Iron Ore Pellets (10-16 mm)

These are agglomerated iron ore pellets produced by binding fine iron ore particles with bentonite and heat-hardening them into spheres typically 10-16 mm in diameter. They fall under HTS 2601.12.00 as agglomerated iron ores and concentrates, distinct from non-agglomerated fines due to their pelletized form for easier blast furnace handling.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+35.0%35%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

More Specific Codes

This product may fall under a more specific subheading:

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

2601.11.00Same rate: 35%

If particles mostly exceed 4.75 mm but not pelletized

Coarse non-agglomerated iron ores fall under 2601.11.0060 per statistical note definition.

7201.10.00.00Same rate: 35%

If further processed into pig iron

Pig iron or spiegeleisen from melted ore agglomerates moves to Chapter 72 as non-concentrate metal.

2620.19Lower: 10% vs 35%

If containing significant slag or residues

Slag, ash, or residues from ore processing used for metal extraction classify under heading 2620.

Not sure which classification is right?

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Import Tips & Compliance

Obtain a certificate of analysis confirming iron content and agglomeration process to avoid misclassification as non-agglomerated ore

Ensure bulk carrier documentation specifies pellet size and moisture content to comply with IMDG shipping regulations

Verify country of origin as many iron ore tariffs have preferential rates under FTAs like USMCA

Related Products under HTS 2601.12.00

Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Briquettes (HBI)

Hot briquetted iron (HBI) consists of sponge iron from direct reduction of agglomerated iron ore fines, compressed into dense briquettes to prevent reoxidation. Classified under HTS 2601.12.00 as agglomerated iron ore concentrates due to its ore-based composition before melting.

Sintered Iron Ore Fines (BF Pellets)

Blast furnace pellets are sintered agglomerates of iron ore fines, flux, and fuel, formed into porous cakes then crushed to uniform sizes for optimal furnace permeability. HTS 2601.12.00 covers these as agglomerated iron ores essential for steelmaking.

Fluxed Iron Ore Sinter (15-30 mm)

Fluxed sinter is agglomerated iron ore mixed with limestone and coke breeze, sintered at high temperatures into 15-30 mm lumps for blast furnace charge. It qualifies under HTS 2601.12.00 for its agglomerated iron ore concentrate form.

Magnetite Iron Ore Briquettes

Briquetted magnetite concentrate from taconite processing, where fine magnetic iron ore is pelletized or briquetted for transport and furnace use. HTS 2601.12.00 applies to these agglomerated forms regardless of specific iron mineral.

Hematite Pellet Feed Briquettes

Agglomerated hematite fines formed into briquettes from high-grade Brazilian Carajás ore, optimized for direct reduction processes. Falls under HTS 2601.12.00 as agglomerated non-roasted iron ore concentrates.

Taconite Iron Ore Pellets (Mesabi Range)

Low-grade taconite from Minnesota's Mesabi Range is beneficiated, pelletized with bentonite, and indurated into 9-16 mm acid pellets for blast furnaces. Classified as HTS 2601.12.00 agglomerated iron ore.