Product classification

HS code for Zirconium ore: 2615.10

Zirconium ores and concentrates.

Classification of zirconium ore under HS 2615.10

Zirconium ores and concentrates are classified under HS code 2615.10. This code is located in Chapter 26, which covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2615 specifically includes ores and concentrates of niobium, tantalum, vanadium, or zirconium. Zirconium ores, such as zircon (zirconium silicate) and baddeleyite (zirconium oxide), are the primary sources of zirconium metal and its compounds. For classification under this heading, the minerals must be of a type actually used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of the metal or for the manufacture of metal compounds. According to the Chapter 26 notes, the term "ores" refers to minerals of mineralogical species actually used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of mercury, of the metals of heading 2844 or of the metals of Section XIV or XV. Even if the ores have been processed by physical or chemical means (like roasting or magnetic separation) to remove impurities or to facilitate transport, they remain in 2615.10 as long as they have not been transformed into distinct chemical compounds, which would move them to Chapter 28.

Covers
  • Zircon sand
  • Baddeleyite
  • Zirconium concentrates
  • Roasted zirconium ores
  • Micronized zircon (if not chemically altered)
Also under 2615.10
  • Iluka Resources (Australia)
  • Tronox Holdings (US/Australia)
  • Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa - Rio Tinto)
  • Eramet (Senegal)

Codes often confused with 2615.10

Common mistake. Zirconium ore is sometimes misclassified under 2530.90, which is a general category for mineral substances. However, because 2615.10 is more specific, it takes precedence. It is also confused with 2825.60 (Zirconium dioxide) if the ore has been chemically processed into a pure oxide. Additionally, precious forms of zircon used in jewelry are classified in Chapter 71.

2530.90Mineral substances; n.e.c. in chapter 252825.60Germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide

Top exporters and importers of HS 261510 (the code used for zirconium ore), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 261510 (the code used for zirconium ore) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% 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 261510, not only zirconium ore.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Africa $525M
  2. 2 Senegal $118M
  3. 3 Australia $112M

World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $1.3B
  2. 2 Spain $169M
  3. 3 India $158M

World total: $2.1B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 zirconium ore

Brazil splits HS 2615.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about zirconium ore

What is the HS code for Zirconium ore?

The HS code for Zirconium ore is 261510 (Zirconium ores and concentrates). The HS code for zirconium ores and concentrates is 2615.10.

How do I classify Zirconium ore for customs?

Zirconium ore is classified under HS code 261510 — Zirconium ores and concentrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is zircon sand classified as an ore?

Yes, zircon sand is considered a zirconium concentrate and is classified under HS code 2615.10, provided it is intended for industrial or metallurgical use.

Which countries are the top exporters of zirconium ore (HS 261510)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 261510 (the code used for zirconium ore) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($525M, 41% of world exports), Senegal ($118M) and Australia ($112M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 zirconium ore (HS 261510)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 261510 (the code used for zirconium ore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 63% of world imports), Spain ($169M) and India ($158M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Zirconium ore the same in all countries?

The base HS code 261510 for Zirconium 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 zirconium ore in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 261510 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for zirconium ore depends on the product's details: 2615.10.10 (Baddeleyite (zirconium ore)), 2615.10.20 (Zircon ores and concentrates), 2615.10.90 (Other zirconium ores and concentrates).