2604.00.00 - Nickel ores and concentrates

This HTS category, 2604.00.00, encompasses nickel ores and their concentrated forms. This includes naturally occurring minerals from which nickel can be economically extracted, as well as intermediate products that have undergone processing to increase the nickel content, such as through crushing, grinding, or flotation. Essentially, any raw or semi-processed material primarily characterized by its nickel content falls under this heading.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings within Section V is crucial. While Section V broadly covers mineral products, Chapter 26 specifically deals with ores, slag, and ash. Therefore, 2604.00.00 is distinct from categories covering other base metal ores (e.g., copper ores, lead ores) or non-metallic mineral products. It is differentiated from finished or semi-finished nickel products, which would be classified under Chapter 75.

The subcategories within 2604.00.00 provide further refinement based on the specific composition of the nickel ore or concentrate. The ".40" subcategory focuses on goods where nickel is the primary metal of economic interest, indicating the principal metal content. Conversely, the ".80" subcategory covers concentrates where other metals might be present and significant, but the classification is still triggered by the presence of nickel. This distinction allows for more precise tariff application based on the dominant metallic component and potential recovery of other valuable elements.