HS 262011 Containing mainly zinc
Quick Answer: HS code 2620.11 specifically covers ash and residues primarily composed of zinc, derived from the smelting or refining of zinc ores or from other industrial processes. These materials are typically by-products containing recoverable zinc metal or zinc compounds. For importers and exporters, understanding the duty implications is crucial. The United Kingdom and the European Union generally apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate to products classified under this subheading, as per the UK Trade Tariff and EU TARIC. In contrast, the United States offers varied treatment, with some entries being "Free" and others subject to a 5% ad valorem duty rate, as detailed by the USITC. Importers should verify the specific duty rate applicable to their goods based on origin and any preferential trade agreements.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2620110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2620110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2620110000 | 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.
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How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 262011 cover?
This subheading covers ash and residues containing mainly zinc, specifically those derived from the metallurgical treatment of ores, concentrates, or other materials. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Heading 2620, these are residues from the extraction of metals, not including slag, dross, scalings, and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel (which fall under Heading 2618 or 2619). The "mainly zinc" criterion implies that zinc is the predominant metal by weight, making these materials valuable for secondary zinc recovery. Examples include zinc dross, zinc skimmings, and other zinc-rich residues from galvanizing operations or zinc smelting, as defined by the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC.
What falls outside HS 262011?
The following products are excluded from HS 262011: slag, dross, scalings, and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel, which are specifically covered under Heading 2618 (for slag, dross, and similar waste) or 2619 (for slag and dross from iron or steel manufacture, whether or not containing copper). Furthermore, zinc ores and concentrates themselves, which are primary raw materials, are classified under Heading 2608. Residues containing precious metals or radioactive elements are also excluded, falling under Headings 2616 or 2844 respectively. Materials where zinc is not the predominant metal, even if present, would be classified under other subheadings within 2620 based on their main constituent or under other relevant headings if they are not ash and residues.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 262011?
A common error is misclassifying zinc-containing slag or dross from iron or steel manufacturing under 262011, when they correctly belong to Heading 2619. Importers sometimes overlook the specific exclusion for iron and steel waste, leading to incorrect duty rates and potential penalties. Another frequent mistake involves classifying primary zinc ores or concentrates as residues, which are distinct products under Heading 2608. Furthermore, misinterpreting "mainly zinc" can lead to errors; if zinc is not the predominant metal by weight, the product should be classified under a different subheading within 2620 or another heading entirely, often requiring chemical analysis to confirm the main constituent, in accordance with General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and 6.
How should importers classify products under HS 262011?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 262011 involves a thorough review of the material's composition and origin. Importers and customs brokers should first confirm that the product is indeed "ash and residues" and not a primary ore or a manufactured waste from iron or steel. A detailed chemical analysis report is crucial to verify that zinc is the predominant metal by weight. Consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2620 for precise definitions and scope. Cross-reference with the USITC HTS or EU TARIC for specific national interpretations and binding rulings if available. If there is any ambiguity regarding the "mainly zinc" criterion, seek a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority to ensure compliance and avoid future discrepancies, providing all supporting documentation.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 2620.11, 'Hard zinc spelter and dross; containing mainly zinc'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2620.11 are often quite low or duty-free in many major trading blocs, reflecting the nature of these materials as industrial by-products or raw materials for further processing. For example, the United States generally applies a 'Free' rate of duty (0.00% ad valorem) under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Similarly, the European Union's TARIC database often indicates a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for imports from most third countries. However, importers should always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their country of origin in the relevant national tariff database (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) as rates can vary by origin and specific trade agreements.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2620.11, 'Containing mainly zinc'?
HS code 2620.11 specifically covers 'Hard zinc spelter and dross; containing mainly zinc'. The primary classification criterion is the material composition, specifically that the product must contain mainly zinc. 'Hard zinc spelter' refers to the zinc-iron alloy that settles at the bottom of zinc galvanizing baths, while 'dross' generally refers to the impurities that float on the surface of molten metal. The 'mainly zinc' criterion implies that zinc is the predominant metallic element by weight. Importers should be prepared to provide analytical reports or certificates of analysis to customs authorities to substantiate the zinc content and the nature of the material (e.g., spelter, dross) if requested, ensuring it is not a more refined zinc product classified elsewhere (e.g., unwrought zinc in Chapter 79).
Are there any specific documentation requirements for importing hard zinc spelter or dross under HS 2620.11?
Beyond standard customs documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of materials under HS 2620.11 should be prepared for potential additional requirements due to the nature of these industrial by-products. While not universally required, customs authorities may request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to confirm the chemical composition, particularly the zinc content, and to ensure compliance with any environmental or waste management regulations. Depending on the origin and destination, certain environmental permits or notifications might also be necessary, especially if the material is considered a waste or hazardous substance, though hard zinc spelter and dross are often traded as valuable secondary raw materials. Consultation with a customs broker or the relevant environmental agency is recommended.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty treatment for goods classified under HS 2620.11?
Given that the MFN duty rates for HS 2620.11 are often 0.00% in many major economies, the impact of preferential trade agreements on duty rates might be less significant for this specific code compared to others. However, preferential agreements can still be relevant for confirming duty-free status and for other trade facilitation benefits. For instance, imports into the United States from countries with which it has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) such as USMCA (Mexico, Canada), CAFTA-DR, or agreements with Australia, South Korea, etc., would typically also be duty-free, provided the rules of origin are met. Similarly, the EU's extensive network of FTAs and Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes would generally grant 0.00% duty for qualifying goods from partner countries. Importers should always verify the specific origin criteria and documentation (e.g., Certificate of Origin) required to claim preferential treatment under any applicable agreement, even if the MFN rate is already zero.