Introduction: Unlocking the Industrial Future of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s mining and metals sector stands as one of the country’s most promising engines of diversification under Vision 2030. As oil dependency decreases, industrial activities — particularly mineral exploration, metal refining, and mining machinery imports — are rapidly growing.
But behind every successful shipment of ores, copper, aluminum, or mining equipment, there’s one crucial compliance key:
the correct HS code classification.
In the Kingdom, HS codes don’t just define tariffs — they shape the royalty structures, industrial license privileges, and export rebate frameworks that fuel profitability.
At Palm Horizon KSA, we specialize in guiding mining companies, metal traders, and manufacturers through this complex classification and logistics ecosystem, ensuring regulatory compliance with SASO, ZATCA, and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIMR).
What Are HS Codes — and Why They Matter in Mining & Metals
HS codes (Harmonized System codes) are internationally standardized numbers used to classify traded products. Saudi Arabia extends the base 6-digit WCO system to 12 digits, allowing detailed control over:
- Customs duties
- Royalty tracking
- Industrial incentives
- Environmental and conformity checks
For mining and metals, accurate HS classification ensures:
- Correct royalty payments to MIMR
- Fast SASO approvals for machinery and equipment
- Eligibility for export rebates on refined materials
- Regulatory alignment for industrial licenses
Saudi Arabia’s Mining & Metals Landscape: 2025 Outlook
With over $1.3 trillion in untapped mineral resources, Saudi Arabia is aggressively expanding mining investment. Key minerals include:
- Bauxite (Aluminum ore)
- Phosphate rock
- Copper, Gold, and Zinc
- Iron and Nickel
The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) identifies mining as a central pillar — connecting industrial expansion, logistics infrastructure, and sustainable trade.
That’s why HS codes are so vital: they provide a structured foundation for every import license, rebate claim, and export valuation in this fast-evolving ecosystem.
Core HS Code Categories for Mining & Metal Imports in Saudi Arabia
1. Metallic Ores and Concentrates (Chapter 26)
| Material | HS Code | Description |
| Iron Ore | 2601.11.00 | Iron ores and concentrates, non-agglomerated |
| Copper Ore | 2603.00.00 | Copper ores and concentrates |
| Nickel Ore | 2604.00.00 | Nickel ores and concentrates |
| Aluminum Ore (Bauxite) | 2606.00.00 | Aluminum ores and concentrates |
| Lead Ore | 2607.00.00 | Lead ores and concentrates |
| Zinc Ore | 2608.00.00 | Zinc ores and concentrates |
| Precious Metal Ores | 2616.10.00 | Silver and platinum ores |
| Other Base Metal Ores | 2617.90.00 | Manganese, chromium, and cobalt ores |
Compliance Requirement: All mineral ores require Ministry of Industry import approval, SASO sampling validation, and may trigger royalty assessment before customs clearance.
2. Refined and Semi-Processed Metals (Chapters 72–76)
| Product | HS Code | Description |
| Pig Iron | 7201.10.00 | Non-alloy pig iron containing phosphorus |
| Steel Semi-Finished | 7207.12.00 | Semi-finished products of iron or steel |
| Ferrous Scrap | 7204.10.00 | Ferrous waste and scrap; remelting scrap ingots |
| Copper Cathodes | 7403.11.00 | Refined copper cathodes and sections |
| Aluminum Ingots | 7601.10.00 | Aluminum, unwrought |
| Zinc Ingots | 7901.11.00 | Zinc, unwrought, containing by weight 99.99% or more of zinc |
| Lead Ingots | 7801.10.00 | Unwrought lead |
| Nickel Sheets | 7506.10.00 | Nickel plates, sheets, and strip |
| Gold Bullion | 7108.12.00 | Non-monetary unwrought gold |
| Silver Bars | 7106.91.00 | Silver, unwrought, for industrial use |
Palm Horizon KSA ensures accurate classification of refined and semi-finished metals — helping importers maintain royalty compliance and export rebate eligibility under Saudi mining investment laws.
3. Mining and Processing Machinery (Chapter 84–85)
| Equipment | HS Code | Description |
| Drilling Machines | 8430.41.00 | Boring or sinking machinery for mining |
| Excavators | 8429.51.00 | Mechanical shovels, excavators, and loaders |
| Crushing Equipment | 8474.20.00 | Crushing or grinding machines for stone or ores |
| Conveyors | 8428.33.00 | Belt conveyors used in mines |
| Screening Machines | 8474.10.00 | Sorting, screening, or washing machinery |
| Industrial Crushers | 8474.20.20 | Crushers for mineral processing |
| Electrical Transformers | 8504.21.00 | Power transformers for mining operations |
| Compressors | 8414.80.00 | Air or gas compressors used in underground mines |
| Generators | 8502.13.00 | Diesel generator sets used in mine camps |
| Industrial Pumps | 8413.81.00 | Pumps for liquids with measuring devices |
Mining equipment imports require SASO conformity certificates, ZATCA customs registration, and in some cases, environmental clearance from the Ministry of Energy.
4. Safety Gear, PPE, and Monitoring Equipment (Chapters 65–90)
| Product | HS Code | Description |
| Safety Helmets | 6506.10.00 | Protective headgear for industrial use |
| Breathing Apparatus | 9020.00.00 | Self-contained breathing apparatus for mines |
| Safety Glasses | 9004.90.00 | Industrial eye protection |
| Hearing Protection | 4016.99.10 | Ear defenders and plugs |
| Flame-Resistant Clothing | 6210.10.00 | Protective garments for industrial workers |
| Safety Footwear | 6403.40.00 | Footwear with metal toe-cap protection |
| Gas Detection Systems | 9027.10.00 | Gas or smoke analysis instruments |
| Heat Sensors | 9025.19.00 | Thermometers and pyrometers used underground |
| Emergency Lighting | 9405.10.00 | Safety lamps for mining zones |
| Reflective Vests | 6211.33.00 | High-visibility protective clothing |
All PPE imports must comply with SASO Technical Regulation for Personal Protective Equipment (TR-PPE).
