HS 2530Metals & Minerals

Lithium Ore (Spodumene) - HS 2530 classification, duty and landed cost

Lithium Ore (Spodumene) moves through customs under HS heading 2530. This guide sets out sample sub-codes, indicative import duty in major markets, key trade documents and a worked landed-cost calculation - refresh figures against the live tariff schedule before quoting.

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

Sample 6-digit codes

Code	Description
2530.90	Mineral substances, other (incl. spodumene)

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

Typical import duty by market

Market	Duty
European Union	0% - 6% CBAM applies to iron/steel/aluminium; safeguards on some HRC lines.
United States	0% - 25% Section 232 duties on steel/aluminium; AD/CVD on select origins.
China	0% - 10% Plus 13% VAT; export duties/quotas on some raw metals.
India	5% - 15% BCD + AIDC + 18% GST; BIS steel quality control order.
UAE	5% GCC CET; ESMA safety marking on construction steel.

Worked landed-cost example

20 MT of Lithium Ore (Spodumene) at FOB USD 3,000 per MT, sea freight to a representative port of discharge.

FOB valueUSD 60,000

Freight + insuranceUSD 3,900

CIF valueUSD 63,900

Import duty @ ~8% (indicative for Metals & Minerals)USD 5,112

VAT / GST @ ~5% on CIF+dutyUSD 3,451

Landed cost ≈ USD 72,463 - re-run the numbers against your exact HS 8-digit code and destination tariff before quoting.

Run your own numbers in the import duty & tax calculator.

Regulatory checkpoints

· Mill Test Certificate (MTC) / EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 for structural and pressure grades.
· Origin declaration for CBAM (EU) with embedded emissions data from 2026.
· Kimberley Process for diamonds; OECD Due Diligence Guidance for tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, cobalt.

Top exporting countries

· Australia
· Brazil
· Zimbabwe
· Portugal

Frequently asked questions

What HS heading applies to Lithium Ore (Spodumene)?

Lithium Ore (Spodumene) is classified under HS 2530.90. Ores/concentrates live in Chapter 26, unwrought metals in Chapters 72-81.

Is CBAM relevant to Lithium Ore (Spodumene)?

From 2026 the EU CBAM applies to iron, steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizer, hydrogen and electricity. Embedded emissions data must be reported per consignment.

How is Lithium Ore (Spodumene) priced?

Against LME (base metals), Platts (iron ore, coal), Argus, or Fastmarkets assessments, with agreed premium/discount, TC/RC deductions for concentrates and quality penalties.

What quality documents accompany Lithium Ore (Spodumene)?

Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2), independent SGS/Alfred Knight assay for concentrates, moisture certificate, and origin declaration.

Is there an export duty on Lithium Ore (Spodumene)?

Some origins apply export duties (India on iron ore, Indonesia on ore concentrates, Zambia on copper) - always screen origin regulations before quoting.