HS Code 2605Cobalt ores and concentrates
1 six-digit code · Heading 5 of 21 in Chapter 26 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 2605 is the customs heading for cobalt ores and concentrates, the raw material that is mined and sold before cobalt is refined. This page shows what the heading covers, how to pick the right code, and where to find the companies that trade it.
Heading 2605does not subdivide further in the WCO nomenclature: goods answering to “Cobalt ores and concentrates” classify at the single six-digit code 260500. The heading is number 5 of 21 in Chapter 26, Ores, slag and ash, which runs to 37 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 2605
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 260500 | Cobalt ores and concentrates |
What HS code 2605 covers
Heading 2605 is for ores that are mined mainly for their cobalt, and for concentrates made from them. A concentrate is ore that has had much of its waste rock removed, so it carries more metal per tonne. Both are sold in bulk to refiners and smelters.
The Harmonized System is the shared naming scheme for traded goods. Nearly every customs office in the world uses it, so a shipment of cobalt ore carries the same first six digits almost everywhere. That makes tariff classification and cross-border trade research much easier. Refined cobalt metal and cobalt chemicals do not belong here. They sit in other chapters.
HS 260500 and the HSN code for cobalt ores
Many countries add extra digits to it to build their own tariff lines. India calls its version the HSN code. So the code on a national form may be longer than the one shown here, but it will start with the same six digits.
Always check your own country's tariff schedule for the exact line and any duty or tax that applies. This page does not list rates. If you are unsure which code fits your goods, try the HS code classifier.
How to classify cobalt ores vs related headings
Most mistakes happen between neighbouring ore headings. The rule of thumb is simple: read the metal named in the heading. The World Customs Organization descriptions are written around that metal.
Use this short guide when your goods are close to cobalt ore:
- Nickel ores and concentrates go to 2604, not 2605.
- Niobium, tantalum, vanadium or zirconium ores go to 2615.
- Ores that no other heading names are handled under 2617.
- Cobalt-bearing residue can fall here instead of 2605.
HS 2605 import and export data: who imports cobalt ores and concentrates
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product. Searching 2605 brings up the cobalt ore shipments on record.
Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
If you want to find buyers and suppliers of cobalt ore, start with the buyer and supplier pages. You can also book a free demo and see the records for yourself.
Related
- Chapter 26: Ores, slag and ash
- HS 2604 nickel ores and concentrates
- HS 2603 copper ores and concentrates
- HS 2615 niobium, tantalum, vanadium or zirconium ores
- HS 2617 ores and concentrates not named elsewhere
- HS 2620 slag and residues containing metals
- All HS code chapters
- Cobalt ore import data
- Cobalt ore export data
- Find cobalt ore buyers
- Find cobalt ore suppliers
- HS code classifier
- Book a free demo
Nearby headings in Chapter 26
- 2601Iron ores and concentrates; including roasted iron pyrites3 codes
- 2602Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and…1 code
- 2603Copper ores and concentrates1 code
- 2604Nickel ores and concentrates1 code
- 2606Aluminium ores and concentrates1 code
- 2607Lead ores and concentrates1 code
- 2608Zinc ores and concentrates1 code
- 2609Tin ores and concentrates1 code
- 2610Chromium ores and concentrates1 code
- 2611Tungsten ores and concentrates1 code
- 2612Uranium or thorium ores and concentrates2 codes
- 2613Molybdenum ores and concentrates2 codes
Who ships under 2605?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the code beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section V: Mineral Products, chapters 25–27.
HS Code 2605: common questions
What is the HS code for cobalt ores and concentrates?
The heading is 2605. The code for the goods is 260500.
Under which chapter does HSN code 2605 fall?
It falls in Chapter 26, which covers ores, slag and ash.
Does HS 2605 have subheadings?
No. The heading has one code, 260500, so there is nothing to choose between at the international level. Countries may add their own longer lines.
What is the difference between HS 2604 and 2605?
The metal.
Where do cobalt-bearing slag and residues classify?
They can go to heading 2620. That heading covers slag, ash and residues that contain metals, arsenic or their compounds and do not come from iron or steel making.
Is the HSN code the same as the HS code?
The first six digits match. The HSN code is the Indian version, and it adds more digits to the international code.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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