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HS 2601Metals

HS Code for Iron Ore (HS 2601)

Iron ore is HS 2601, split into non-agglomerated (2601.11 - fines and lump) and agglomerated (2601.12 - pellets). Pricing indexes on Platts IODEX 62% Fe CFR China; deductions and premiums apply for alumina, silica, phosphorus and moisture.

Reviewed against WCO HS · WTO IDB · National customs schedules4 authoritative sourcesLast reviewed July 2026

Sample 6-digit codes

CodeDescription
2601.11.10Iron ore fines, Fe < 62%
2601.11.20Iron ore fines, Fe ≥ 62% (benchmark)
2601.11.30Iron ore lump
2601.11.40Iron ore concentrates
2601.12Iron ore agglomerated (pellets, sinter feed)
2601.20Roasted iron pyrites
Need to check a specific code? Use the free HS code lookup tool.

Typical import duty by market

MarketDuty
China
0%
13% VAT on import value.
European Union
0%
India (BCD)
2.5%
Export duty of 50% on Fe ≥ 58% pellets/fines during shortage periods.
Japan / South Korea
0%
United States
0%

Worked landed-cost example

180,000 MT Australian fines 62% Fe (HS 2601.11.20), CIF Qingdao USD 105/dmt

Cargo value (180,000 × 105)USD 18,900,000
China MFN dutyUSD 0
VAT @ 13% (recovered downstream)USD 2,457,000
Landed cost ≈ USD 21.36 M - mill economics turn on Platts differentials, moisture and alumina penalties, not on tariff.
Run your own numbers in the import duty & tax calculator.
Regulatory checkpoints
  • · IMSBC Code Group A - iron ore fines can liquefy; TML and moisture certificate at load port are mandatory (SOLAS VI/1-1).
  • · BLU Code loading procedures for bulk carriers.
  • · EU CBAM - iron ore (2601) itself is not in scope but downstream iron/steel (Chapter 72/73) is from Jan 2026.
  • · Indian export duty gates and mining lease compliance under MMDR Act.
Top exporting countries
  • · Australia
  • · Brazil
  • · South Africa
  • · Canada
  • · India
  • · Iran
  • · Ukraine

Frequently asked questions

How is the price basis different from thermal coal?

Iron ore benchmarks (Platts IODEX, TSI, MB) publish daily on 62% Fe CFR China. Deductions apply per 1% Fe below benchmark; alumina and silica levy fixed cents/dmt penalties. Coal quotes GAR/NAR heat content instead.

What triggers an IMSBC liquefaction rejection?

If actual moisture at load exceeds the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML), the master must refuse loading (SOLAS VI/1-1). A pre-shipment moisture certificate not older than 7 days is mandatory.

Destination market toolkits

Country-specific duty, VAT/GST and Incoterms practice for the top destinations for metals.

Import into India →
IGST on imports · 5% / 12% / 18% / 28%
Import into China →
Import VAT · 13% standard, 9% reduced, 6% services
Import into United States →
No federal VAT / GST · 0% federal
Import into United Kingdom →
VAT · 20% standard, 5% reduced, 0% zero-rated
Import into Germany →
VAT (Umsatzsteuer / Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) · 19% standard, 7% reduced
Import into Japan →
Consumption Tax (JCT) · 10% standard / 8% reduced (food, newspapers)

Metals landed-cost pages: every destination market

Jump straight to the metals import guide for any of the destination markets we cover.

Related commodity guides

HS 72Metals
HS Code for Iron & Steel (Chapter 72) →
HS 74Metals
HS Code for Copper (Chapter 74 & 2603) →
HS 76Metals
HS Code for Aluminium (Chapter 76) →
HS 71Metals
HS Code for Precious Metals (Chapter 71) →

Related tools

HS Code Lookup →
Search harmonised codes across 21 sections.
Import Duty & Tax →
Landed cost with duty, VAT/GST and cess.
Landed Cost by HS & Country →
Duty + VAT/GST + Incoterm split for this HS.
CIF ↔ FOB Converter →
Convert customs value between Incoterms.

Sources & citations

Duty rates and regulations compiled from WCO HS, WTO integrated database, national customs authorities and published FTA schedules. Provided for decision-support only - confirm the 10-digit line and current preferential status with your licensed customs broker before acting.

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