HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2620.30 – Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly copper
HS code 2620.30 is the 6-digit subheading for slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly copper. It is used for copper slag, copper ash, copper dross, copper refinery residues and spent copper catalysts.
What HS 2620.30 covers
This HS code covers slag, ash, and residues primarily containing copper, but not originating from the manufacture of iron or steel. These materials are crucial secondary raw materials in the global circular economy, representing valuable sources for copper recovery. International trade in these residues is driven by the demand for recycled metals, offering an environmentally friendlier alternative to primary mining. Importers are typically copper smelters, refiners, and specialized recycling facilities in countries with advanced metallurgical processing capabilities. Exporters often include mining operations, industrial manufacturers, and waste management companies that generate these by-products. Key considerations in this trade involve accurate assaying of copper content, managing potential hazardous impurities, and complying with environmental regulations for transboundary movement of waste materials, which can significantly impact logistics and costs.
- Covers
- Copper slag
- Copper ash
- Copper dross
- Copper refinery residues
- Spent copper catalysts
- Copper-rich dust
- Copper anode slimes
- Examples
- Aurubis copper slag
- Glencore copper residues
- Freeport-McMoRan smelter dust
- Boliden copper dross
Codes often confused with 2620.30
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 740400 (copper waste and scrap) if the material is directly usable as scrap, or 262099 for mixed metal residues where copper is not the predominant metal.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 262030, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 262030 in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 69% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 18% 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 Australia $1.2B 69% of world exports
- 2 Chile $154M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $111M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sweden $113M 18% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $104M 17% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$75M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $622M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 2620.30
Brazil does not split HS 2620.30: its NCM code is 2620.30.00.
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 2620.30
What is HS code 262030?
HS code 262030 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 copper. This HS code covers slag, ash, and residues primarily containing copper, but not originating from the manufacture of iron or steel. These materials are crucial secondary raw materials in the global circular economy, representing valuable sources for copper recovery. International trade in these residues is driven by the demand for recycled metals, offering an environmentally friendlier alternative to primary mining. Importers are typically copper smelters, refiners, and specialized recycling facilities in countries with advanced metallurgical processing capabilities. Exporters often include mining operations, industrial manufacturers, and waste management companies that generate these by-products. Key considerations in this trade involve accurate assaying of copper content, managing potential hazardous impurities, and complying with environmental regulations for transboundary movement of waste materials, which can significantly impact logistics and costs.
What products fall under HS code 262030?
Copper slag, copper ash, copper dross, copper refinery residues, spent copper catalysts, copper-rich dust, copper anode slimes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 262030?
This code can be confused with 740400 (copper waste and scrap) if the material is directly usable as scrap, or 262099 for mixed metal residues where copper is not the predominant metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 262030?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 262030 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($1.2B, 69% of world exports), Chile ($154M) and the Netherlands ($111M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 262030?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 262030 in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($113M, 18% of world imports), Belgium ($104M) and Taiwan (about $75M). World imports came to about $622M, 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 262030 structured?
HS code 262030 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 262030?
In Brazil, HS code 262030 is NCM 2620.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.