HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2620.40 – Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly aluminium
HS code 2620.40 is the 6-digit subheading for slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly aluminium. It is used for aluminium dross, aluminium slag, spent pot lining (SPL) residues, aluminium ash and aluminium foundry waste.
What HS 2620.40 covers
This category encompasses slag, ash, and residues predominantly containing aluminium, excluding those from iron or steel production. These materials are vital for the secondary aluminium industry, which relies heavily on recycling to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact compared to primary aluminium production. The trade in these residues supports a circular economy, transforming industrial by-products into valuable resources. Importers are typically secondary aluminium producers, foundries, and specialized recycling plants seeking cost-effective raw materials. Exporters include primary aluminium smelters, die-casting operations, and waste processors. Critical aspects of this trade involve assessing the aluminium content, managing impurities like magnesium or iron, and adhering to environmental regulations governing the transport and processing of industrial residues.
- Covers
- Aluminium dross
- Aluminium slag
- Spent pot lining (SPL) residues
- Aluminium ash
- Aluminium foundry waste
- Aluminium swarf residues
- Examples
- Rusal aluminium dross
- Alcoa spent pot lining
- Hydro aluminium residues
- Novelis recycling inputs
Codes often confused with 2620.40
Common mistake. Often confused with 760200 (aluminium waste and scrap) if the material is directly recyclable without extensive processing, or 262099 for mixed metal residues.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 262040, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 262040 in UN Comtrade data was Greece, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 30% 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 Greece $63M 16% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $50M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $32M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $385M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $127M 30% of world imports
- 2 Spain $88M 21% of world imports
- 3 India $26M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $418M 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 2620.40
Brazil does not split HS 2620.40: its NCM code is 2620.40.00.
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 2620.40
What is HS code 262040?
HS code 262040 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 aluminium. This category encompasses slag, ash, and residues predominantly containing aluminium, excluding those from iron or steel production. These materials are vital for the secondary aluminium industry, which relies heavily on recycling to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact compared to primary aluminium production. The trade in these residues supports a circular economy, transforming industrial by-products into valuable resources. Importers are typically secondary aluminium producers, foundries, and specialized recycling plants seeking cost-effective raw materials. Exporters include primary aluminium smelters, die-casting operations, and waste processors. Critical aspects of this trade involve assessing the aluminium content, managing impurities like magnesium or iron, and adhering to environmental regulations governing the transport and processing of industrial residues.
What products fall under HS code 262040?
Aluminium dross, aluminium slag, spent pot lining (SPL) residues, aluminium ash, aluminium foundry waste, aluminium swarf residues
What are common misclassifications for HS code 262040?
Often confused with 760200 (aluminium waste and scrap) if the material is directly recyclable without extensive processing, or 262099 for mixed metal residues.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 262040?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 262040 in UN Comtrade data were Greece ($63M, 16% of world exports), the Netherlands ($50M) and Germany ($32M). World exports came to about $385M, 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 262040?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 262040 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($127M, 30% of world imports), Spain ($88M) and India ($26M). World imports came to about $418M, 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 262040 structured?
HS code 262040 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 262040?
In Brazil, HS code 262040 is NCM 2620.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.