HS Code Subheading

Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead; leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges

2620.21 Subheading
Section V — Mineral products

About HS Code 262021

This highly specific HS code covers lead-containing sludges derived from the historical use of leaded gasoline and anti-knock compounds. While leaded gasoline has been largely phased out globally, these residues still exist from past industrial activities, storage tanks, and contaminated sites. Their international trade is primarily for lead recovery and safe disposal, driven by environmental remediation efforts and the demand for recycled lead, particularly for lead-acid batteries. Due to the hazardous nature of lead, strict environmental regulations govern their handling, transport, and processing, making this a specialized segment of the waste management and recycling industry. Specialized companies with expertise in hazardous waste are key players.

Products Under This Code

Leaded gasoline sludge, leaded anti-knock compound sludge, tetraethyl lead sludge, tetramethyl lead sludge, leaded fuel tank residue, leaded petroleum sludge

Real World Examples

Veolia (hazardous waste management), Suez (environmental services), Ecobat (lead recycler), Doe Run Company (lead producer/recycler)

Common Misclassification

Can be confused with 262029 (other lead-containing residues) if the origin from leaded gasoline is not specified, or with 2852 (inorganic lead compounds) if the lead is already in a purified chemical form.

Products Classified Under 2620.21

Leaded gasoline sludge

Related Codes

2620.11 Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter 2620.19 Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, other than hard zinc spelter 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

Trade is highly specialized, often involving countries with historical industrialization and advanced hazardous waste treatment facilities, such as the USA, Europe, and Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 262021?

HS code 262021 covers: Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead; leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges. This highly specific HS code covers lead-containing sludges derived from the historical use of leaded gasoline and anti-knock compounds. While leaded gasoline has been largely phased out globally, these residues still exist from past industrial activities, storage tanks, and contaminated sites. Their international trade is primarily for lead recovery and safe disposal, driven by environmental remediation efforts and the demand for recycled lead, particularly for lead-acid batteries. Due to the hazardous nature of lead, strict environmental regulations govern their handling, transport, and processing, making this a specialized segment of the waste management and recycling industry. Specialized companies with expertise in hazardous waste are key players.

What products fall under HS code 262021?

Leaded gasoline sludge, leaded anti-knock compound sludge, tetraethyl lead sludge, tetramethyl lead sludge, leaded fuel tank residue, leaded petroleum sludge

What are common misclassifications for HS code 262021?

Can be confused with 262029 (other lead-containing residues) if the origin from leaded gasoline is not specified, or with 2852 (inorganic lead compounds) if the lead is already in a purified chemical form.

How is HS code 262021 structured?

HS code 262021 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.