Zinc ores and concentrates
5 declarable lines
Heading 2608 covers zinc ores and zinc concentrates. The heading has one subheading, 2608.00.00, split into five statistical lines by the metal content being declared: copper, lead, zinc, silver or gold. All five lines carry a general (MFN) rate of Free.
Products in this heading
- Zinc sulfide ore (sphalerite)
- Zinc oxide ore (smithsonite)
- Zinc concentrate from flotation
- Lead-zinc ore
- Copper-zinc ore
- Silver-bearing zinc ore
- Gold-bearing zinc concentrate
How to choose the right subheading
- Confirm the product is a zinc ore or zinc concentrate, not a residue, slag or ash.
- Check the assay or certificate for the metal content being declared: copper, lead, zinc, silver or gold.
- Match that declared metal content to the line: 2608.00.00.10 copper, 2608.00.00.20 lead, 2608.00.00.30 zinc, 2608.00.00.40 silver, 2608.00.00.50 gold.
- If the ore is primarily a different metal, use that metal's ore heading instead of 2608.
- All five lines have the same general (MFN) rate, Free, so the line choice does not change duty.
Often confused with
- Heading 2607Lead ore or lead concentrate with minor zinc
Classified as lead ores and concentrates when lead is the primary metal.
- Heading 2603Copper ore or copper concentrate
Copper ores and concentrates are classified in heading 2603.
- Heading 2616Precious metal ore or concentrate
Ores valued mainly for silver or gold go to heading 2616.
- Heading 2620Zinc ash, dross or residues
Slag, ash and metal-bearing residues are classified in heading 2620, not as ores.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for zinc ore or zinc concentrate?
Use 2608.00.00.30 for the zinc content line; its general (MFN) rate is Free.
What is the duty on zinc ores and concentrates?
All lines in heading 2608 are Free under the general (MFN) rate, including 2608.00.00.10 for copper content and 2608.00.00.30 for zinc content.
How do I classify zinc concentrate that also contains silver?
Choose the line for the metal content stated on the assay: 2608.00.00.30 for zinc content or 2608.00.00.40 for silver content, both at a general (MFN) rate of Free.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.