HS 8103Critical minerals

HS Code for Tantalum (HS 8103 metal, 2615.90 ore)

Tantalum is a rare refractory metal essential for high-density capacitors in smartphones, avionics, medical devices. ~55% of world supply comes from artisanal mining in DRC, Rwanda, and neighbouring countries - a 3TG conflict mineral. Chinese processing dominates.

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

Sample 6-digit codes

Code	Description
2615.90	Tantalum-niobium ores and concentrates
8103.20	Tantalum, unwrought, powders
8103.30	Tantalum waste and scrap

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

Typical import duty by market

Market	Duty
European Union	0-3.7%
United States	2.5% Section 232 pending on select origins.
China	0-3%

Worked landed-cost example

500 kg tantalum powder capacitor grade, FOB Shenzhen USD 350/kg, CIF Frankfurt

FOBUSD 175,000

Air freight + insuranceUSD 4,000

CIFUSD 179,000

EU duty 0%USD 0

Landed ≈ USD 179k. RMI-conformant smelter cert essential for buyer audit chain.

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

Regulatory checkpoints

· Dodd-Frank Sec 1502 (US) - conflict minerals disclosure.
· EU Reg 2017/821 conflict minerals supply chain due diligence.
· RMI (Responsible Minerals Initiative) conformant smelter list.
· OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
· EU CRM Act 2024 strategic list.

Top exporting countries

· Rwanda
· DRC (via RMI-conformant smelters)
· Brazil
· Nigeria
· China (processor)

Frequently asked questions

Coltan and conflict?

'Coltan' is columbite-tantalite ore (2615.90). DRC/Rwanda coltan has funded armed groups. Under Dodd-Frank 1502, US-listed companies must annually disclose whether their tantalum supply chain is DRC-conflict-free. Smelters listed on RMI’s conformant list satisfy the due diligence requirement.