HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 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

HS code 2620.60 is the 6-digit subheading for 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. It is used for arsenic-rich residues, mercury-containing ash, thallium slag, spent catalysts with arsenic and mercury retort residues.

What HS 2620.60 covers

This specific HS code covers slag, ash, and residues containing arsenic, mercury, thallium, or their mixtures, specifically when intended for the extraction of these metals or the manufacture of their chemical compounds. Due to the highly toxic nature of these elements, trade in these materials is extremely specialized and heavily regulated under international conventions like the Basel Convention. Importers are typically highly specialized chemical processors, hazardous waste treatment facilities, or metallurgical plants equipped to safely extract these elements. Exporters are often mining operations, industrial manufacturers, or waste management companies that generate these hazardous by-products. Key considerations include stringent environmental permits, specialized transport, and advanced processing technologies to ensure safe handling and minimize environmental contamination during recovery.

Covers
  • Arsenic-rich residues
  • Mercury-containing ash
  • Thallium slag
  • Spent catalysts with arsenic
  • Mercury retort residues
  • Arsenic trioxide waste
Examples
  • Nyrstar arsenic residues
  • Boliden mercury-containing waste
  • specialized hazardous waste streams from electronics manufacturing

Codes often confused with 2620.60

Common mistake. This code is very specific due to the hazardous nature and intended use; it could be confused with 262099 if the primary metal isn't one of the specified hazardous ones, or 3825 (hazardous waste) if not specifically for extraction.

2620.99Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly metals or their compounds, n.e.c. in heading no. 262038.25Residual products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included; municipal waste; sewage sludge; other residual products.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 262060, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 262060 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 86% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Slovakia, with 53% 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. 1 United States $884K
  2. 2 Germany $83K
  3. 3 South Africa $61K

World total: $1.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Slovakia $856K
  2. 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$693K
  3. 3 Malaysia $32K

World total: $1.6M 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. 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 2620.60

Brazil does not split HS 2620.60: its NCM code is 2620.60.00.

  1. 2620.60.00 Arsenic, mercury, thallium residues for extractionQue contenham arsênio, mercúrio, tálio ou suas misturas, do tipo utilizado para extração de arsênio ou destes metais ou para fabricação dos seus compostos químicos

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 2620.60

What is HS code 262060?

HS code 262060 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: 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. This specific HS code covers slag, ash, and residues containing arsenic, mercury, thallium, or their mixtures, specifically when intended for the extraction of these metals or the manufacture of their chemical compounds. Due to the highly toxic nature of these elements, trade in these materials is extremely specialized and heavily regulated under international conventions like the Basel Convention. Importers are typically highly specialized chemical processors, hazardous waste treatment facilities, or metallurgical plants equipped to safely extract these elements. Exporters are often mining operations, industrial manufacturers, or waste management companies that generate these hazardous by-products. Key considerations include stringent environmental permits, specialized transport, and advanced processing technologies to ensure safe handling and minimize environmental contamination during recovery.

What products fall under HS code 262060?

Arsenic-rich residues, mercury-containing ash, thallium slag, spent catalysts with arsenic, mercury retort residues, arsenic trioxide waste

What are common misclassifications for HS code 262060?

This code is very specific due to the hazardous nature and intended use; it could be confused with 262099 if the primary metal isn't one of the specified hazardous ones, or 3825 (hazardous waste) if not specifically for extraction.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 262060?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 262060 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($884K, 86% of world exports), Germany ($83K) and South Africa ($61K). World exports came to about $1.0M, 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 262060?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 262060 in UN Comtrade data were Slovakia ($856K, 53% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $693K) and Malaysia ($32K). World imports came to about $1.6M, 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 262060 structured?

HS code 262060 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 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 262060?

In Brazil, HS code 262060 is NCM 2620.60.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.