HS Code for Iron Ore Lump (HS 2601.11)
Iron ore lump (10-40mm) is high-grade DSO (direct shipping ore) that can go straight to the blast furnace without agglomeration - unlike fines (<10mm) which need sintering. Lump premium ranges from USD 3-30/dmt over fines. Sinter feed and lump both under 2601.11.
Sample 6-digit codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 2601.11 | Iron ores and concentrates, non-agglomerated |
| 2601.12 | Iron ores and concentrates, agglomerated (pellets) |
Typical import duty by market
| Market | Duty |
|---|---|
| European Union | 0% |
| China | 0% Plus VAT 13%; world's largest importer. |
| India (BCD) | 0-2.5% Domestic supply constraints changed via 2022 export duty on ore. |
Numerical Example: 180,000 MT Pilbara lump 62% Fe, FOB Port Hedland USD 108/dmt, CFR Qingdao
180,000 MT Pilbara lump 62% Fe, FOB Port Hedland USD 108/dmt, CFR Qingdao. Run your own numbers in the Import Duty & Tax calculator.
- · IMSBC Code Group A/C - iron ore fines >6.35mm generally Group C; Group A concentrates or fines with high moisture.
- · Platts IODEX 62% Fe CFR China + lump premium assessment.
- · IMO SOLAS moisture testing (TML - Transportable Moisture Limit).
- · Australia (Pilbara)
- · Brazil
- · South Africa (Kumba)
- · Canada
- · Sweden (LKAB)
Frequently asked questions
Blast furnace operators substitute lump when sintering capacity is constrained (environmental restrictions in China force sinter plant shutdowns) or coke prices are high (lump reduces coke rate). Chinese winter emission cuts (Oct-Mar) historically spike lump premium USD 15-30/dmt over fines.
Import duty and tax by destination market
Typical MFN duty, consumption tax and the tax base applied to metals (HS 2601.11) in each market we cover. Rates are indicative at the 6-digit line | confirm the national 8/10-digit code with your broker.
| Market | Duty | Consumption tax | Tax base | Tax as % of CIF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 2.5% | IGST 18% | Assessable value + duty | 21.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | 0% | VAT 5% | CIF + duty | 5.0% |
| Saudi Arabia | 0% | VAT 15% | CIF + duty | 15.0% |
| Singapore | 0% | GST 9% | CIF + duty | 9.0% |
| China | 0% | VAT 13% | CIF + duty | 13.0% |
| United States | 0% | Federal VAT 0% | CIF | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | 0% | VAT 20% | CIF + duty | 20.0% |
| Germany | 0% | USt 19% | CIF + duty | 19.0% |
| Netherlands | 0% | BTW 21% | CIF + duty | 21.0% |
| Vietnam | 0% | VAT 10% | CIF + duty | 10.0% |
| Türkiye | 0% | KDV 20% | CIF + duty | 20.0% |
| Japan | 0% | JCT 10% | CIF + duty | 10.0% |
| South Korea | 0% | VAT 10% | CIF + duty | 10.0% |
| Brazil | 0% | IPI+PIS/COFINS+ICMS 32% | CIF + duty | 32.0% |
| Indonesia | 0% | PPN 11% | CIF + duty | 13.5% |
| Mexico | 0% | IVA 16% | CIF + duty | 16.9% |
| Egypt | 0% | VAT 14% | CIF + duty | 14.0% |
| Nigeria | 0% | VAT 7.5% | CIF + duty | 9.1% |
| South Africa | 0% | VAT 15% | Assessable value + duty | 16.5% |
| Australia | 0% | GST 10% | CIF + duty | 10.0% |
Run your own numbers with the landed cost calculator or check documentation requirements in the LC document checklist.