HS Code Subheading

Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter

2620.11 Subheading
Section V — Mineral products

About HS Code 262011

This specific HS code covers 'hard zinc spelter,' a valuable zinc-rich residue generated during the hot-dip galvanizing process, distinct from iron or steel manufacturing. Hard zinc spelter is a byproduct that settles at the bottom of galvanizing baths, containing a high percentage of zinc along with iron and other impurities. Its international trade is crucial for the circular economy of zinc, as it serves as a vital secondary raw material for zinc recovery. Importers are typically specialized zinc refiners and secondary smelters, often located in countries with significant galvanizing industries or advanced metal recycling infrastructure. Exporters are galvanizing plants worldwide, seeking to valorize this byproduct. The market is driven by the demand for recycled zinc and the economics of metal recovery.

Products Under This Code

Hard zinc spelter, zinc dross from galvanizing, zinc bottom dross, galvanizing residues (zinc-rich), zinc scrap (hard spelter), zinc-iron alloy residue

Real World Examples

Nyrstar (zinc refiner), Glencore (metals trader), various galvanizing companies (e.g., AZZ Inc., Valmont Industries), Korea Zinc

Common Misclassification

Can be confused with 262019 (other zinc-containing residues) if not specifically hard zinc spelter, or with 7901 (unwrought zinc) if the material is already refined zinc metal.

Products Classified Under 2620.11

Zinc slagHard zinc spelter

Related Codes

2620.19 Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, other than hard zinc spelter 2620.21 Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead; leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges 2620.29 Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead; excluding leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges 2620.30 Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly copper 2620.40 Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly aluminium 2620.60 Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing arsenic, mercury, thallium or their mixtures, of a kind used for the extraction of arsenic or those metals or for the manufacture of their chemical compounds 2620.91 Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium or their mixtures 2620.99 Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly metals or their compounds, n.e.c. in heading no. 2620

Industry

This code belongs to the Minerals & Fuels industry.

Trade Overview

China, India, and the USA are significant producers and consumers, with active trade between countries with large galvanizing and zinc refining capacities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 262011?

HS code 262011 covers: Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter. This specific HS code covers 'hard zinc spelter,' a valuable zinc-rich residue generated during the hot-dip galvanizing process, distinct from iron or steel manufacturing. Hard zinc spelter is a byproduct that settles at the bottom of galvanizing baths, containing a high percentage of zinc along with iron and other impurities. Its international trade is crucial for the circular economy of zinc, as it serves as a vital secondary raw material for zinc recovery. Importers are typically specialized zinc refiners and secondary smelters, often located in countries with significant galvanizing industries or advanced metal recycling infrastructure. Exporters are galvanizing plants worldwide, seeking to valorize this byproduct. The market is driven by the demand for recycled zinc and the economics of metal recovery.

What products fall under HS code 262011?

Hard zinc spelter, zinc dross from galvanizing, zinc bottom dross, galvanizing residues (zinc-rich), zinc scrap (hard spelter), zinc-iron alloy residue

What are common misclassifications for HS code 262011?

Can be confused with 262019 (other zinc-containing residues) if not specifically hard zinc spelter, or with 7901 (unwrought zinc) if the material is already refined zinc metal.

How is HS code 262011 structured?

HS code 262011 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (20) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.