Lithium ore Hs Code

Lithium ore harmonized system code

Product Overview Lithium ore, classified under HS Code 261790, refers to naturally occurring mineral deposits containing lithium in economically extractable quantities. This category encompasses various lithium-bearing minerals typically processed to yield lithium concentrate for industrial use. Key characteristics include mineralogical composition predominantly consisting of spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite, with lithium content generally ranging from 1.0% to 3.0% Li2O. The ore is typically supplied in raw or partially beneficiated forms, exhibiting granular to coarse particulate textures and moisture content controlled below 5% to ensure stability during handling. HS Code 261790 covers subcategories such as lithium ores and concentrates, differentiated by mineral type and processing stage. Commercially, lithium ore serves as a critical feedstock in the production of lithium chemicals, batteries for electric vehicles, glass and ceramics, and pharmaceutical applications. Its strategic importance lies in its role as a primary raw material for the rapidly expanding lithium-ion battery sector, providing competitive advantages in purity levels and supply chain reliability for international buyers and processors. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications HS Code 261790 is situated within Chapter 26 (Ores, Slag and Ash), specifically under Heading 2617 which pertains to “Other Ores,” with subheading 261790 designating “Other ores and concentrates of lithium.” This classification is justified by the product’s mineral origin and its non-ferrous metal content, aligning with the Harmonized System’s framework for mineral commodities. Trade professionals should note that lithium ore under this code is commonly packaged in bulk bags (FIBCs) or sealed containers to prevent contamination and moisture ingress, complying with international shipping standards such as ISO 9001 and IMO regulations for mineral cargoes. Preservation methods focus on maintaining dryness and preventing oxidation, with moisture content strictly monitored. Quality standards typically reference ISO 9002 and ASTM specifications for mineral purity and particle size distribution. Compliance with WTO rules and customs documentation protocols requires accurate declaration of lithium content, origin, and processing details. This ensures smooth customs clearance, tariff application, and conformity with international trade agreements, supporting efficient cross-border transactions and supply chain integrity.

Lithium ore Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Slag or similar industrial waste prepared as macadam (heading 25.17); (b) Natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite), whether or not calcined (heading 25.19); (c) Sludges from the storage tanks of petroleum oils, consisting mainly of such oils (heading 27.10); (d) Basic slag of Chapter 31; (e) Slag wool, rock wool or similar mineral wools (heading 68.06); (f) Waste or scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; other waste or scrap containing precious metal or precious metal compounds, of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal (heading 71.12 or 85.49); or (g) Copper, nickel or cobalt mattes produced by any process of smelting (Section XV). 2.- For the purposes of headings 26.01 to 26.17, the term “ores” means minerals of mineralogical species actually used in the metallurgical industry for the extraction of mercury, of the metals of heading 28.44 or of the metals of Section XIV or XV, even if they are intended for non-metallurgical purposes. Headings 26.01 to 26.17 do not, however, include minerals which have been submitted to processes not normal to the metallurgical industry. 3.- Heading 26.20 applies only to : (a) Slag, ash and residues of a kind used in industry either for the extraction of metals or as a basis for the manufacture of chemical compounds of metals, excluding ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste (heading 26.21); and (b) Slag, ash and residues containing arsenic, whether or not containing metals, of a kind used either for the extraction of arsenic or metals or for the manufacture of their chemical compounds.