2605.00.00.00 - Cobalt ores and concentrates

This HTS category, 2605.00.00.00, specifically covers cobalt ores and their concentrated forms. Cobalt ores are naturally occurring minerals from which cobalt can be economically extracted. Concentrates are intermediate products obtained by the physical or chemical processing of ores to increase the cobalt content and remove waste material, preparing them for further metallurgical treatment. This classification is applicable to both unroasted and roasted ores, provided they retain their original mineralogical form or have undergone basic beneficiation processes aimed at increasing cobalt yield.

Within Section V, which deals with mineral products, Chapter 26 provides for various ores, slag, and ash. While other categories within Chapter 26 may cover different metallic ores such as copper or nickel, or even more processed forms of metals, 2605.00.00.00 is uniquely dedicated to raw or partially processed cobalt-bearing geological materials. It is crucial to distinguish these raw materials from refined cobalt metal or cobalt compounds which fall under different HTS chapters, such as Chapter 28 for inorganic chemicals.

As a leaf node, 2605.00.00.00 does not have further subdivisions. Therefore, classification within this code relies heavily on the composition and state of the material. Key determining factors include the presence of cobalt as a principal metallic component, the material's origin as an extracted ore, and the extent of processing not exceeding concentration. For accurate classification, import and export professionals should consult assay reports and process documentation to confirm that the material meets the definition of cobalt ore or concentrate.