HS Code 78.02 – Lead; waste and scrap

HS code 7802 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lead; waste and scrap. Heading 7802 covers lead waste and scrap, a critical category for the global recycling industry and circular economy initiatives. This classification encompasses lead and lead alloy materials that are no longer fit for their original purpose due to breakage, wear, cutting, or other reasons, but are suitable for recovery of the metal by remelting or other processing. The scope specifically includes items like spent lead-acid batteries, lead dross, ashes, residues, and various forms of discarded lead articles. It is distinct from unwrought lead (7801), which is a refined raw material, and manufactured lead articles (e.0.g., 7804 or 7806). Proper classification under 7802 is vital for trade compliance due to the environmental implications and stringent regulations surrounding the movement of hazardous waste, such as those under the Basel Convention. This heading facilitates the international trade of secondary raw materials, supporting the sustainable production of new lead products and reducing the reliance on primary mining. Its importance has grown significantly with increasing environmental awareness and resource scarcity.

Spent lead-acid batteries (scrap), lead dross, lead ashes, lead residues, scrap lead pipes, used lead sheets (scrap), lead cable sheathing scrap, lead wheel weights (scrap), lead battery plates (scrap), spent lead anodes (scrap), lead shot (scrap), mixed lead scrap, clean lead scrap, lead slag, battery breaking residue, contaminated lead scrap, industrial lead waste, lead-tin solder scrap, lead counterweight scrap, lead flashing scrap, printing type scrap (lead-based), lead weights (scrap), lead foil scrap, lead seals (scrap), lead-acid battery casings (with lead), lead-bearing sludge.

A common misclassification involves distinguishing actual lead waste and scrap (7802) from unwrought lead (7801), especially if the scrap is high-purity or appears 'unworked' after initial processing. Another frequent error is classifying lead-containing industrial waste that is not primarily lead metal (e.g., certain hazardous wastes under Chapter 26 or 38) incorrectly under 7802. Products that are merely damaged but still repairable or usable for their original purpose should not be classified as scrap. Clarity on the 'waste and scrap' definition, particularly for customs purposes, is essential to avoid regulatory fines and environmental non-compliance.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7802 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($112M, 15% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($95M) and France ($77M). World exports came to about $769M, 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 7802 in UN Comtrade data were India ($405M, 56% of world imports), Belgium ($71M) and Spain ($55M). World imports came to about $727M, 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 7802 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 78 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (78) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.