HS Code 79.02 – Zinc; waste and scrap

HS code 7902 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zinc; waste and scrap. Heading 7902 of the Harmonized System encompasses zinc waste and scrap, a critical category for the global recycling industry and circular economy. This classification covers all forms of zinc material that are no longer fit for their original purpose and are destined for recovery or reprocessing. It includes a wide array of discarded zinc products, by-products, and residues from manufacturing processes, such as zinc dross, skimmings, worn-out zinc sheets, spent zinc anodes, and scrap from die-casting operations. The scope is strictly limited to elemental zinc waste and scrap; alloys containing other metals are classified here only if zinc is the predominant metal by weight. This heading is distinct from unwrought zinc (7901), as its primary characteristic is its 'waste and scrap' status, indicating its role as a secondary raw material. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 7902 is vital because it often attracts different tariff rates, environmental regulations, and import/export restrictions compared to primary zinc or finished zinc articles. The trade in zinc waste and scrap is significant, driven by the economic and environmental benefits of recycling, reducing the need for virgin ore extraction. Historically, the reprocessing of metals has been a cornerstone of industrial sustainability, and zinc, being highly recyclable, plays a crucial role. This heading contributes significantly to Chapter 79, which focuses on Zinc and articles thereof, by providing the raw material input for much of the chapter's output through secondary production.

Zinc dross, zinc skimmings, used zinc roofing sheets, spent zinc anodes, die-cast zinc scrap, galvanizing ash, zinc battery scrap (post-consumer), zinc alloy waste from manufacturing, zinc dust collected from industrial processes, scrap zinc gutters, zinc plate offcuts, broken zinc components, zinc die-casting runners, shredded zinc sheet scrap, mixed zinc alloy turnings, zinc industrial residues, discarded zinc flashing, zinc furnace slag, old zinc architectural elements, zinc swarf, zinc punching scrap, zinc trimming scrap, obsolete zinc products, damaged zinc ingots (for scrap), zinc plating sludge.

A common misclassification occurs when distinguishing zinc waste and scrap (7902) from unwrought zinc (7901). If the material, although discarded, retains the form and purity of primary unwrought zinc and is not clearly 'waste or scrap,' it might belong in 7901. Another frequent error is classifying mixed metal scrap where zinc is present but not predominant; such mixed scrap typically falls under codes for other base metals (e.g., 7204 for ferrous scrap, 7602 for aluminum scrap) or even 8548 for waste batteries, depending on the composition. Traders must ensure the material's 'waste and scrap' status is unequivocal and that zinc is the primary component by weight to avoid compliance issues.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7902 in UN Comtrade data were France ($118M, 16% of world exports), Germany ($104M) and Malaysia ($90M). World exports came to about $736M, 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 7902 in UN Comtrade data were India ($236M, 39% of world imports), Italy ($120M) and Belgium ($70M). World imports came to about $607M, 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 7902 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 79 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (79) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.