Cassiterite Ore
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2611003000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2611006000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐จ๏ธ Cassiterite Ore (Tin Ore)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Cassiterite"?
Cassiterite (Stannic Oxide, $SnO_2$) is the primary ore of tin. In international trade, it is strictly categorized based on its physical form: whether it is raw, unprocessed ore or refined concentrate. This distinction is critical because the taxation structure differs significantly between raw materials and processed concentrates.
Raw Tungsten/Tin Ores: Natural mineral formations that have undergone minimal processing (e.g., washing, simple gravity separation) but are not yet ready for direct metallurgical smelting.
Concentrates: Processed materials where the tin content has been significantly increased through crushing, grinding, and separation techniques, making them ready for industrial extraction.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is raw ore (natural state, low tin %), it falls under 2611.00.30.00.
- If the product is concentrate (high tin %, processed), it falls under 2611.00.60.00.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Processing Level |
|---|---|---|---|
2611.00.30.00 |
Tungsten ores and concentrates: Ores | Raw, unprocessed mineral extraction; low tin content | โ Raw / Minimal Processing |
2611.00.60.00 |
Tungsten ores and concentrates: Concentrates | Processed material with high tin content ready for smelting | โ Processed / High Tin % |
๐ Important Reminder:
- Raw Ores (2611.00.30.00) are subject to 0% tariff. This encourages the import of raw materials for domestic processing.
- Concentrates (2611.00.60.00) are subject to a specific duty (37.5ยข/kg) PLUS a 25% ad valorem surcharge. This protects domestic processing industries by making imported concentrates more expensive.
- Ensure your commercial invoice clearly states whether the goods are "Ore" or "Concentrate" to avoid misclassification penalties.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN) (Note: Tariffs may vary by origin, but these are the general US rates provided in data)
โ Effective Time: Current 2026 Tariff Schedule
๐ฏ 1. 2611.00.30.00 โโ Cassiterite Ores (Raw)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Surcharge (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | No tariff applied. |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Applicable (Ores are bulk commodities, usually not eligible for de minimis). |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2611.00.30.00 |
๐ Explanation:
- Raw ores are considered low-value-added inputs. The US maintains a 0% tariff to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for domestic manufacturing and strategic reserves.
- No additional Section 301 or IEEPA surcharges apply to raw ores.
๐ฏ 2. 2611.00.60.00 โโ Cassiterite Concentrates (Processed)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 37.5ยข per kilogram of tungsten/tin content |
| Additional Surcharge (Section 301/IEEPA) | +25.0% (Ad Valorem on CIF Value) |
| Total Tariff | 37.5ยข/kg + 25.0% of CIF Value |
| Tax Calculation | (Weight in kg ร $0.375) + (CIF Value ร 0.25) |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2611.00.60.00 โ FOOTNOTE:Section301 |
๐ Important Note:
- The tax structure is mixed: It includes a specific duty (based on weight/content) AND an ad valorem duty (percentage of value).
- The 25% surcharge is a significant penalty for importing processed concentrates, likely due to trade restrictions or protective tariffs.
- Calculation Example:
- If you import 1,000 kg of concentrate valued at $10,000:
- Specific Duty: 1,000 kg ร $0.375 = $375
- Ad Valorem Duty: $10,000 ร 25% = $2,500
- Total Tax: $2,875 (28.75% effective rate on value, plus per-kg cost).
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Certificate of Origin | โ๏ธ | Must specify country of origin to determine surcharge applicability. |
| โ Mineral Content Analysis Report | โ๏ธ | Third-party lab report proving Sn (Tin) or W (Tungsten) content. Critical for calculating the 37.5ยข/kg duty. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state "Cassiterite Ore" or "Cassiterite Concentrate." Do not use vague terms like "Mineral Powder." |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detail gross/net weight. Net weight is essential for the specific duty calculation. |
| โ MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | โ๏ธ | Required for safe handling and customs inspection. |
| โ Export License (from Origin Country) | โ๏ธ | Some countries restrict raw mineral exports. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
๐ฅ "Ore is Free, Concentrate is Fee! Weight is Key for the Fee!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Ore | 2611.00.30.00 |
Misdeclaring as "Concentrate" โ Pays 25% + 37.5ยข/kg unnecessarily! |
| Concentrate | 2611.00.60.00 |
Misdeclaring as "Ore" โ Customs Audit + Penalties + Back Taxes! |
| Mixed Shipment | Split Declaration | Combining ore and concentrate in one line โ Rejection of whole shipment. |
| Weight Discrepancy | Accurate Net Weight | Estimating weight โ Customs will assess based on average/penalty rates. |
โ 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Ambiguous Classification | If the tin content is borderline (e.g., low-grade concentrate vs. high-grade ore), provide a pre-classification ruling from CBP or a detailed technical spec. |
| Strategic Reserve Imports | If importing for national strategic reserves, check for any exemptions or quota systems (though rare for tin). |
| Origin Changes | If shipped via a third country (e.g., Vietnam), ensure no substantial transformation occurred. Otherwise, origin remains China, and tariffs still apply. |
๐ V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ United States | 2611.00.30.00 (Ore) / 2611.00.60.00 (Conc.) |
0% (Ore) / 37.5ยข+25% (Conc.) | MSDS, COA | High scrutiny on mineral content. |
| ๐ช๐บ European Union | 2611.00.30 / 2611.00.60 | 0% (Mostly) | REACH Compliance | Focus on environmental standards. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 2611.00.30 / 2611.00.60 | 0% - 5% | CCC (if processed) | Main importer of concentrates. |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 2611.00.30 / 2611.00.60 | 0% - 7.5% | BIS Certification | Import duties vary by trade agreements. |
๐ Conclusion:
- The US is the only market with a significant 25% surcharge on concentrates.
- Raw Ores are universally treated with lower tariffs to encourage raw material supply.
- Accurate classification is paramount. Misdeclaring concentrate as ore can lead to severe penalties.
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
โ Error 1: Declaring "Concentrate" as "Ore" to avoid the 25% surcharge.
๐ Consequence: Customs lab test reveals high tin content โ Back taxes, fines, and potential blacklisting.
โ Error 2: Ignoring the specific duty (37.5ยข/kg) for concentrates.
๐ Consequence: Budgeting only for ad valorem tax โ Cash flow shortfall at customs clearance.
โ Error 3: Providing inaccurate weight or tin content.
๐ Consequence: Customs uses default values (usually higher) for duty calculation โ Overpayment or dispute delays.
โ Error 4: Using generic descriptions like "Mineral Concentrate."
๐ Consequence: Customs cannot determine HS code โ Shipment held for inspection.
โ Correct Practice:
"Cassiterite Concentrate, Tin Content: 60%, Net Weight: 50,000 kg, Origin: China, HS Code: 2611.00.60.00"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Ore is Free, Concentrate is Fee!"
๐น "Weight Determines the Specific Duty, Value Determines the Percentage!"
๐น "Declare Accurately, or Pay Double!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are importing concentrates, consider whether you can source raw ores instead (if available) to save the 25% surcharge, provided your smelting facility can handle lower-grade inputs.
Always request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the supplier to verify tin content for accurate duty calculation.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Engage a licensed customs broker BEFORE shipping.
๐ Submit a CBP Advance Ruling request if unsure about classification.
๐ Clear Customs Smoothly, Control Costs, and Maximize Profit!
โจ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
๐ผ Every dollar saved in duties is pure profit!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.