HS-2 · Chapter 26
HS chapter 26: Ores, slag and ash
Section V — Mineral products
Goods classified under this chapter include ores, slag, and ash, such as copper ores shipped in bulk for smelting. These materials are essential for metal production and recycling processes.
To determine the correct HS-4 code, start by identifying the specific type of ore or concentrate. For instance, if you have iron ore, you would look at 2601 for iron ores and concentrates. Pay attention to any specific notes regarding purity or processing methods, as these can influence the classification.
Next, drill down to HS-6 by checking the detailed descriptions within the HS-4 headings. For example, if your shipment includes nickel ores, confirm that it meets the criteria for 2604. Be mindful of neighboring codes that may seem similar but refer to different ores or concentrates.
Always review the national digits and consult with your broker for any local regulations that might apply. Rulings on specific materials can vary, so it's crucial to ensure compliance with both international and domestic trade laws.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
ores and concentrates · slag and ash · iron ores · copper concentrates · metal production · manganese ores · nickel ores · zinc ores · lead concentrates · precious metal ores · granulated slag · national digits · customs classification · trade compliance · broker assistance · HS codes · metal recycling · shipment classification
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- classification of iron ores and concentrates
- requirements for shipping copper concentrates
- understanding manganese ore HS codes
- differences between granulated and regular slag
- determining HS-6 codes for nickel ores
- checking notes for lead concentrate classification
- rulings on precious metal ore shipments
- packaging requirements for zinc ore exports
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Iron ores in bulk containers for steel manufacturing
- Copper concentrates packaged for export
- Granulated slag used in cement production
- Manganese ores shipped in large quantities
- Zinc ores with specified purity levels
- Lead concentrates prepared for refining
- Nickel ores transported in specialized containers
- Precious metal ores for smelting operations
Common classification questions
- What is the HS code for copper ores?
- How to classify iron ore shipments?
- What are the requirements for manganese concentrate?
- Is granulated slag classified differently than regular slag?
- How do I determine the HS-6 code for nickel ores?
- What notes should I check for lead concentrates?
- Are there specific rulings for precious metal ores?
- What packaging is required for zinc ores?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of ores are included in Chapter 26?
- Chapter 26 includes iron, copper, manganese, nickel, and various other metal ores and concentrates.
- How do I classify slag from steel manufacturing?
- Slag from steel manufacturing can be classified under **2618** for granulated slag or **2619** for other types of slag.
- What should I check when determining HS-4 codes?
- Check the specific type of ore, any purity requirements, and the processing method to select the correct HS-4 code.
- Are there special regulations for exporting precious metal ores?
- Yes, exporting precious metal ores may have additional regulations and rulings that need to be reviewed with your broker.
- What is the significance of national digits in HS codes?
- National digits provide further classification details specific to each country's customs regulations, which may differ from the international HS codes.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 26 (21)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 2601 | Iron ores and concentrates; including roasted iron pyrites | |
| 2602 | Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and concentrates with a manganese content of 20% or more, calculated on the dry weight | |
| 2603 | Copper ores and concentrates | |
| 2604 | Nickel ores and concentrates | |
| 2605 | Cobalt ores and concentrates | |
| 2606 | Aluminium ores and concentrates | |
| 2607 | Lead ores and concentrates | |
| 2608 | Zinc ores and concentrates | |
| 2609 | Tin ores and concentrates | |
| 2610 | Chromium ores and concentrates | |
| 2611 | Tungsten ores and concentrates | |
| 2612 | Uranium or thorium ores and concentrates | |
| 2613 | Molybdenum ores and concentrates | |
| 2614 | Titanium ores and concentrates | |
| 2615 | Niobium, tantalum, vanadium or zirconium ores and concentrates | |
| 2616 | Precious metal ores and concentrates | |
| 2617 | Ores and concentrates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2601 | |
| 2618 | Granulated slag (slag sand) from the manufacture of iron or steel | |
| 2619 | Slag, dross; (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel | |
| 2620 | Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel) containing metals, arsenic or their compounds | |
| 2621 | Slag and ash n.e.c. in chapter 26; including seaweed ash (kelp) and ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste |
Browse first heading (HS-4 2601)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (2601). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.