Importing ores is an important trade activity for China, as it is one of the largest consumers of ores globally. Understanding the specific operational processes and precautions for importing ores will help companies better address import challenges, achieve smooth customs clearance, and business growth. Below are some major ores that can be imported into China, along with their access requirements and commonly traded varieties:

Mainly imported minerals

1 iron minerals

• Main source countries: Australia, Brazil, South Africa, India, etc.
• Access requirements: Must comply with Chinese national standards (e.g., GB/T 10322.1-2014 Methods for chemical analysis of iron ores), typically requiring iron content in imported iron ores to be above 60%.
• Commonly traded varieties: High-grade iron ore (e.g., concentrate powder), medium and low-grade iron ore.

2 The Copper Mines

• Main source countries: Chile, Peru, Congo (DRC), Zambia, etc.
• Access requirements: Typically require copper content above 15%, radioactive testing, and compliance with Chinese environmental and safety standards.
• Commonly traded varieties: Copper concentrate, copper-containing scrap.

3 Aluminum mines

• Main source countries: Australia, Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc.
• Access requirements: Must comply with the national standard for bauxite (GB/T 2606-2014), typically requiring aluminum content above 40%.
• Commonly traded varieties: Bauxite, alumina.

The Zinc Minerals

• Main source countries: Peru, Australia, Mexico, USA, etc.
• Access requirements: Must comply with the national standard for zinc ore (e.g., GB/T 16762-2014), typically requiring zinc content above 40%.
• Commonly traded varieties: Zinc concentrate.

5 Minerals of uranium

• Main source countries: Philippines, Indonesia, New Caledonia, etc.
• Access requirements: Must comply with the national standard for nickel ore (GB/T 20792-2006), typically requiring nickel content above 1.5%.
• Commonly traded varieties: Nickel concentrate, laterite nickel ore.

Minerals of uranium

• Main source countries: South Africa, Kazakhstan, Turkey, India, etc.
• Access requirements: Must comply with the national standard for chrome ore (GB/T 2051-2006), typically requiring chrome content above 40%.
• Commonly traded varieties: Chrome concentrate.

7 Minerals of uranium

• Main source countries: South Africa, Australia, Gabon, Brazil, etc.
• Access requirements: Must comply with the national standard for manganese ore (GB/T 6786-2014), typically requiring manganese content above 40%.
• Commonly traded varieties: Manganese concentrate.

8 Graphic minerals

• Main source countries: Brazil, India, Mozambique, Madagascar, etc.
• Access requirements: Must comply with the national standard for natural graphite (GB/T 3518-2008), with graphite content requirements varying based on specific uses.
• Commonly traded varieties: Graphite concentrate.

General procedures and observations on imports of minerals

1) signing of contract
Signing procurement contracts with foreign suppliers to clarify mineral varieties, quality requirements, prices, delivery methods, etc.
2 Qualification Audit
Importing enterprises must have the corresponding import qualifications, such as the Foreign Trade Operators Registration Form.
3 Customs reporting
Providing commercial invoices, packaging papers, certificates of origin, weight papers, quality certificates and other single certificates, declaration to the customs. some minerals need radioactive testing, environmental protection testing, etc., need to provide relevant testing reports.
Payment of customs duties and value added tax
The corresponding import duties and value added tax shall be paid according to the varieties of minerals.
5 – Delivery
After the customs dispatch, arrange the pickup and transport to the destination.

c) Possible problems

Environmental and radioactive testing
Imported minerals must undergo strict environmental protection and radioactive testing to ensure compliance with Chinas environmental protection and safety standards.
2) Tariffs and taxes
Imported minerals must pay customs duties and value added tax, and the tax rate for different minerals varies.
Volatility of market prices
Mineral prices are greatly influenced by international market supply and demand relations, and price fluctuation risks need to be taken into account.
4 Transport and logistics
Minerals are large in volume, heavy in weight, transportation and logistics costs are high, and transportation plans need to be planned in advance.

By understanding the various aspects of imported minerals in detail and the required documentation, can effectively avoid potential clearance problems and ensure smooth customs. Be prepared in advance and maintain close communication with suppliers and customs are key to successful imports.