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HS 2601.11Metals

HS Code for Iron Ore Fines 62% Fe (HS 2601.11)

Iron ore fines are HS 2601.11 (non-agglomerated). The global reference is Platts IODEX 62% Fe CFR North China; other indices include the SGX iron ore futures. Australian and Brazilian producers dominate. Quality drives basis: 62% Fe fines is standard, 65% Fe premium fines command a differential, 58% low-grade discount.

Reviewed against WCO HS · WTO IDB · National customs schedules3 authoritative sourcesLast reviewed July 2026

Sample 6-digit codes

CodeDescription
2601.11Iron ores and concentrates, non-agglomerated
2601.12Iron ores and concentrates, 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%
Plus 13% VAT; world's largest importer.
European Union
0%
Japan
0%
South Korea
0%
India
0-30% (export duty)
India imposes export duty on iron ore fines to conserve for domestic steel.

Worked landed-cost example

170,000 MT PBF (Pilbara Blend Fines, 61.5% Fe), FOB Port Hedland USD 92/MT, CFR Qingdao

FOB valueUSD 15,640,000
Freight (Capesize)USD 1,530,000
CFR valueUSD 17,170,000
China dutyUSD 0
VAT @ 13% (recoverable)USD 2,232,100
Landed CFR ≈ USD 17.17m. Priced as IODEX average of load-date pricing month +/- brand differential (PBF typically discount vs 62% index).
Run your own numbers in the import duty & tax calculator.
Regulatory checkpoints
  • · IMSBC Code Group A - iron ore fines can liquefy; TML (Transportable Moisture Limit) certification mandatory before loading.
  • · Platts IODEX methodology - CFR North China 62% Fe, 3-4% Al2O3, 4.5% SiO2, penalties/premia for deviations.
  • · SGX Iron Ore Futures - most-liquid financial hedge.
  • · China domestic Chinese Steel Index (CSI) - alternative reference.
Top exporting countries
  • · Australia (Pilbara - Rio Tinto, BHP, FMG, Roy Hill)
  • · Brazil (Vale)
  • · South Africa (Kumba)
  • · Canada (IOC)
  • · Ukraine

Frequently asked questions

Fines vs lump vs pellets?

Fines (2601.11) - <=6.3mm, sinter feed. Lump (2601.11) - 6.3-30mm, direct-charge to blast furnace. Pellets (2601.12) - agglomerated 6-16mm balls, higher premium (usually USD 40-70/t over fines index).

TML and Group A - what does it mean?

Iron ore fines can flow like a liquid if moisture exceeds the TML during voyage - a leading cause of bulk-carrier losses. Shippers must certify moisture < TML at loading. Master may refuse to load if moisture reading uncertain.

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 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)
Import into South Korea →
VAT · 10%

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 2601Metals
HS Code for Iron Ore (HS 2601) →
HS 74Metals
HS Code for Copper (Chapter 74 & 2603) →
HS 76Metals
HS Code for Aluminium (Chapter 76) →

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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