $289M 12% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $189M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 tin ore
Brazil classifies tin ore under NCM 2609.00.00: HS 2609.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tin ore
What is the HS code for Tin ore?
The HS code for Tin ore is 260900 (Tin ores and concentrates). The HS code for tin ore and its concentrates is 2609.00.
How do I classify Tin ore for customs?
Tin ore is classified under HS code 260900 — Tin ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include tin slag?
No, tin slag and other residues from the smelting process are classified under heading 2620, specifically 2620.99, rather than 2609.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of tin ore (HS 260900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 260900 (the code used for tin ore) in UN Comtrade data were the DR Congo (about $631M, 40% of world exports), Australia ($363M) and Congo (about $123M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 tin ore (HS 260900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 260900 (the code used for tin ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 79% of world imports), Malaysia ($289M) and Thailand ($189M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 Tin ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 260900 for Tin 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 tin ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, tin ore (HS 260900) is classified under NCM 2609.00.00.