HTS US: 2608.00.00.XX
Description
This heading pertains to ores and concentrates of zinc, a key industrial metal used widely in galvanizing, alloys, and chemical applications. The classification includes various ores and concentrates distinguished by their predominant metallic content. These materials are primarily mined and processed for extraction of metals such as copper, lead, zinc, silver, and gold.
The heading covers both raw ores and processed concentrates, which represent the intermediate products ready for smelting or further refining.
Code Hierarchy
- Section II:
- Vegetable Products (Chapters 06-14) — Note: Zinc ores are not in this section but in Section XV below
- Section XV: Base Metals and Articles of Base Metal (Chapters 72-83)
- Chapter 26: Ores, Slag and Ash
- Heading 2608: Zinc ores and concentrates
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
2608.00.00.XX– The last two digits specify the metal content within the concentrates or ores.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 8-digit HTS code 2608.00.00 is further subdivided into 10-digit codes specifying the exact metal content of the ore or concentrate.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2608.00.00.10 | Copper content | Ores and concentrates predominantly containing copper, often associated with zinc ores in polymetallic deposits. |
| 2608.00.00.20 | Lead content | Materials with significant lead content, typically galena-bearing ores or concentrates where lead is the main metal. |
| 2608.00.00.30 | Zinc content | The principal category for zinc ores and concentrates, including sphalerite-rich materials used for zinc extraction. |
| 2608.00.00.40 | Silver content | Ores and concentrates rich in silver, often by-products of zinc mining, containing economically valuable silver by weight. |
| 2608.00.00.50 | Gold content | Ores and concentrates containing notable amounts of gold, frequently recovered as secondary metals from zinc ores. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To clarify the scope of this classification, note the following exclusions:
- Refined metals and alloys: Pure zinc metal or zinc alloys are classified under different headings in Chapter 79.
- Slag and ash: Waste or by-products from smelting and refining processes are covered under other headings in Chapter 26 but not under 2608.
- Ores of other base metals: Ores primarily containing metals other than zinc or associated metals are classified elsewhere.
Notes
- Import Regulations:
- Importing zinc ores and concentrates into the United States requires compliance with customs and environmental regulations.
- Duty Rates: Tariff rates depend on the specific 10-digit HTS code and may vary depending on trade agreements and country of origin.
- Country of Origin Labeling (COOL): Proper and precise country of origin documentation is required for these mineral products.
Declaration Example
Product: Shipment of zinc concentrate with high zinc content from Canada.US HTS Code:
2608.00.00.30(Zinc content)Unit of Quantity: Metric Ton
General Duty Rate: Refer to current USHTS rates
Additional Requirements: Compliance with import permits and mineral trade regulations.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 2607:
- Nickel ores and concentrates.
- HTS 2609: Tin ores and concentrates.
- HTS 2610: Chromium ores and concentrates.
- HTS 7901: Refined zinc metal and alloys.
