Product classification
HS code for Zinc ore: 2608.00
Zinc ores and concentrates.
Classification of zinc ore under HS 2608.00
Zinc ore and its concentrates are classified under HS code 2608.00. This classification is governed by the rules of Chapter 26, which covers ores, slag, and ash. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) and the Chapter Notes, ores are defined as metallic minerals of the mineralogical species actually used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of metals. Zinc concentrates are included here because they have undergone specific treatments—such as physical or mechanical processes like crushing, grinding, magnetic separation, or flotation—to remove unwanted gangue or impurities. These processes do not alter the chemical state of the mineral, which distinguishes them from refined metals or chemical compounds. The classification remains in 2608.00 as long as the material has not been subjected to roasting, calcining, or smelting, which would transform the ore into a different chemical or metallic state.
- Covers
- Sphalerite (zinc blende)
- Smithsonite (zinc carbonate)
- Hemimorphite (calamine)
- Zinc concentrates obtained by flotation
- Zinc concentrates obtained by gravity separation
- Roasted zinc blende (if considered a concentrate)
- Also under 2608.00
- Red Dog Mine zinc concentrate
- Antamina zinc concentrate
- Hindustan Zinc products
- Nyrstar zinc concentrates
Codes often confused with 2608.00
Common mistake. Zinc ore is frequently confused with zinc ash and residues classified under HS code 2620.11 or 2620.19. While ores are naturally occurring minerals, residues are the byproducts of industrial processes like smelting or galvanizing. Another common error is classifying zinc concentrates as unwrought zinc under 7901.11, but 7901 is reserved for metal that has already been smelted and refined into ingots or slabs. Additionally, zinc compounds like zinc oxide (2817.00) are sometimes misidentified as ores, despite being manufactured chemical products.
Top exporters and importers of HS 260800 (the code used for zinc ore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 260800 (the code used for zinc ore) in UN Comtrade data was Peru, with about 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% 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 260800, not only zinc ore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Peru* ~$2.2B 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Australia $1.6B 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.5B 11% of world exports
World total: $13.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $5.9B 42% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $1.7B 12% of world imports
- 3 Spain $1.1B 7.7% of world imports
World total: $14.1B 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 codes for zinc ore
Brazil splits HS 2608.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2608.00.10Zinc sulphide ores and concentrates
- 2608.00.90Other zinc ores and concentrates
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc ore
What is the HS code for Zinc ore?
The HS code for Zinc ore is 260800 (Zinc ores and concentrates). The HS code for zinc ores and concentrates is 2608.00.
How do I classify Zinc ore for customs?
Zinc ore is classified under HS code 260800 — Zinc ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include zinc concentrates?
Yes, HS code 2608.00 specifically includes both raw zinc ores and concentrates that have been processed to remove waste material but have not yet been smelted.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc ore (HS 260800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 260800 (the code used for zinc ore) in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $2.2B, 17% of world exports), Australia ($1.6B) and the United States ($1.5B). World exports came to about $13.0B, 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 zinc ore (HS 260800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 260800 (the code used for zinc ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.9B, 42% of world imports), South Korea ($1.7B) and Spain ($1.1B). World imports came to about $14.1B, 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 Zinc ore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 260800 for Zinc 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 zinc ore in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 260800 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for zinc ore depends on the product's details: 2608.00.10 (Zinc sulphide ores and concentrates), 2608.00.90 (Other zinc ores and concentrates).