HS 261220 Thorium ores and concentrates

Quick Answer: HS code 261220 covers thorium ores and concentrates, which are raw materials primarily used in the nuclear industry and for specialized alloys. These products are subject to specific controls due to their radioactive nature. Across major jurisdictions, the import duty rates are consistently low or zero. For instance, the United Kingdom and the European Union apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate across all their tariff lines for these products. Similarly, the United States levies a "Free" duty rate. Importers and customs brokers should be aware that while duties are minimal, these goods are subject to stringent import/export licensing and safety regulations from national nuclear authorities and international bodies like the IAEA, requiring careful compliance beyond standard customs procedures.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2612201000 0.00 % — —
2612200000 — — —
2612209000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2612200000 — — —
2612201000 0.00 % — —
2612209000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2612200000 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 261220 cover?

This subheading covers thorium ores and concentrates, specifically referring to naturally occurring minerals containing thorium in a sufficient quantity to be economically extracted and processed. Thorium is a radioactive metallic element used in nuclear fuel, alloys, and high-temperature ceramics. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 clarify that "ores" are metalliferous minerals of a kind actually used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of metal, and "concentrates" are ores which have undergone processes (e.g., crushing, grinding, flotation) to remove unwanted constituents and increase the metal content. Official definitions from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system align with this scope, encompassing raw and beneficiated forms of thorium-bearing minerals.

What falls outside HS 261220?

The following products are excluded from HS 261220: chemically separated thorium, even if in an unrefined state, which would typically fall under Chapter 28, specifically heading 2844 for radioactive chemical elements and isotopes. For example, thorium metal, thorium oxide, or other thorium compounds are not classified here. Similarly, radioactive waste containing thorium, which is not intended for the extraction of thorium, would be classified under heading 2844 or potentially Chapter 84 or 85 if incorporated into specific machinery or apparatus. Monazite sands, while a primary source of thorium, are classified under heading 2617 as "Other ores and concentrates," unless they have been specifically processed to concentrate the thorium content to a degree that they are unequivocally identifiable as thorium concentrates.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 261220?

A common error is misclassifying chemically processed thorium compounds or metal as ores or concentrates. Importers sometimes overlook the distinction between naturally occurring, beneficiated minerals and refined chemical elements or compounds. Another frequent mistake involves classifying mixed rare earth element concentrates that contain thorium as solely thorium concentrates, when the primary commercial intent and composition might point to a different classification, such as under heading 2617. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid these errors, ensuring that only true ores and concentrates are placed here, not refined products.

How should importers classify products under HS 261220?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 261220 involves a thorough analysis of the product's nature, composition, and processing level. Importers and customs brokers should first verify that the product is indeed a naturally occurring thorium-bearing mineral or a concentrate derived directly from such a mineral, not a chemically refined product. Obtain detailed laboratory analyses or certificates of origin confirming the thorium content and the absence of significant chemical transformation beyond physical beneficiation. Consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 to confirm the definitions of "ores" and "concentrates." If there is any ambiguity regarding chemical purity or processing, consider seeking a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, national customs authorities in the EU) to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 261210 HS 261510 HS 261610 HS 261710 HS 260120 HS 284430

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 2612.20 (Thorium ores and concentrates) in major trading blocs?

For HS code 2612.20, 'Thorium ores and concentrates,' the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates are consistently set at 0.00% ad valorem across many major economies. Specifically, the United States (per USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule), the European Union (per EU TARIC), and the United Kingdom (per UK Trade Tariff) all apply a 0.00% MFN duty rate. This means that, in most cases, these goods can be imported duty-free from any WTO member country without requiring specific preferential trade agreements.

Are there any preferential duty rates available for thorium ores and concentrates under HS 2612.20, or is the MFN rate universally applied?

Given that the MFN duty rate for HS 2612.20 is already 0.00% ad valorem in key markets like the U.S., EU, and UK, there is generally no further preferential tariff reduction possible or necessary. 'Preferential duty rates' typically refer to rates lower than the MFN rate, often granted under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes. Since the MFN rate is already 'Free' (0.00%), these goods effectively enter duty-free regardless of the country of origin or specific trade agreement, provided they meet all other import regulations. Importers should still declare the correct origin for statistical and regulatory compliance.

What are the key classification criteria for ensuring a product falls under HS 2612.20 as 'Thorium ores and concentrates'?

Classification under HS 2612.20 specifically covers 'Thorium ores and concentrates.' The primary criterion is the presence of thorium as the principal constituent or the element for which the ore is primarily exploited. 'Ores' refer to naturally occurring mineral aggregates from which a metal can be extracted profitably. 'Concentrates' are ores that have undergone initial processing (e.g., crushing, grinding, flotation, magnetic separation) to remove gangue (waste material) and increase the proportion of the desired mineral, making them richer in thorium than the crude ore. It is crucial that the product has not undergone further processing that would transform it into a more refined or manufactured thorium product, which would fall under other HS headings (e.g., chemical compounds of thorium in Chapter 28). The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 provide further guidance on the distinction between ores, concentrates, and more processed materials.

What specific documentation is required for the importation of thorium ores and concentrates (HS 2612.20), considering their potential dual-use or radioactive nature?

While the customs duty for HS 2612.20 is 0.00%, the importation of thorium ores and concentrates is subject to stringent regulatory controls due to their radioactive properties and potential dual-use applications (civilian and military). Standard customs documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill is always required. However, additional permits and licenses are mandatory. In the United States, importers must comply with regulations from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and potentially the Department of Energy (DOE). In the EU and UK, similar national nuclear regulatory bodies (e.g., Euratom Supply Agency for the EU, Office for Nuclear Regulation for the UK) will require specific import licenses, end-use certificates, and adherence to radiation safety standards. Importers should verify all national and international regulations, including those concerning the transport of radioactive materials (e.g., IAEA regulations), well in advance of shipment.