About HS Code 2619
Heading 2619 encompasses "Slag, dross; (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel." This classification serves as a broad category for various solid by-products and residues generated during the iron and steel production processes, explicitly excluding the granulated slag covered by HS 2618. The scope includes different forms of slag (e.g., blast furnace slag, steelmaking slag), dross (impurities floating on molten metal), and mill scale (iron oxides formed on the surface of hot steel). The crucial boundary is that these materials must originate from iron or steel manufacturing and not be in a granulated form. Key sub-categories include basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, electric arc furnace (EAF) slag, ladle furnace slag, and rolling mill scale. This classification is vital for trade compliance as these materials, while often considered waste, possess economic value for recycling, road construction, or as raw materials in other industries. Their composition can vary significantly, impacting handling, environmental regulations, and potential end-uses. Historically, these materials were often landfilled, but increasing environmental awareness and resource scarcity have driven efforts to valorize and trade them. As part of Chapter 26, this heading groups these iron and steel manufacturing residues together, distinguishing them from slags of non-ferrous metal production or other ashes.
Products Under This Code
Blast furnace slag (non-granulated), steelmaking slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, electric arc furnace (EAF) slag, ladle furnace slag, mill scale, rolling mill scale, tundish slag, casting slag, desulphurization slag, dephosphorization slag, slag wool raw material, road construction aggregate (non-granulated slag), railway ballast (non-granulated slag), metallurgical flux (slag), waste iron chips (with slag content), steel mill dust (slag-rich), converter slag, reheating furnace scale, soaking pit scale, scarfing scale, slag from continuous casting, slag for cement clinker production (non-granulated).
Real World Examples
A major Indian steel producer regularly exports non-granulated steelmaking slag to countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and UAE, where it is used as a robust aggregate in road construction and civil engineering projects due to its superior load-bearing properties. European integrated steelworks, particularly from Germany and France, often export significant quantities of mill scale to China, where it is re-processed and melted down in blast furnaces as a valuable iron-bearing raw material, contributing to resource efficiency. Furthermore, South American countries like Brazil and Argentina frequently import various forms of non-granulated slags from North American steel manufacturers for use as railway ballast and general construction aggregates, leveraging established shipping routes across the Atlantic.
Common Misclassification
A common mistake is confusing non-granulated slag (HS 2619) with its granulated counterpart (HS 2618). The distinction is purely physical form: 2618 is rapidly cooled and granular, while 2619 covers all other forms of slag. Another error is classifying high-iron content slag or mill scale as ferrous waste and scrap (HS 7204) if the primary intent is re-melting. While it contains iron, HS 2619 specifically covers 'waste from the manufacture of iron or steel' as distinct from scrap metal. Additionally, if the slag contains significant levels of non-ferrous metals, it might be mistakenly classified under HS 2620, but 2619 is strictly for iron/steel manufacturing residues.
Subheadings 1
Industry
This code belongs to the Minerals & Fuels industry.
Trade Overview
Major producers of goods under HS 2619 align with large steel-producing nations: China, the European Union, India, the USA, and Russia. Trade is often regional or between large industrial economies due to the bulk and weight of these materials, and the need for specialized processing facilities. Importers include countries with active infrastructure development or those seeking raw materials for metallurgical recycling. Tariffs are typically low globally, as these materials are often by-products destined for recycling or valorization. However, environmental regulations, particularly concerning hazardous waste, can significantly impact trade routes and costs, requiring careful compliance with international conventions like the Basel Convention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 2619?
HS code 2619 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Slag, dross; (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel. Heading 2619 encompasses "Slag, dross; (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel." This classification serves as a broad category for various solid by-products and residues generated during the iron and steel production processes, explicitly excluding the granulated slag covered by HS 2618. The scope includes different forms of slag (e.g., blast furnace slag, steelmaking slag), dross (impurities floating on molten metal), and mill scale (iron oxides formed on the surface of hot steel). The crucial boundary is that these materials must originate from iron or steel manufacturing and not be in a granulated form. Key sub-categories include basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, electric arc furnace (EAF) slag, ladle furnace slag, and rolling mill scale. This classification is vital for trade compliance as these materials, while often considered waste, possess economic value for recycling, road construction, or as raw materials in other industries. Their composition can vary significantly, impacting handling, environmental regulations, and potential end-uses. Historically, these materials were often landfilled, but increasing environmental awareness and resource scarcity have driven efforts to valorize and trade them. As part of Chapter 26, this heading groups these iron and steel manufacturing residues together, distinguishing them from slags of non-ferrous metal production or other ashes.
What products fall under HS code 2619?
Blast furnace slag (non-granulated), steelmaking slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, electric arc furnace (EAF) slag, ladle furnace slag, mill scale, rolling mill scale, tundish slag, casting slag, desulphurization slag, dephosphorization slag, slag wool raw material, road construction aggregate (non-granulated slag), railway ballast (non-granulated slag), metallurgical flux (slag), waste iron chips (with slag content), steel mill dust (slag-rich), converter slag, reheating furnace scale, soaking pit scale, scarfing scale, slag from continuous casting, slag for cement clinker production (non-granulated).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2619?
A common mistake is confusing non-granulated slag (HS 2619) with its granulated counterpart (HS 2618). The distinction is purely physical form: 2618 is rapidly cooled and granular, while 2619 covers all other forms of slag. Another error is classifying high-iron content slag or mill scale as ferrous waste and scrap (HS 7204) if the primary intent is re-melting. While it contains iron, HS 2619 specifically covers 'waste from the manufacture of iron or steel' as distinct from scrap metal. Additionally, if the slag contains significant levels of non-ferrous metals, it might be mistakenly classified under HS 2620, but 2619 is strictly for iron/steel manufacturing residues.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 2619?
Major producers of goods under HS 2619 align with large steel-producing nations: China, the European Union, India, the USA, and Russia. Trade is often regional or between large industrial economies due to the bulk and weight of these materials, and the need for specialized processing facilities. Importers include countries with active infrastructure development or those seeking raw materials for metallurgical recycling. Tariffs are typically low globally, as these materials are often by-products destined for recycling or valorization. However, environmental regulations, particularly concerning hazardous waste, can significantly impact trade routes and costs, requiring careful compliance with international conventions like the Basel Convention.
How is HS code 2619 structured?
HS code 2619 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (19) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.