HS 261610 Silver ores and concentrates
Quick Answer: HS code 261610 covers silver ores and concentrates, which are raw materials extracted from the earth containing silver, often alongside other base metals like copper, lead, and zinc. These concentrates are typically destined for further refining processes to extract the pure silver. For the UK and EU, imports of silver ores and concentrates under this code are generally duty-free (0.00% ad valorem). In the US, duty rates can be more complex, often assessed on the content of associated base metals. For example, some US tariff lines apply specific duties such as 8.8¢/kg on copper content, 3.3¢/kg on lead content, and 3.7¢/kg on zinc content. However, many US preferential trade agreements (e.g., A+, AU, CL, KR) allow for duty-free entry. Importers should carefully analyze the specific composition of their concentrates and leverage applicable free trade agreements to minimize duty exposure.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2616100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2616100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26161000 | 0.8¢/kg on lead content | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2616100020 | — | — | ["Pb kg"] |
| 2616100040 | — | — | ["Ag g"] |
| 2616100010 | — | — | ["Cu kg"] |
| 2616100030 | — | — | ["Zn 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 2616.10?
Imports of Silver ores and concentrates 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 261610 cover?
This subheading covers silver ores and concentrates, which are naturally occurring mineral substances containing silver in a sufficient quantity to make its extraction economically viable. As defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in national tariffs like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, this includes raw silver-bearing minerals that have undergone preliminary processing, such as crushing, grinding, flotation, or magnetic separation, to increase the silver content and remove gangue (unwanted material). These concentrates are typically destined for further metallurgical processing to extract pure silver, distinguishing them from refined silver or silver alloys.
What falls outside HS 261610?
The following products are excluded from HS 261610: unwrought silver, whether in powder, unrefined, or semi-manufactured forms, which is classified under Heading 7106. Furthermore, silver waste and scrap, resulting from manufacturing processes or discarded silver articles, are specifically provided for under Heading 7112. Ores and concentrates of other precious metals, such as gold or platinum, even if they contain trace amounts of silver, are classified under their respective headings (e.g., gold ores and concentrates under 2616.90). Additionally, chemical compounds of silver, even if used in industrial processes, are classified in Chapter 28, not as ores or concentrates.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 261610?
A common error is misclassifying silver waste and scrap as silver ores and concentrates, or vice versa. Importers sometimes confuse partially processed silver materials, which are still considered ores or concentrates, with unwrought silver that has undergone initial refining. This often stems from a misunderstanding of the distinction between a naturally occurring mineral concentrate and a product of metallurgical processing. Another mistake involves incorrectly applying General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) when silver ores are mixed with other base metal ores; if the silver content is not the essential character, the classification might fall under the heading for the predominant metal, rather than 261610.
How should importers classify products under HS 261610?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 261610 involves first confirming that the product is indeed an ore or concentrate of silver, meaning it is a naturally occurring mineral substance that has been enriched to increase its silver content, but not yet refined into unwrought metal. Importers and customs brokers should meticulously review the product's chemical analysis, processing history, and intended use. They must ensure the product is not silver waste, scrap, or unwrought silver, which fall under different headings (7112 and 7106, respectively). Consulting the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 26 of the WCO Harmonized System and official national tariff guidance from bodies like the USITC or EU TARIC is crucial to ensure accurate classification and compliance with international trade regulations.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS code 2616.10 ('Silver ores and concentrates') in major economies?
The MFN duty rates for HS 2616.10 vary significantly by importing country. For instance, the United States generally applies a rate of 0.00% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database also indicates a 0.00% ad valorem rate. However, some countries may apply specific duties, such as '8.8¢/kg on copper content + 3.3¢/kg on lead content + 3.7¢/kg on zinc content' or '0.8¢/kg on lead content', particularly where silver ores are complex and contain other base metals. Importers should always consult the specific national tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive MFN rate, as these rates are subject to change and can depend on the exact composition of the concentrate.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for 'Silver ores and concentrates' under HS 2616.10, and which trade agreements commonly offer them?
Yes, preferential duty rates are frequently available for HS 2616.10 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes. Many agreements grant duty-free access. For example, the sample data indicates 'Free' status for imports originating from countries covered by agreements such as A+, AU (Australia), BH (Bahrain), CL (Chile), CO (Colombia), D, E, IL (Israel), JO (Jordan), KR (Korea), MA (Morocco), OM (Oman), P, PA (Panama), PE (Peru), S, SG (Singapore). Importers should verify if their country of origin has an active trade agreement with the importing country that covers silver ores and concentrates, and ensure they meet the Rules of Origin requirements to claim preferential treatment. This typically involves providing a Certificate of Origin or similar documentation.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Silver ores and concentrates' under HS 2616.10, according to the Harmonized System?
HS code 2616.10 specifically covers 'Silver ores and concentrates.' The primary classification criterion is the predominant metal content and its commercial purpose. For a product to be classified here, silver must be the principal metal for extraction, even if other base metals (like copper, lead, or zinc) are present. 'Ores' refer to naturally occurring mineral aggregates from which silver can be economically extracted, while 'concentrates' are ores that have undergone a preliminary separation process (e.g., crushing, grinding, flotation) to increase the silver content and remove unwanted gangue material. If the silver content is merely incidental to other base metals which are the primary focus of extraction, the product might be classified under the respective base metal ore codes (e.g., Chapter 26, heading 2603 for copper ores, 2607 for lead ores, 2608 for zinc ores). The WCO Explanatory Notes to Chapter 26 provide further guidance on distinguishing between different metal ores and concentrates.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing 'Silver ores and concentrates' under HS 2616.10?
Importers of silver ores and concentrates under HS 2616.10 generally need to provide standard customs documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, a detailed assay report or certificate of analysis from a reputable laboratory is often required to confirm the silver content and the presence of any other valuable or regulated metals (e.g., copper, lead, zinc, gold). This report is vital for customs valuation, duty assessment (especially for specific duties based on metal content), and compliance with environmental or safety regulations. If claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, or other FTA-specific certificate) is mandatory. Depending on the origin and destination, permits related to environmental protection, hazardous materials, or conflict minerals may also be necessary.