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.
Sample 6-digit codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 2601.11.10 | Iron ore fines, Fe < 62% |
| 2601.11.20 | Iron ore fines, Fe ≥ 62% (benchmark) |
| 2601.11.30 | Iron ore lump |
| 2601.11.40 | Iron ore concentrates |
| 2601.12 | Iron ore agglomerated (pellets, sinter feed) |
| 2601.20 | Roasted iron pyrites |
Typical import duty by market
| Market | Duty |
|---|---|
| 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% |
Numerical Example: 180,000 MT Australian fines 62% Fe (HS 2601.11.20), CIF Qingdao USD 105/dmt
180,000 MT Australian fines 62% Fe (HS 2601.11.20), CIF Qingdao USD 105/dmt. Run your own numbers in the Import Duty & Tax calculator.
- · 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.
- · Australia
- · Brazil
- · South Africa
- · Canada
- · India
- · Iran
- · Ukraine
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
Import duty and tax by destination market
Typical MFN duty, consumption tax and the tax base applied to metals (HS 2601) 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.