HS Code 2604
Nickel Ores and Concentrates
HS code 2604 encompasses nickel ores and concentrates, critical raw materials for stainless steel production and the burgeoning electric vehicle battery manufac
4-digit Section VBulk
HS Code 2604 — Nickel Ores and Concentrates
Nickel ores are utilized to produce stainless steel and rechargeable batteries (EV batteries). This code covers both sulphide ores and laterite (oxide) ores extracted from the earth.
What's included
- Pentlandite
- Nickel laterite
- Limonite
- Sulphide nickel concentrate
What's excluded
- Nickel mattes → use
7501(Smelted intermediates are in Chapter 75.)
Common examples
- Saprolite nickel ore
- Nickel sulphide concentrate
- Ferronickel feed ore
Frequently asked questions
Does this cover nickel for batteries?
Yes, while the ore is the starting point, laterite ores are increasingly processed into chemicals for batteries.
Trade & shipping notes
- Typical duty range: 0%
- Documentation: Check for export bans, particularly in Indonesia which has volatile policies.
- Typical shipping mode: Bulk
- Top exporters: Philippines, New Caledonia, Russia
- Top importers: China, Japan, Canada
Related HS codes
Key takeaway
Strategic mineral with high geopolitical sensitivity due to the energy transition.
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