2615.90.60.30 - Niobium (columbium) ores and concentrates

This HTS category, 2615.90.60.30, specifically classifies ores and concentrates of niobium, also known as columbium. These materials are the raw geological sources from which niobium is extracted. Niobium ores are typically found in mineral deposits and undergo various processing steps to create concentrates, which are materials with a higher percentage of the desired metal by weight. This classification encompasses all forms of these niobium-bearing raw materials before they are smelted or refined into more advanced forms.

It is important to distinguish this category from its siblings. While all fall under "Other" ores and concentrates within HTS 2615, 2615.90.60.60 is reserved exclusively for tantalum ores and concentrates, and 2615.90.60.90 is for vanadium ores and concentrates. Therefore, the key differentiator is the primary metallic content of the ore or concentrate. This category, 2615.90.60.30, applies solely to materials where niobium is the principal valuable metal.

As a leaf node, this category does not have further subdivisions. Classification under this code is dependent on the presence and primary nature of niobium within the raw ore or concentrate. When classifying, importers and exporters should verify the assay of the material to confirm that niobium is the predominant valuable metal being extracted, thereby aligning with the specific scope of this HTS classification.