HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2620.11 – Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter
HS code 2620.11 is the 6-digit subheading for slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter. It is used for hard zinc spelter, zinc dross from galvanizing, zinc bottom dross, galvanizing residues (zinc-rich) and zinc scrap (hard spelter).
What HS 2620.11 covers
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.
- Covers
- Hard zinc spelter
- Zinc dross from galvanizing
- Zinc bottom dross
- Galvanizing residues (zinc-rich)
- Zinc scrap (hard spelter)
- Zinc-iron alloy residue
- Examples
- Nyrstar (zinc refiner)
- Glencore (metals trader)
- various galvanizing companies (e.g., AZZ Inc., Valmont Industries)
- Korea Zinc
Codes often confused with 2620.11
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 262011, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 262011 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 41% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $47M 20% of world exports
- 2 Italy $22M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $19M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $237M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $145M 41% of world imports
- 2 Italy $50M 14% of world imports
- 3 Japan $39M 11% of world imports
World total: $350M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2620.11
Brazil does not split HS 2620.11: its NCM code is 2620.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 26.20 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2620.11
What is HS code 262011?
HS code 262011 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 262011?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 262011 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($47M, 20% of world exports), Italy ($22M) and Belgium ($19M). World exports came to about $237M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 262011?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 262011 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($145M, 41% of world imports), Italy ($50M) and Japan ($39M). World imports came to about $350M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 262011?
In Brazil, HS code 262011 is NCM 2620.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.