HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 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

HS code 2620.21 is the 6-digit subheading for slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead, leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges. It is used for leaded gasoline sludge, leaded anti-knock compound sludge, tetraethyl lead sludge, tetramethyl lead sludge and leaded fuel tank residue.

What HS 2620.21 covers

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.

Covers: Leaded gasoline sludge
Leaded anti-knock compound sludge
Tetraethyl lead sludge
Tetramethyl lead sludge
Leaded fuel tank residue
Leaded petroleum sludge
Examples: Veolia (hazardous waste management)
Suez (environmental services)
Ecobat (lead recycler)
Doe Run Company (lead producer/recycler)

Codes often confused with 2620.21

Common mistake. 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.

2620.29Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead; excluding leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges 28.52Inorganic or organic compounds of mercury, excluding amalgams, whether or not chemically defined

Top exporters and importers of HS code 262021, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 262021 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 62% 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 $89K 51% of world exports
2 Spain $72K 41% of world exports
3 Netherlands $13K 7.4% of world exports

World total: $174K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

1 United States $789K 62% of world imports
2 Belgium $337K 27% of world imports
3 Spain $64K 5.0% of world imports

World total: $1.3M 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 2620.21

Brazil does not split HS 2620.21: its NCM code is 2620.21.00.

2620.21.00 Leaded gasoline sludges and anti-knock sludgesLamas (borras) de gasolina que contenham chumbo e lamas (borras) de compostos antidetonantes que contenham chumbo

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.

Access via API

GET /api/hs-code/262021/

{
  "code": "262021",
  "description": "Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead; leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges",
  "section": "V",
  "parent": "2620"
}

API docs →

Questions about HS 2620.21

What is HS code 262021?

HS code 262021 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 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.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 262021?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 262021 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($89K, 51% of world exports), Spain ($72K) and the Netherlands ($13K). World exports came to about $174K, 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 262021?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 262021 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($789K, 62% of world imports), Belgium ($337K) and Spain ($64K). World imports came to about $1.3M, 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 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.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 262021?

In Brazil, HS code 262021 is NCM 2620.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.