HS Code Subheading

Tungsten (wolfram); waste and scrap

8101.97 Subheading
Section XV — Base metals and articles of base metal

About HS Code 810197

This HS code covers tungsten (wolfram) waste and scrap, a crucial category within the global tungsten recycling industry. Given tungsten's strategic importance, high cost, and limited primary reserves, recycling is both economically vital and environmentally beneficial. This includes spent cutting tools, manufacturing offcuts, end-of-life filaments, and other tungsten-containing residues. Importers are typically specialized recycling facilities and refiners that process the scrap to recover the valuable metal for reuse in various applications, reducing the need for virgin material. Exporters are often industrial facilities, metal processors, or scrap dealers. The trade in tungsten scrap requires careful sorting and analysis to ensure purity and maximize recovery efficiency, playing a key role in the circular economy for this critical metal.

Products Under This Code

Tungsten carbide scrap, Tungsten heavy alloy scrap, Spent tungsten electrodes, Tungsten filament waste, Tungsten powder residue, Tungsten grinding sludge, Tungsten machining chips, Tungsten alloy turnings

Real World Examples

Recycled tungsten carbide inserts, Tungsten-containing battery scrap, Tungsten lamp filament waste, Tungsten alloy machining chips, Spent X-ray tube components

Common Misclassification

Can be confused with unwrought tungsten (810194) if the scrap is in large, relatively pure pieces, or with waste of other refractory metals (e.g., molybdenum scrap 810297) if not properly identified.

Products Classified Under 8101.97

Industry

This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.

Trade Overview

China, Germany, and the USA are key players in the import and export of tungsten waste and scrap, driven by their recycling capabilities and demand for secondary raw materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 810197?

HS code 810197 covers: Tungsten (wolfram); waste and scrap. This HS code covers tungsten (wolfram) waste and scrap, a crucial category within the global tungsten recycling industry. Given tungsten's strategic importance, high cost, and limited primary reserves, recycling is both economically vital and environmentally beneficial. This includes spent cutting tools, manufacturing offcuts, end-of-life filaments, and other tungsten-containing residues. Importers are typically specialized recycling facilities and refiners that process the scrap to recover the valuable metal for reuse in various applications, reducing the need for virgin material. Exporters are often industrial facilities, metal processors, or scrap dealers. The trade in tungsten scrap requires careful sorting and analysis to ensure purity and maximize recovery efficiency, playing a key role in the circular economy for this critical metal.

What products fall under HS code 810197?

Tungsten carbide scrap, Tungsten heavy alloy scrap, Spent tungsten electrodes, Tungsten filament waste, Tungsten powder residue, Tungsten grinding sludge, Tungsten machining chips, Tungsten alloy turnings

What are common misclassifications for HS code 810197?

Can be confused with unwrought tungsten (810194) if the scrap is in large, relatively pure pieces, or with waste of other refractory metals (e.g., molybdenum scrap 810297) if not properly identified.

How is HS code 810197 structured?

HS code 810197 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (97) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.