HS 261690 Other
Quick Answer: HS code 261690, "Other," covers various unwrought precious metal ores and concentrates not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 2616. This typically includes ores and concentrates of silver, gold, and platinum group metals, provided they are not silver ores and concentrates (2616.10). Duty rates vary significantly. The UK and EU generally apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty. In contrast, the US imposes complex specific duties, such as 8.8¢/kg on copper content + 3.3¢/kg on lead content + 3.7¢/kg on zinc content for certain subheadings, or 1.7¢/kg on lead content for others. Many US subheadings also offer "Free" duty under various preferential trade agreements (e.g., A+, AU, CL, KR). Importers and customs brokers must meticulously verify the specific metal content and origin to determine the correct classification and applicable duty, leveraging free trade agreements where possible.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2616900010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2616900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2616900090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2616900010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2616900090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2616900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26169000 | 1.7¢/kg on lead content | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2616900010 | — | — | ["Cu kg"] |
| 2616900030 | — | — | ["Zn kg"] |
| 2616900050 | — | — | ["g"] |
| 2616900020 | — | — | ["Pb 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 2616.90?
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 261690 cover?
This subheading covers silver ores and concentrates, other than those specifically provided for in subheading 2616.10, which covers silver ores and concentrates containing gold. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSENs) for Heading 2616, "ores and concentrates" refers to metalliferous minerals from which metals are extracted by metallurgical processes. Subheading 261690 therefore encompasses all other forms of silver ores and concentrates, such as argentite, proustite, and pyrargyrite, provided they do not contain gold, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) HS nomenclature and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC system.
What falls outside HS 261690?
The following products are excluded from HS 261690: silver ores and concentrates that also contain gold, which are specifically classified under subheading 2616.10. Furthermore, unwrought silver, whether or not refined, or in semi-manufactured forms, is classified under Heading 7106. For instance, silver dore bars, which are an alloy of gold and silver typically produced at mining sites, would be classified under Heading 7108 if the gold content predominates, or Heading 7106 if silver predominates, rather than as an ore or concentrate. Similarly, silver waste and scrap are classified under Heading 7112, not within Chapter 26, as they are no longer in their natural ore or concentrate form.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 261690?
A common error is misclassifying silver ores and concentrates containing gold under 261690 instead of the more specific subheading 2616.10. This often occurs when the gold content, even if minor, is overlooked or not accurately quantified, leading to an incorrect application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 6, which emphasizes classification at the subheading level based on the most specific description. Another mistake involves classifying silver-bearing materials that have undergone preliminary processing beyond simple concentration, such as smelting or refining, as ores or concentrates. Such materials, if they represent unwrought silver, should be classified in Chapter 71, as they no longer meet the definition of an "ore or concentrate" per the HSENs.
How should importers classify products under HS 261690?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 261690 involves a meticulous analysis of the material's composition and processing stage. Importers and customs brokers must first ascertain that the product is indeed an "ore or concentrate" as defined by the WCO HSENs for Chapter 26. Crucially, they must obtain laboratory assays or certificates of analysis to confirm the absence of gold or, if present, to ensure the gold content does not necessitate classification under subheading 2616.10. This detailed chemical analysis is vital for applying GRI 6 correctly, ensuring the product aligns precisely with the "other" category for silver ores and concentrates that do not contain gold, thereby avoiding misclassification and potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for products classified under HS code 261690 'Other'?
The MFN duty rates for HS code 261690 can vary significantly based on the specific mineral content and the importing country. For instance, the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) may apply a complex duty structure for certain 'other' ores and concentrates, such as '8.8¢/kg on copper content + 3.3¢/kg on lead content + 3.7¢/kg on zinc content' for specific subheadings, or '1.7¢/kg on lead content' for others. Conversely, some jurisdictions, or specific sub-classifications within 261690, may apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to determine the precise MFN duty applicable to their specific product.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free treatment for goods under HS 261690?
Many preferential trade agreements provide duty-free access for products classified under HS 261690, provided the goods meet the respective Rules of Origin. For imports into the United States, duty-free treatment is often available under agreements such as A+ (Generalized System of Preferences for Least Developed Beneficiary Developing Countries), AU (Australia FTA), BH (Bahrain FTA), CL (Chile FTA), CO (Colombia TPA), D (Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement - CAFTA-DR), E (Andean Trade Preference Act), IL (Israel FTA), JO (Jordan FTA), KR (Korea FTA), MA (Morocco FTA), OM (Oman FTA), P (Panama TPA), PA (Panama TPA), PE (Peru TPA), S (Singapore FTA), and SG (Singapore FTA). Importers should verify the specific agreement's rules of origin and documentation requirements (e.g., Certificate of Origin) to claim preferential duty rates.
What are the key classification criteria for determining if a product falls under HS 261690 'Other'?
HS code 261690 is a residual 'other' category within Heading 26.16, which covers 'Silver ores and concentrates.' Products fall under 261690 if they are silver ores or concentrates that do not specifically fit into subheading 261610 (which typically covers silver ores and concentrates with a lead content exceeding 4% by weight). Classification hinges on the primary metallic content and the form of the product (ore or concentrate). If the product is an ore or concentrate of silver, but its composition (e.g., lead content) does not meet the criteria for other specific subheadings within 26.16, it would default to 261690. WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 provide further guidance on the definitions of 'ores' and 'concentrates' and the scope of this heading.
What specific documentation is required for importing silver ores and concentrates under HS 261690?
Standard import documentation for HS 261690 typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration. Due to the nature of mineral products, additional documentation may be required. This can include an assay report or certificate of analysis detailing the metallic content (e.g., silver, lead, copper, zinc percentages) to substantiate the classification and any applicable duty calculations. If claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., Form A, FTA Certificate) is mandatory. Furthermore, some countries may require specific environmental or safety certifications, or permits for the import of mineral concentrates, especially if they contain hazardous elements.
Are there any specific trade compliance considerations or restrictions for HS 261690 related to responsible sourcing or conflict minerals?
While HS 261690 itself does not inherently denote 'conflict minerals,' silver ores and concentrates can originate from regions subject to responsible sourcing regulations. Importers should be aware of potential due diligence requirements, such as those mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Section 1502 in the U.S., or the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (EU 2017/821). These regulations aim to prevent the financing of armed groups through the trade of certain minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, and their ores), but responsible sourcing principles can extend to other minerals. Importers of silver ores and concentrates should conduct supply chain due diligence to ensure ethical and legal sourcing, especially if the origin is from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs). This may involve obtaining declarations from suppliers regarding the origin and chain of custody of the minerals.