5. Chemicals, Explosives, and Reagents (Chapters 28–29, 36)
| Product | HS Code | Description |
| Ammonium Nitrate | 3102.30.00 | Explosive-grade mining chemical |
| Sodium Cyanide | 2837.19.00 | Reagent for gold extraction |
| Sulfuric Acid | 2807.00.00 | Used in metal refining |
| Calcium Carbide | 2853.10.00 | Gas generator for welding and cutting |
| Blasting Caps | 3603.00.00 | Detonators and ignition devices |
| Industrial Lubricants | 3403.19.00 | Lubricating preparations for heavy machinery |
| Explosive Charges | 3602.00.00 | Prepared explosives for mining |
| Activated Carbon | 3802.10.00 | Carbon used in metal recovery |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | 2847.00.00 | Chemical reagent for refining |
| Sodium Hydroxide | 2815.12.00 | Caustic soda for ore treatment |
These imports fall under controlled substances — requiring special clearance from the Ministry of Interior, MIMR, and Saudi Civil Defense.
Implementation Framework: How Palm Horizon KSA Streamlines HS Classification
Palm Horizon KSA follows a compliance-driven workflow for mining and metals imports:
- Product Profiling: Identify material type, technical specs, and trade usage.
- HS Code Validation: Match with WCO + ZATCA databases and industrial classifications.
- License Verification: Confirm importer’s MIMR and SASO registration.
- Royalty Structure Mapping: Link HS code to correct royalty rate and export rebate eligibility.
- Documentation & Clearance: Handle customs entry, SASO certificate uploads, and MIMR confirmations.
- End-to-End Delivery: Provide multimodal transport solutions from port to refinery or mining site.
By managing compliance and logistics simultaneously, Palm Horizon eliminates costly misclassification delays and ensures shipments align with Saudi Arabia’s industrial ecosystem.
Real-World Use Cases
1. Ore Importers
Palm Horizon assists companies importing iron and bauxite ores from Africa and South America, ensuring MIMR compliance and royalty tracking.
2. Metal Refiners
Refined aluminum and copper importers use Palm Horizon’s digital HS code mapping to avoid classification mismatches that could block SASO approval.
3. Equipment Suppliers
We manage customs clearance for mining machinery, crushers, and generators, aligning with the SASO TR for Electrical & Mechanical Equipment.
4. EPC Contractors
Engineering firms importing steel beams or safety gear benefit from integrated logistics and customs solutions under Palm Horizon’s industrial freight network.
Comparison: Saudi Arabia vs. Global HS Code Approach
| Country | Base HS Code | Local Extension | Key Use |
| Saudi Arabia | 6 digits | 12 digits | Royalty & industrial license tracking |
| UAE | 6 digits | 10 digits | Tariff and VAT classification |
| EU | 6 digits | 8 digits | Customs duties and trade data |
| China | 6 digits | 10 digits | Export rebate tracking |
| USA | 6 digits | 10 digits | Harmonized Tariff Schedule |
Saudi Arabia’s 12-digit format makes it one of the most advanced regulatory models in the region, offering traceability from import to production — a key advantage for industrial investors.
FAQs: Mining & Metals HS Codes in Saudi Arabia
1. What is the role of the Ministry of Industry in mining imports?
The Ministry ensures that imported ores, machinery, and chemicals comply with industrial licensing and sustainability goals.
2. How are HS codes linked to royalties?
Each HS code carries a specific royalty rate defined by the Ministry, directly influencing the cost of imported ores or refined materials.
3. Can exporters claim rebates for refined metals?
Yes. Exporters of refined or processed metals using correct HS codes can access rebates under Saudi export promotion programs.
4. What happens if an HS code is misclassified?
Misclassification may lead to customs delays, royalty disputes, and even license suspension.
5. Is SASO conformity required for machinery imports?
Yes. All mechanical, electrical, and protective equipment must meet SASO conformity assessment procedures.
6. How does Palm Horizon assist mining companies?
By providing end-to-end customs clearance, HS mapping, freight forwarding, and compliance management.
7. Are chemicals for mining subject to special approval?
Yes. Explosives and reagents require Ministry of Interior and Civil Defense clearance in addition to customs approval.
8. Do HS codes affect VAT or rebate calculations?
Yes. HS classification defines the applicable VAT rate and determines eligibility for export rebates.
9. What documents are needed for mining imports?
Industrial license, SASO certificate, MIMR approval, shipping documents, and customs declaration.
10. Can Palm Horizon handle multimodal delivery to remote mines?
Absolutely — we specialize in end-to-end logistics, from port unloading to remote site delivery across Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion: HS Precision — The Foundation of Industrial Growth
In Saudi Arabia’s modern mining era, HS classification is more than compliance — it’s an economic tool.
From royalty assessments to industrial incentives, every correctly coded import helps strengthen national mining development and foreign investment confidence.
Palm Horizon KSA stands at the center of this transformation — connecting regulatory accuracy, customs intelligence, and industrial logistics excellence.
Whether you’re importing ores, refined metals, or heavy machinery, partnering with Palm Horizon means your operations are fully compliant, logistically optimized, and strategically aligned with Vision 2030’s industrial objectives.
