HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2620.19 – Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, other than hard zinc spelter
HS code 2620.19 is the 6-digit subheading for slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, other than hard zinc spelter. It is used for zinc ash, zinc skimmings, zinc dust (residue), brass dross and zinc oxide residues.
What HS 2620.19 covers
This HS code encompasses a broader range of zinc-containing slags, ashes, and residues from non-iron/steel manufacturing processes, explicitly excluding hard zinc spelter. This category includes materials like zinc ash, zinc skimmings, zinc dust (as a residue), and other byproducts from zinc smelting, brass production, or various industrial uses where zinc is a primary component. These materials are traded globally for secondary zinc recovery, serving as essential feedstock for specialized smelters and recyclers. The trade is driven by the economics of metal recycling, the demand for recycled zinc, and the environmental benefits of reducing reliance on primary mining. Strict environmental regulations for hazardous waste management are critical due to the potential presence of heavy metals.
- Covers
- Zinc ash
- Zinc skimmings
- Zinc dust (residue)
- Brass dross
- Zinc oxide residues
- Electric arc furnace dust (zinc-rich)
- Zinc fume
- Zinc sludge
- Examples
- Nyrstar (zinc refiner)
- Recylex S.A. (recycling group)
- Boliden (smelter)
- various brass foundries
- Big River Zinc
Codes often confused with 2620.19
Common mistake. Often confused with 262011 if the specific type of zinc residue is not clearly identified, or with 7902 (zinc waste and scrap) if the material is more akin to metallic scrap rather than a processing residue.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 262019, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 262019 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 16% 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 Germany $183M 27% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $83M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $65M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $677M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $111M 16% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $111M 16% of world imports
- 3 Spain $105M 15% of world imports
World total: $699M 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 2620.19
Brazil does not split HS 2620.19: its NCM code is 2620.19.00.
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 2620.19
What is HS code 262019?
HS code 262019 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, other than hard zinc spelter. This HS code encompasses a broader range of zinc-containing slags, ashes, and residues from non-iron/steel manufacturing processes, explicitly excluding hard zinc spelter. This category includes materials like zinc ash, zinc skimmings, zinc dust (as a residue), and other byproducts from zinc smelting, brass production, or various industrial uses where zinc is a primary component. These materials are traded globally for secondary zinc recovery, serving as essential feedstock for specialized smelters and recyclers. The trade is driven by the economics of metal recycling, the demand for recycled zinc, and the environmental benefits of reducing reliance on primary mining. Strict environmental regulations for hazardous waste management are critical due to the potential presence of heavy metals.
What products fall under HS code 262019?
Zinc ash, zinc skimmings, zinc dust (residue), brass dross, zinc oxide residues, electric arc furnace dust (zinc-rich), zinc fume, zinc sludge
What are common misclassifications for HS code 262019?
Often confused with 262011 if the specific type of zinc residue is not clearly identified, or with 7902 (zinc waste and scrap) if the material is more akin to metallic scrap rather than a processing residue.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 262019?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 262019 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($183M, 27% of world exports), Belgium ($83M) and the Netherlands ($65M). World exports came to about $677M, 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 262019?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 262019 in UN Comtrade data were India ($111M, 16% of world imports), the Netherlands ($111M) and Spain ($105M). World imports came to about $699M, 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 262019 structured?
HS code 262019 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 (19) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 262019?
In Brazil, HS code 262019 is NCM 2620.19.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.