HS 261510 Zirconium ores and concentrates
Quick Answer: HS Code 261510 covers zirconium ores and concentrates, which are raw materials primarily used in the production of zirconium metal, ceramics, and refractories. These products include naturally occurring minerals like zircon (zirconium silicate) and baddeleyite (zirconium dioxide), processed into concentrated forms for industrial use. For importers and exporters, a significant trade consideration is the consistent "Free" or "0.00%" ad valorem duty rate across major jurisdictions. The United States (USITC), European Union (EU TARIC), and United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff) all apply a 0.00% duty rate to goods classified under 261510. This indicates a global recognition of these materials as essential industrial inputs, generally free from tariff barriers. Importers should focus on origin rules and any specific import licensing or environmental regulations rather than duty costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2615100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2615100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2615100000 | 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 261510 cover?
This subheading covers zirconium ores and concentrates, specifically those primarily composed of zirconium-bearing minerals such as zircon (zirconium silicate, ZrSiO4) and baddeleyite (zirconium dioxide, ZrO2). These materials are typically extracted from mineral sands or hard rock deposits and then processed to increase their zirconium content, often through gravity separation, magnetic separation, or flotation. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 clarify that "ores" refer to metalliferous minerals which are actually worked for the extraction of the metal, and "concentrates" are ores that have undergone processes to remove gangue and increase the metal content, making them suitable for further metallurgical treatment. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC system align with this definition, encompassing both crude ores and enriched concentrates ready for industrial use in ceramics, refractories, and zirconium metal production.
What falls outside HS 261510?
The following products are excluded from HS 261510: chemically pure zirconium oxides (zirconia) and other zirconium compounds, which are classified under Chapter 28, specifically heading 2825 for hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides, and carbides of zirconium, and heading 2825 90 for other inorganic zirconium compounds. For instance, synthetic zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) used as a ceramic material, even if derived from zirconium ores, is considered a chemical compound and would fall under 2825 90, not 261510. Similarly, zirconium metal and articles thereof are classified in Chapter 81, such as unwrought zirconium under 8109 10. Products that have undergone further processing beyond simple concentration, leading to a distinct chemical identity or metallic form, are consistently excluded from this subheading, as it specifically targets the raw ore and its initial concentrated forms.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 261510?
A common error is misclassifying chemically processed zirconium compounds or zirconium metal under HS 261510, rather than their correct headings in Chapter 28 or 81. Importers sometimes confuse highly purified zirconium dioxide, which is a chemical compound, with a "concentrate" of zirconium ore. This mistake often arises from an insufficient understanding of the distinction between naturally occurring mineral concentrates and manufactured chemical products. According to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. GRI 6 further specifies that classification of goods in the subheadings of a heading shall be determined according to the terms of those subheadings and any related subheading notes, mutatis mutandis, to the preceding rules. Therefore, a product's chemical composition and degree of processing are critical in distinguishing between an ore concentrate and a chemical compound or metal.
How should importers classify products under HS 261510?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 261510 involves a thorough review of the product's material composition, degree of processing, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should first verify that the product is indeed an ore or concentrate of zirconium, primarily composed of minerals like zircon or baddeleyite, and has not undergone chemical transformation into a pure compound or metallurgical processing into metal. Obtain a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or product specification sheet from the supplier, clearly stating the zirconium content, mineralogical composition, and processing steps. Compare this information against the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 and specific guidance from the USITC HTS or EU TARIC. If there is any doubt regarding the level of processing or chemical purity, consider seeking a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or delays.
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FAQ
What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS 2615.10 (Zirconium ores and concentrates) in major markets?
For HS 2615.10, 'Zirconium ores and concentrates,' the MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates are generally 0.00% ad valorem in key trading blocs. Specifically, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) lists a General duty rate of 0.00% for this subheading. Similarly, the EU TARIC and the UK Global Tariff also apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. This indicates that zirconium ores and concentrates are typically considered raw materials essential for industrial processes and are therefore often granted duty-free status under MFN treatment.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for zirconium ores and concentrates (HS 2615.10) under common trade agreements?
Yes, due to the MFN duty rate already being 0.00% in many jurisdictions, preferential trade agreements typically also grant duty-free access for HS 2615.10. For instance, under agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), or various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) the EU has with partner countries, zirconium ores and concentrates originating from a signatory country would also enter duty-free. Importers should verify the specific rules of origin for the relevant trade agreement to ensure eligibility for preferential treatment, even when the MFN rate is zero, as this can still be important for statistical or compliance purposes.
What are the key classification criteria for HS 2615.10, 'Zirconium ores and concentrates'?
The classification of 'Zirconium ores and concentrates' under HS 2615.10 is governed by Legal Note 3 to Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System, which defines 'concentrates' as products obtained by subjecting ores to processes designed to remove all or part of the extraneous material and to increase the metal content. For zirconium, this typically includes processes like crushing, grinding, washing, magnetic separation, or gravity separation to enrich the zirconium content (e.g., zircon sand). The product must retain its character as an ore or concentrate, meaning it has not undergone further processing that would transform it into a metal, an alloy, or a chemical compound of Chapter 28. The primary mineral for zirconium is zircon (zirconium silicate, ZrSiO4).
What documentation is typically required for importing zirconium ores and concentrates (HS 2615.10)?
Importers of HS 2615.10 will generally require standard customs documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. While the duty rate is often 0.00%, the certificate of origin is crucial for verifying the country of origin, which is necessary for trade statistics, compliance with any potential trade remedies (though unlikely for duty-free raw materials), and confirming eligibility for any preferential treatment if applicable. Depending on the origin and destination, additional documentation such as a chemical analysis report or a radiation safety certificate (as some zirconium ores can contain trace radioactive elements) might be requested by customs authorities or required by environmental regulations.