HS 261210 Uranium ores and concentrates
Quick Answer: HS Code 2612.10 covers uranium ores and concentrates, which are raw materials primarily used for nuclear fuel production. These include natural uranium in its various forms, such as pitchblende and uraninite, before enrichment or fabrication into fuel elements. Across major jurisdictions, the duty rates are consistently 0.00% ad valorem in the UK and EU, and "Free" in the US, reflecting a global consensus to facilitate trade in these essential energy resources. Importers and exporters should be aware that while duties are zero, trade in these goods is subject to stringent international regulations, licensing requirements, and non-proliferation controls enforced by bodies like the IAEA, due to their strategic nature and potential dual-use applications. Compliance with these non-tariff measures is paramount.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2612101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2612100000 | — | — | — |
| 2612109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2612100000 | — | — | — |
| 2612101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2612109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2612100000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 261210 cover?
This subheading covers uranium ores and concentrates, which are primary source materials for uranium. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Heading 2612, this includes naturally occurring uranium-bearing minerals that have been subjected to physical or chemical processes to increase their uranium content, but not to the extent that they become chemically defined compounds or nuclear fuel elements. Examples include uraninite, carnotite, and pitchblende, as well as yellowcake (uranium concentrate) which is typically an ammonium diuranate or sodium diuranate precipitate, a key intermediate product in the uranium fuel cycle. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC system both align with this WCO definition, specifically identifying these raw and semi-processed forms of uranium.
What falls outside HS 261210?
The following products are excluded from HS 261210: chemically defined uranium compounds, which are classified under Chapter 28, specifically Heading 2844 if radioactive, or other headings if not radioactive and not fissile. For instance, uranium hexafluoride (UF6), a key intermediate in uranium enrichment, is a chemically defined compound and is classified under 2844. Similarly, enriched uranium, depleted uranium, thorium, and their alloys, mixtures, or compounds are also excluded and fall under Heading 2844. Furthermore, nuclear fuel elements (cartridges) that are ready for use in nuclear reactors, whether irradiated or not, are specifically excluded from Chapter 26 and are classified under Heading 8401 as parts of nuclear reactors. This distinction is crucial for accurate classification.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 261210?
A common error is misclassifying chemically defined uranium compounds, such as uranium oxides or uranium hexafluoride, as ores or concentrates under 261210. These chemically distinct substances, even if derived from ores, are properly classified under Heading 2844 due to their specific chemical composition and purity, as per General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and the Chapter 28 notes. Another frequent mistake involves classifying nuclear fuel elements or assemblies under this heading; these are specifically provided for under Heading 8401. Importers sometimes overlook the degree of processing, failing to distinguish between a concentrate (261210) and a purified, chemically defined compound (2844), leading to incorrect duty and regulatory compliance issues.
How should importers classify products under HS 261210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 261210 involves a thorough examination of the product's chemical composition, degree of processing, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should first verify that the product is indeed an ore or concentrate, meaning it is a naturally occurring uranium-bearing material or a product derived from it that has been physically or chemically processed to increase uranium content but is not a chemically defined compound. Consult the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Heading 2612, along with the specific definitions in the USITC HTS or EU TARIC. Obtain a detailed chemical analysis report or certificate of origin from the supplier to confirm the product's nature and ensure it does not meet the criteria for chemically defined compounds (Chapter 28) or nuclear fuel elements (Heading 8401). When in doubt, consider requesting a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority.
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS code 2612.10 (Uranium ores and concentrates) in major trading blocs?
For HS code 2612.10, the MFN import duty rate is generally 0.00% ad valorem in most major economies. Specifically, the United States (under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, HTSUS), the European Union (under TARIC), and the United Kingdom (under the UK Global Tariff) all apply a 'Free' or 0.00% ad valorem duty rate to uranium ores and concentrates. This means that goods classified under 2612.10 from most countries will not incur customs duties upon import into these territories.
Are there any preferential duty rates or specific trade agreements that impact the import of uranium ores and concentrates (HS 2612.10)?
Due to the MFN duty rate already being 0.00% for HS 2612.10 in many jurisdictions, preferential trade agreements typically do not offer further duty reductions for this specific commodity. For example, under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), EU free trade agreements, or UK trade agreements, the duty rate for uranium ores and concentrates would remain 0.00%, as it cannot be reduced below zero. Importers should still ensure compliance with rules of origin requirements under any applicable trade agreement, even if the duty rate is already zero, as this can be relevant for other trade policy measures or statistical purposes.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing 'uranium ores and concentrates' under HS 2612.10?
HS code 2612.10 specifically covers 'Uranium ores and concentrates.' The primary classification criterion is the presence of uranium in its natural ore form or as a concentrate derived from such ores. This typically includes yellowcake (uranium concentrate, often U3O8) and other forms of uranium concentrate obtained through physical or chemical beneficiation processes from uranium-bearing minerals. It is crucial to distinguish these from enriched uranium, depleted uranium, or uranium compounds that are chemically defined (e.g., uranium hexafluoride), which would fall under Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals) or Chapter 28 and Chapter 84 (Nuclear reactors, fuel elements) depending on their form and intended use. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 provide further guidance, emphasizing that this heading covers ores and concentrates of uranium, thorium, or rare-earth metals.
What specific documentation is required for the importation of uranium ores and concentrates (HS 2612.10)?
Beyond standard customs documentation such as a commercial invoice, bill of lading/air waybill, and packing list, the importation of uranium ores and concentrates (HS 2612.10) is subject to stringent regulatory controls due to its nuclear material status. Importers will typically need: (1) An import license or permit from the relevant national nuclear regulatory authority (e.g., the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the US, Euratom Supply Agency in the EU, or the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) in the UK). (2) End-use certificates or declarations. (3) Certificates of origin, especially if claiming any non-existent preferential treatment or for statistical purposes. (4) Compliance with international safeguards agreements (e.g., IAEA safeguards). (5) Specific transportation documentation for hazardous materials. Customs brokers must verify all national and international requirements with the importer and relevant government agencies prior to shipment.