HS 261390 Other
Quick Answer: HS code 261390, "Other," covers molybdenum ores and concentrates not specifically provided for in subheading 261310 (roasted). This typically includes unroasted molybdenum ores, such as molybdenite, and various forms of concentrates derived from these ores. For the UK and EU, the standard duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem. In the US, the duty rates are more complex, applying specific duties based on molybdenum content: 77.2¢/kg or 17.8¢/kg, depending on the specific product within this "Other" category. Additionally, the US offers duty-free treatment under various preferential trade agreements (e.g., A+, AU, BH, CL, KR). Importers should verify the exact molybdenum content and origin to determine the applicable US duty and leverage potential free trade agreement benefits.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2613900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2613900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2613900000 | 17.8¢/kg on molybdenum content | Free (17 programs) | ["kg","Mo kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2613.90?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 261390 cover?
This subheading covers molybdenum ores and concentrates, other than roasted. Specifically, it encompasses all molybdenum ores and concentrates that have not undergone a roasting process, which typically involves heating to remove impurities or convert the ore into a more refined state. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2613 clarify that this heading covers ores and concentrates of molybdenum, and subheading 2613.90 specifically captures those in their unroasted form. This aligns with the definitions found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system, both of which delineate "Other" as the residual category for unroasted molybdenum ores and concentrates after accounting for the roasted variety.
What falls outside HS 261390?
The following products are excluded from HS 261390: roasted molybdenum ores and concentrates, which are specifically classified under HS 26131000. Furthermore, chemically defined molybdenum compounds, such as molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) or ammonium molybdate, are excluded from Chapter 26 entirely and are typically classified in Chapter 28, "Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes." For instance, pure molybdenum metal, whether in powder or unwrought form, would be classified under Chapter 81, "Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof," specifically under HS 8102. This distinction is crucial as Chapter 26 is reserved for ores and concentrates, not refined metals or chemical compounds.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 261390?
A common error is misclassifying roasted molybdenum concentrates under HS 261390, instead of their correct subheading, HS 26131000. Importers sometimes overlook the "roasted" versus "unroasted" distinction, which is a critical differentiator within Heading 2613. Another frequent mistake involves classifying chemically defined molybdenum compounds, such as molybdenum disulfide, within this heading, when they properly belong in Chapter 28. This often occurs due to a misunderstanding of what constitutes an "ore" or "concentrate" versus a "chemical compound." Applying General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is essential to avoid such errors, ensuring that only true unroasted ores and concentrates are placed here.
How should importers classify products under HS 261390?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 261390 involves a thorough examination of the product's processing stage. Importers and customs brokers must first ascertain whether the molybdenum ore or concentrate has undergone any roasting process. If laboratory analysis or supplier documentation confirms the material is unroasted, then HS 261390 is the appropriate classification. It is crucial to obtain detailed product specifications, including chemical composition and manufacturing process descriptions, from the supplier. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 and Heading 2613, along with official tariff schedules like the USITC HTSUS or EU TARIC, will provide definitive guidance and help confirm that the product meets the criteria for "other" (unroasted) molybdenum ores and concentrates, preventing misclassification and potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the import duty rate for products classified under HS code 2613.90 ('Other') in the United States?
For HS code 2613.90, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is complex and depends on the specific form and molybdenum content. For certain 'other' molybdenum ores and concentrates, the MFN duty rate is 77.2¢/kg on molybdenum content. However, for other specific forms, it can be 17.8¢/kg on molybdenum content, or even 0.00% ad valorem. Importers should consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) Chapter 26, subheading 2613.90, to determine the exact rate applicable to their specific product, as published by the US International Trade Commission (USITC).
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2613.90, and which trade agreements apply?
Yes, preferential duty rates are available for HS 2613.90 under various U.S. free trade agreements and preference programs. Products originating from countries party to agreements such as A+ (Generalized System of Preferences), AU (Australia), BH (Bahrain), CL (Chile), CO (Colombia), D (Dominican Republic-Central America FTA), E (Andean Trade Preference Act), IL (Israel), JO (Jordan), KR (Korea), MA (Morocco), OM (Oman), P (Panama), PA (Peru), PE (Slovenia), S (Singapore), and SG (Singapore) may be eligible for a 'Free' (0.00%) duty rate. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin requirements of the respective agreement and provide proper documentation (e.g., certificate of origin) to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing products under HS 2613.90 ('Other') from other molybdenum ores and concentrates?
HS code 2613.90 serves as a residual category for molybdenum ores and concentrates not specifically provided for in subheading 2613.10 (roasted). The primary classification criteria revolve around the chemical composition, particularly the molybdenum content, and the physical form of the concentrate. Products classified here typically include unroasted molybdenum ores and concentrates that are not molybdenite. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 provide guidance, emphasizing that 'concentrates' are products obtained from ores by various processes (e.g., crushing, grinding, flotation) to remove unwanted constituents and increase the metal content. Importers must accurately declare the molybdenum content and the processing stage of the material.
What specific documentation is required for the import of molybdenum ores and concentrates under HS 2613.90?
For the import of products under HS 2613.90, standard customs documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, the commercial invoice must accurately detail the type of molybdenum ore or concentrate, its molybdenum content (often expressed as a percentage), and its net weight, as duty rates are frequently based on molybdenum content per kilogram. If claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin or equivalent declaration is mandatory. While not always required, analytical reports or assays confirming the molybdenum content may be requested by customs authorities to verify classification and duty assessment.