Product classification
HS code for Vanadium ore: 2615.90
Niobium, tantalum, vanadium ores and concentrates.
Classification of vanadium ore under HS 2615.90
Vanadium ore is classified under HS code 261590. This classification is part of Chapter 26, which covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2615 is dedicated to niobium, tantalum, vanadium, or zirconium ores and concentrates. The classification is based on the product being a naturally occurring mineral that has been extracted from the earth but has not undergone chemical transformation. Acceptable processes for materials under this code include crushing, grinding, magnetic separation, and flotation to remove impurities (gangue). The primary requirement is that the essential chemical structure of the vanadium-bearing mineral remains unchanged. Vanadium is often found in minerals like vanadinite, descloizite, and carnotite. Because vanadium is grouped with other rare metals in the Harmonized System, it shares the 2615 heading, with the suffix 90 indicating it is part of the 'other' category within that specific group of ores.
- Covers
- Vanadinite concentrates
- Carnotite ore
- Roscoelite mineral samples
- Vanadium-bearing magnetite concentrates
- Crushed vanadium ore for metallurgical use
- Also under 2615.90
- CBMM (Brazil - Niobium)
- AMG Critical Materials (Brazil/Germany - Tantalum)
- Bushveld Minerals (South Africa - Vanadium)
- Global Advanced Metals (Australia/US - Tantalum)
Codes often confused with 2615.90
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 282530 (Vanadium oxides and hydroxides). Importers often confuse refined chemical compounds with concentrates. If the material has been chemically leached or precipitated to form a pure oxide, it moves from Chapter 26 to Chapter 28. Additionally, vanadium-bearing slag from steel production is classified under 262099 rather than 261590.
Top exporters and importers of HS 261590 (the code used for vanadium ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261590 (the code used for vanadium ore) in UN Comtrade data was Rwanda, with about 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% 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 261590, not only vanadium ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Rwanda* ~$166M 37% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Malaysia $59M 13% of world exports
- 3 DR Congo* ~$53M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $446M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $416M 65% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $92M 15% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $52M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $636M 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 vanadium ore
Brazil classifies vanadium ore under NCM 2615.90.00: HS 2615.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vanadium ore
What is the HS code for Vanadium ore?
The HS code for Vanadium ore is 261590 (Niobium, tantalum, vanadium ores and concentrates). The HS code for Vanadium ore and its concentrates is 261590.
How do I classify Vanadium ore for customs?
Vanadium ore is classified under HS code 261590 — Niobium, tantalum, vanadium ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are vanadium concentrates included in this code?
Yes, concentrates obtained by physical or mechanical processes to remove unwanted minerals are included under 261590.
Which countries are the top exporters of vanadium ore (HS 261590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261590 (the code used for vanadium ore) in UN Comtrade data were Rwanda (about $166M, 37% of world exports), Malaysia ($59M) and the DR Congo (about $53M). World exports came to about $446M, 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 vanadium ore (HS 261590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 261590 (the code used for vanadium ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($416M, 65% of world imports), Thailand ($92M) and Malaysia ($52M). World imports came to about $636M, 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 Vanadium ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 261590 for Vanadium 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 vanadium ore in Brazil?
In Brazil, vanadium ore (HS 261590) is classified under NCM 2615.90.00.