TradeTools

HS-2 · Chapter 26

HS chapter 26: Ores, slag and ash

Section VMineral 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 are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.

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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Next best action

Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.

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 reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.

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?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

How to classify iron ore shipments?

Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.

What are the requirements for manganese concentrate?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

Is granulated slag classified differently than regular slag?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

How do I determine the HS-6 code for nickel ores?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

What notes should I check for lead concentrates?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

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.

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

HS-4 directory (chapter 26)

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.

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