HS 260120 Roasted iron pyrites

Quick Answer: HS Code 260120 specifically covers "Roasted iron pyrites," also known as pyrites cinders or calcined pyrites. These are the solid residues remaining after iron pyrites (iron disulfide) have been roasted to extract sulfur, primarily for sulfuric acid production. The resulting material is largely iron oxide and is often used as an iron ore concentrate in steelmaking. For importers and exporters, this product generally benefits from a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate in the UK and the EU, as per the UK Trade Tariff and EU TARIC, respectively. In the United States, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) indicates a "Free" duty rate for all applicable columns. Given the consistent zero-duty treatment across major economies, trade in roasted iron pyrites typically faces minimal tariff barriers, simplifying customs clearance. Importers should still ensure accurate classification to avoid potential delays or misdeclarations.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2601200000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2601200000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2601200000 Free — ["t"]

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

How to Classify This HS Code?

What products does HS 260120 cover?

This subheading covers "Roasted iron pyrites," which are iron sulfides (primarily FeS2) that have undergone a roasting process, typically to remove sulfur and prepare the material for further metallurgical or chemical processing. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2601 specify that this heading covers iron ores and concentrates, including roasted iron pyrites. The roasting process alters the chemical composition and physical properties of the raw iron pyrites, making them distinct from unroasted forms. Official definitions from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system align with this interpretation, focusing on the specific treatment of the iron pyrites.

What falls outside HS 260120?

The following products are excluded from HS 260120: unroasted iron pyrites, which would typically fall under HS 260111 (non-agglomerated) or 260112 (agglomerated) as "Iron ores and concentrates, other than roasted iron pyrites." Furthermore, iron oxides and hydroxides, even if derived from roasted pyrites but having undergone further processing to become distinct chemical products, would generally be classified under Chapter 28. For example, iron oxides used as pigments (e.g., synthetic iron oxides) are classified under HS 2821. Iron and steel slag, dross, and other waste products from the manufacture of iron or steel are classified under Chapter 26, but specifically under headings like 2618 or 2619, not 2601.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 260120?

A common error is misclassifying unroasted iron pyrites as roasted, or vice versa, leading to incorrect duty rates and compliance issues. Importers sometimes fail to provide sufficient documentation to prove the roasting process has occurred, which is crucial for distinguishing between HS 26011X and HS 260120. Another mistake involves classifying highly processed iron oxide products, which originated from roasted pyrites but are no longer identifiable as such, under this subheading. This often violates General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, and GRI 6, which applies the same principles to subheadings.

How should importers classify products under HS 260120?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 260120 involves a thorough review of the product's manufacturing process and chemical analysis. Importers and customs brokers should obtain detailed documentation from the supplier confirming that the iron pyrites have undergone a roasting process. This documentation might include process flow diagrams, chemical analysis reports showing sulfur reduction, and material safety data sheets (MSDS). It is essential to ensure that the product has not been further processed beyond roasting to become a distinct chemical product. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 and specific national tariff guidance (e.g., USITC HTSUS General Notes, EU TARIC notes) is also critical to ensure accurate classification.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 260111 HS 261220 HS 260112 HS 261310 HS 261900 HS 252620

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2601.20 (Roasted iron pyrites) in major markets?

For HS code 2601.20, 'Roasted iron pyrites,' the MFN duty rates are generally 0.00% ad valorem in many major trading blocs. Specifically, the United States (under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, HTSUS subheading 2601.20.00) applies a 'Free' rate of duty. Similarly, the European Union (EU TARIC code 2601200000) and the United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff code 2601200000) also apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. This indicates that roasted iron pyrites typically face no MFN import tariffs in these jurisdictions.

What are the key classification criteria for 'Roasted iron pyrites' under HS 2601.20, and how does it differ from unroasted iron pyrites?

HS code 2601.20 specifically covers 'Roasted iron pyrites.' The primary classification criterion is the roasting process, which involves heating iron pyrites (iron disulfide, FeS2) to remove sulfur, typically for sulfuric acid production or iron recovery. This differentiates it from unroasted iron pyrites, which would fall under HS 2601.11 ('Unroasted iron pyrites'). The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 clarify that this heading covers iron ores and concentrates, including roasted iron pyrites, which have undergone a thermal treatment to alter their chemical composition, primarily for desulfurization. Importers must ensure their product is indeed roasted to qualify for this subheading.

Are there any significant preferential duty rates or trade agreements that impact the import of HS 2601.20?

Given that the MFN duty rate for HS 2601.20 is already 0.00% or 'Free' in many major economies like the US, EU, and UK, there is generally no further reduction possible under preferential trade agreements. Products classified under this heading typically enter these markets duty-free regardless of their country of origin, provided they meet all other import requirements. Therefore, while HS 2601.20 is covered by various free trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, EU FTAs, UK FTAs), the practical impact on duty rates for this specific product is minimal as the MFN rate is already zero. Importers should still ensure compliance with rules of origin if they wish to claim preferential treatment, even if the duty rate is already zero, as this can be relevant for statistical purposes or future policy changes.

What specific documentation is typically required for importing 'Roasted iron pyrites' under HS 2601.20?

For importing 'Roasted iron pyrites' under HS 2601.20, standard import documentation is required. This typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin (though less critical for duty-free items, it may still be requested for statistical or origin verification purposes). Depending on the country of export and import, additional documentation such as a chemical analysis report confirming the 'roasted' state and composition, or a safety data sheet (SDS), might be required by environmental or health authorities. Importers should consult the specific regulations of the importing country's customs and relevant regulatory agencies to ensure full compliance.