2608.00.00 - Zinc ores and concentrates

This category, HTS Code 2608.00.00, specifically encompasses zinc ores and their concentrates. This includes naturally occurring geological materials from which zinc can be economically extracted, as well as processed forms of these ores that have undergone initial beneficiation steps to increase the zinc content and remove impurities. The key characteristic for classification under this heading is the primary mineralogical composition being indicative of zinc extraction.

When classifying goods under Section V: Mineral Products, it is crucial to distinguish Chapter 26 from other material-based chapters. For instance, while this chapter deals with the raw materials for metal production, finished or semi-finished articles of zinc would be classified in Chapter 79. Furthermore, within Chapter 26, this heading is distinct from other ore classifications based on the principal metal content; for example, copper ores (Chapter 2603) or lead ores (Chapter 2607) would fall under different headings.

The subcategories within 2608.00.00 serve to further refine the classification based on the presence and significance of other valuable metals that may be recovered alongside zinc. For instance, entries such as 2608.00.00.10 (Copper content) or 2608.00.00.50 (Gold content) acknowledge that complex ores often contain multiple recoverable elements, and their presence can influence further valuation and statistical reporting requirements. The primary focus, however, remains on the zinc content as the defining characteristic of the ore or concentrate.