HS 261710 Antimony ores and concentrates
Quick Answer: HS code 261710 specifically covers antimony ores and concentrates. These are raw, unrefined materials extracted from the earth, primarily used for their antimony content. Antimony is a brittle, silvery-white metalloid used in various applications, including flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, and alloys. Across major jurisdictions, the duty rates for antimony ores and concentrates are consistently set at 0.00% ad valorem. This applies to imports into the United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff), the European Union (EU TARIC), and the United States (USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule). The "Free" designation in the US HTSUS signifies a 0% duty rate. This widespread zero-duty treatment reflects the raw material status of these products and their importance as industrial inputs, encouraging their global trade and supply chain efficiency for downstream manufacturing. Importers and customs brokers should verify origin requirements, as preferential trade agreements typically do not apply to products already at 0% MFN duty.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2617100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2617100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2617100000 | Free | — | ["kg","Sb 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 261710 cover?
This subheading covers antimony ores and concentrates, which are naturally occurring mineral substances containing antimony in a sufficient quantity to make extraction commercially viable. The primary ore is stibnite (antimony trisulfide, Sb2S3), but other antimony-bearing minerals like valentinite and senarmontite are also included when presented as ores or concentrates. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Heading 2617, this specifically refers to the raw or beneficiated forms of these minerals, prior to any metallurgical processing that would extract the pure metal. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and EU TARIC system both align with this WCO definition, encompassing the crude mineral and its concentrated forms obtained through physical separation processes like crushing, grinding, flotation, or gravity separation.
What falls outside HS 261710?
The following products are excluded from HS 261710: antimony metal, whether unwrought or wrought, which is classified under Heading 8110. Also excluded are chemical compounds of antimony that are not naturally occurring ores or concentrates, such as antimony oxides (e.g., antimony trioxide, Sb2O3) or antimony sulfides produced synthetically, which would typically fall under Chapter 28 or 29 depending on their chemical nature. Furthermore, waste and scrap of antimony metal, resulting from manufacturing or consumption, are classified under Heading 8110, not as ores or concentrates. Minerals containing antimony but where antimony is not the principal constituent or where the antimony content is too low for commercial extraction as an antimony ore would be classified according to their actual composition and primary use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 261710?
A common error is misclassifying antimony metal or antimony chemical compounds as antimony ores or concentrates. Importers sometimes confuse beneficiated ores with refined metal or intermediate chemical products, leading to incorrect tariff application. Another mistake involves classifying antimony-containing slags or ashes from metallurgical processes under this subheading; these are typically classified under Heading 2620 as "Slag, dross (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel." Proper application of 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 crucial here to distinguish between the raw mineral form and processed products.
How should importers classify products under HS 261710?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 261710 involves first verifying that the product is indeed an antimony ore or concentrate, meaning it is a naturally occurring mineral containing antimony in a commercially viable concentration, and has not undergone metallurgical processing to extract the pure metal. Importers and customs brokers should obtain detailed analytical reports or certificates of analysis from the supplier, specifying the antimony content and the mineralogical form. It is essential to confirm that the product is not antimony metal (Heading 8110) or a synthetic antimony compound (Chapter 28 or 29). Consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 and Heading 2617, along with specific guidance from the USITC HTSUS or EU TARIC, will ensure accurate classification and compliance with international trade regulations.
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FAQ
What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2617.10 (Antimony ores and concentrates) in major markets?
For HS code 2617.10, the MFN import duty rates are generally 0.00% ad valorem in several major markets. Specifically, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) indicates a 'Free' rate for general imports. Similarly, the EU TARIC and UK Global Tariff also list a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for antimony ores and concentrates. Importers should always verify the current rates through the official USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC database, or UK Trade Tariff for the most up-to-date information.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for antimony ores and concentrates under HS 2617.10 through common trade agreements?
Yes, due to the MFN duty rate being 0.00% or 'Free' in many jurisdictions, antimony ores and concentrates classified under HS 2617.10 typically already benefit from the lowest possible duty rate. Therefore, while various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) like USMCA, EU-Japan EPA, or UK-Australia FTA exist, they generally confirm the existing 'Free' or 0.00% duty treatment for this specific HS code rather than offering further reductions. Importers should still ensure compliance with rules of origin to qualify for any preferential treatment, even if the MFN rate is zero, as this can be relevant for other products in a shipment or future tariff changes.
What are the key classification criteria for antimony ores and concentrates under HS 2617.10?
HS code 2617.10 specifically covers 'Antimony ores and concentrates.' The primary classification criterion is the presence of antimony as the principal metallic constituent intended for extraction. This heading includes natural mineral substances containing antimony in a form suitable for metallurgical processing, whether crude, crushed, ground, or concentrated by physical or chemical means (e.g., flotation, magnetic separation). It is crucial that the product remains an 'ore' or 'concentrate' and has not undergone processing to the extent that it constitutes a refined metal or chemical compound of antimony, which would fall under different HS chapters (e.g., Chapter 28 for chemical compounds or Chapter 81 for unwrought antimony).
What documentation is typically required for importing antimony ores and concentrates under HS 2617.10?
Standard import documentation for HS 2617.10 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration. Depending on the origin and destination, additional documentation may be required. This could include a certificate of origin to substantiate claims for preferential tariff treatment (even if the MFN rate is zero), a phytosanitary certificate if there are concerns about contaminants, or a chemical analysis report to confirm the antimony content and absence of hazardous impurities. Importers should also be aware of any potential import licensing requirements or environmental regulations related to the handling and transport of mineral concentrates, which can vary by country.