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HS 2601.11Metals

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.

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)
Need to check a specific code? Use the free HS code lookup tool.

Typical import duty by market

MarketDuty
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.

Worked landed-cost example

180,000 MT Pilbara lump 62% Fe, FOB Port Hedland USD 108/dmt, CFR Qingdao

FOBUSD 19,440,000
Freight (Capesize)USD 2,200,000
CFR (before VAT)USD 21,640,000
China dutyUSD 0
VAT 13%USD 2,813,200
Landed ≈ USD 24.45m. Priced on Platts 62% index + lump premium + freight.
Run your own numbers in the import duty & tax calculator.
Regulatory checkpoints
  • · 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).
Top exporting countries
  • · Australia (Pilbara)
  • · Brazil
  • · South Africa (Kumba)
  • · Canada
  • · Sweden (LKAB)

Frequently asked questions

Why is lump premium volatile?

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.

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 Germany →
VAT (Umsatzsteuer / Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) · 19% standard, 7% reduced
Import into Brazil →
ICMS (state) + PIS/COFINS (federal) · ICMS 17-19% (varies by state); PIS 2.1%; COFINS 9.65%
Import into South Africa →
VAT · 15%
Import into Australia →
GST · 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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