HS Code 75.03 – Nickel; waste and scrap

HS code 7503 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nickel; waste and scrap. HS Heading 7503 is specifically for "Nickel; waste and scrap." This classification covers nickel and nickel alloy materials that are no longer fit for their original purpose and are primarily intended for recovery of the metal by remelting or other metallurgical processes. It encompasses a wide array of forms, including turnings, filings, shavings, stampings, broken articles, obsolete components, and end-of-life products where nickel is the predominant metal by weight. The scope is strictly defined by the 'waste and scrap' nature, meaning the material is not in a primary (unwrought) form and has lost its functional utility beyond its metal content. It clearly distinguishes itself from unwrought nickel (7502) and semi-finished nickel products (7505 onwards), which are still usable as manufactured articles. For trade compliance, correctly identifying waste and scrap is crucial due to potential differences in tariffs, environmental regulations, import/export restrictions, and documentation requirements (e.g., Basel Convention implications for hazardous waste). Historically, the trade in metal scrap has been fundamental to the circular economy, providing a sustainable source of raw materials for industries worldwide and reducing reliance on virgin mining. This heading underscores the importance of recycling in the global metals supply chain, directly relating to the broader theme of resource management within Section XV.

Nickel alloy scrap, pure nickel scrap, spent nickel catalysts (for recovery), nickel turnings, nickel filings, nickel shavings, nickel stampings (scrap), old nickel anodes (for scrap), end-of-life nickel components, broken nickel parts, obsolete nickel machinery, nickel-containing dross, nickel sludges (for recovery), used nickel battery casings (for recovery), nickel wire scrap, nickel sheet scrap, nickel pipe scrap, nickel casting scrap, discarded nickel electrodes, nickel-based superalloy scrap, pure nickel offcuts (destined for remelting), nickel-plated item scrap, nickel-iron alloy scrap (predominantly nickel), industrial nickel waste, consumer nickel product scrap.

Common misclassification errors include confusing nickel waste and scrap (7503) with unwrought nickel (7502) or with usable offcuts and trimmings of nickel (which, if still functional, might classify as semi-finished products). For example, clean, uniform nickel offcuts that could still be used in manufacturing might be incorrectly classified as scrap. Conversely, unwrought nickel forms like pellets or briquettes could be mistakenly labeled as scrap if their origin isn't clear. Another frequent mistake is classifying ferro-nickel scrap (often under 7202) as pure nickel scrap, but ferro-nickel is an iron alloy. Careful distinction between material intended for recovery versus material still usable for its original purpose or as a primary metal form is critical. Additionally, hazardous waste regulations (e.g., under the Basel Convention) can apply, further complicating classification if the scrap is contaminated.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7503 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($181M, 15% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($169M) and the United States ($137M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7503 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($350M, 29% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($176M) and Germany ($140M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.

HS code 7503 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 75 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (75) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.